By now, most working professionals are well aware of the rules that have been defined business-oriented presentation: Skip bold designer logos, steam blouses and shirts, avoid open-toed shoes and if these are described as “office siren,” throw it away completely.
However, there’s one more detail you might overlook as you get ready for the office: your phone case.
To Michelle T. Sterling, a image consultant and personal stylist with over 20 years of experience, a phone is comparable to a pair of shoes or a watch. It’s an accessory.
“It’s an extension of your outfit,” she said. “Just as having well-manicured nails is an extension of how you prepare and present yourself, your phone is also a representation of you.” (Appropriately, the fashion lover’s current cover features a mirror.)
Corporate stylists and image consultants who spoke to Business Insider recommended treating this shiny device as if it were sending a message about you — because it probably is, whether you intend to or not. This is especially true in professional environments where even the smallest details can have the biggest impact.
“People do notice these things,” Sterling said.
Accessories for success
Some might argue that attributing such meaning to a phone case could veer into the realm of the superficial.
But because humans are such visual creatures—and because our judgments are often quick decisions—these overlooked presentation points are “all more important than people sometimes admit,” as image consultant and former Fashion Institute of Technology lecturer Carol Davidson said.
“All these things contribute to the impression you make,” she said. “So you want to make sure all the details are aligned.”
The idea that the case you choose for your phone, or the decision not to use one at all, is an indication of a person’s personality is a relatively new development. “Twenty-five years ago I might have commented on the pen someone was using,” Davidson said. “But we are a digital society… so anything that comes close to our digital devices will be important because they are on display.”
“We have our phone in our hand all the time,” agrees DeJhauna Smith, an Austin, Texas-based image consultant who works primarily with women, “whether you’re on a networking event or you are at a business meeting.”
Not using a phone case can be a sign of trust. Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI
In Smith’s experience, a number of C-suite executives she has met that they actually don’t have cases on their phones, choosing to keep their devices bare. Her observations show that these people, who are already in a position of power, say they are responsible and know how to “conduct themselves,” she said.
“There’s less concern about ‘I have to protect this thing,’” Sterling added. The fact that you don’t have a case shows that you probably take care of your thingsand you are sure it will not fall or break.”
A cracked or discolored case can convey the opposite and even undermine someone’s otherwise professional presentation. Sterling compares a damaged or noticeably worn wardrobe to worn-out shoes; Davidson compares it to wrinkled clothes or unkempt hair.
If an executive walks into a business meeting, pulling out a phone with a damaged case can shift the focus, Smith says. At best, they might think this person is a busy parent whose child has dropped their phone one too many times.
A damaged phone case may not send the right message to a customer. Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI
At worst, a damaged or worn cover could mean that person is “not paying attention to the smaller details,” which could translate into his or her work. For example, on an important project, they may worry that this person would focus only on the big picture and miss important details.
The devil is in the details
In Davidson’s work, she often focuses on the idea of image integrity, which means that all components of your image must align to support your message. ‘If you pay attention to the details in your appearance and how you present yourself, it is assumed that you will pay attention to detail in your work.”
The type of phone case you choose is no exception – and rather can also indicate a person’s focal point.
Those who opt for a sturdier, multi-functional bag – a bag with a strap or a wallet – can indicate that they are not overly flashy and are instead dedicated to their work. “They prioritize peace of mind over aesthetics or the status of it all,” Davidson added. “Having a functional case has pure practicality and pragmatism.”
A functional phone case can signify someone’s knowledge. Getty Images; Tyler Le/BI
Image consultants who spoke to Business Insider have a few hard and fast rules for making sure your phone case is up to the task.
“It’s important to get an iPhone case that’s practical, that won’t get dirty, that won’t break and that won’t peel off,” said Sterling. She recommends investing in something sustainable; a designer suitcase isn’t a necessity, although she has had customers who purchased a $520 one Bottega Veneta iPhone case.
According to Smith, you can’t go wrong with a clear (although not yellowing) case. But for those who like to wear a more colorful, decorated or funky case, Smith recommends having two cases: one for work and one for outside the office.
However, Smith also said that no one should feel like they have to “hide” their phone case. “It’s just something to think about if you want to take on a certain role‘, or if you want to be in front of a specific audience, be aware of what you’re communicating,’ she said. And choose with that awareness: am I going to turn off my phone or not?
