Physical Appearance
Your ‘Look’
Chapter Three
• If we see someone who looks like us or is
appealing to us, we have a greater
likelihood of approaching that person,
communicating with him or her, and
beginning a relationship.
Attractiveness
• A perception based on the physical
attributes and features of the people we
are considering.
Types of Attractiveness
• Physical Attractiveness – refers to the
degree to which we perceive another
person as attractive because of her or his
physical attractiveness.
• Social Attractiveness – the degree to
which we perceive another person as
someone with whom we would like to play,
fraternize, associate, or socialize.
Types of Attractiveness
• Task Attractiveness – the degree to which
we perceive another person as someone
with whom we would like to work, conduct
business, or have as a coworker or
teammate.
What is Attractive Today
may be Out Tomorrow
• Dependent on cultural and historical
influences as well as current trends.
Image Fixation
• A long-term view a person has about her
or his image or body.
• Appearance Obsession – excessive
attention to our own appearance.
Image Fixators
• They engage in
– chronic dieting,
– yo-yo dieting,
– excessive exercise,
– excessive shopping,
– excessive appearance checking,
– constant self improvement,
– other aspects
Personal Body Concept
• The perception you have of how attractive
your body is, and what you perceive to be
the particular attributes of your body.
Body Shape and Size
• Endomorph – rounded, oval-shaped
bodies
• Mesomorph – triangular body shape that is
broad at the shoulders and tapers to the
hips.
• Ectomorph – bony, thin and tall. They
have a fragile-looking physique, flat chest,
and underdeveloped muscular tone.
The Face
• The eyes are the most dominant feature
• Second most dominant—the mouth
• Shape of the face
– Oval – longer than wide
– Round – equal width & length
– Square – Heavy in jaw
– Triangular – weak in jaw
• Plus: nose, teeth, skin, hair, muscles
Height, Weight, and Skin Color
• Taller is preferred
• Height is often associated with power and
dominance
• Slim and trim is more highly valued
• Skin color will effect how we view people
Hair
• Hairstyles have much to do with our
perceptions of attractiveness and social
competence
• Hair Color
– Red heads are hot tempered
– Blondes have more fun
– Men marry Brunettes
Hair
• Hair Length – long versus short hair
• Facial Hair – more facial hair, more
mature, masculine, good looking,
dominant, courageous, etc.
• Hair Manipulation – Preening behavior
– Usually used with the opposite sex
Appearance and Dress
• How we dress communicates a great deal
of information about us.
– Fabrics
– Colors
– Textures
– Styles
Why do People Dress
the Way They Do
• Comfort and Protection
• Concealment
• Cultural Display
Clothing Characteristics and
Personality
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Economic level
• Economic
background
Educational level
• Social background
Trustworthiness
• Educational
Social position
background
Level of sophistication
• Level of success
• Moral character
Popularity, Liking, and Homophily
• Do you dress to enhance your popularity
or to make people like you?
• Homophily – is perceived similarity in
appearance, background, attitudes, and
values.
Rank and Status
• Dressing formally rather than casually
increases perceptions of status.
• Power and success closely related
Group Identification
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Military
Police
Student
Millennial
Other?
Artifacts and Accessories
• Look at your clothing and body. Are there
any accoutrements.
• How will people interpret piercings and
tattoos?
• Unusual hair?
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