I'm 26 years old.
A few months ago I switched jobs. Previously I had been in education at a professional theatre (so I worked with kids and schools every day), and before that I was a journalist. In those two jobs, I always wanted to look professional and made sure my style reflected that, however I never felt pressure from anyone to look a certain way.
Since I switched into my new job in Public Relations, I have started to feel like people are judging my appearance so much more. I dress professionally, but I'm kinda plain. I almost feel like people have the idea in their head that in order to be a successful woman in PR you have to be incredibly skinny and gorgeous. It's really starting to bother me!! (Don't get me wrong, I understand the importance of presenting a positive image on behalf of a company.)
Has anyone else ever felt pressures to look a certain way because of their job?

What's giving you that impression? Has someone said something?

Yeah.. actually a few people.

Oh dear! That's not happy. The people who have said something ... are they the ones that matter or just folks around work? Look to the source.

Hmmm ... what do you mean by plain? just not train stoppingly beautiful or a plain dresser? You're certainly not fat ... just a little round.

I work at an athletic facility. I felt horribly out of place at 210 pounds.

Of course, juding people on appearance in the professional world comes with the territory, which you know (especially in PR). What kind of PR do you do if you don't mind me asking? What is required that would make people concerned enough with appearances to say something to you?

Oh lord yes I have felt this way. I am a personal trainer and a nutrition major, so I feel this every single day. I do not look like people think a personal trainer should look *YET*. It used to get me down like crazy, to the point where I quit personal training and gained even more weight. I even picked a different major at first because I felt like I would be judged! Well, to say the least, I have gotten over it for the most part. I am who I am and I am working towards what I want to be so everyone can take their preconceived notions and SHOVE THEM, haha.

In summary, yes, I feel like this all the time, every hour, every day, but I have learned to deal!

Thanks for saying you felt that way once too. It made me feel better! Not because I would want anyone to have to feel that way, but it's just nice knowing someone can relate.

I'm in the public eye a lot. You're right that judging people comes with the territory in the professional world. I guess I just need to suck it up a bit

Thanks so much for sharing that. I think I need to get over it too.
Good for you for doing what you want and not worrying about everyone else's opinions. I especially liked the "SHOVE THEM" part! Hehe.