Choose dark and conservative colors like black or navy. Avoid bright colors or prints that draw attention to you like animal prints, red or yellow. For example, both guys or girls could wear a pair of black jeans with a simple black tee. If you want to wear a print, keep it small and in subdued colors. For girls, avoid showing too much skin with deep cutouts, sheer fabrics, or lace. For guys and girls, avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or pants are low cut or loose and expose your underthings. For guys, button up dress shirts to the top and wear pants such as khakis or dress trousers.
Wear as little jewelry as possible. If you like to have a piece or two of jewelry, wear items that are simple and not flashy. For example, you could wear a pair of small and simple studs or tiny hoops. Stick with the same principle on rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Avoid too many piercings in less common areas such as your nose, lip, or eyebrow. These will invariably draw attention to you. For girls, put on shoes that are either flat or have a very small heel so that you appear taller enough but not too much. You may also want to avoid shoes that show your toes. For guys, wear running shoes or trail shoes in a non-flashy color like black. Carry a bag in a simple, neutral color. For girls, make sure that it’s not large or has a lot of “bling” on it. For guys, a simple backpack in a color like black won’t draw attention to you.
For guys, keep your hair short or in a shorter style that lets you hide your shyness behind the strands. For girls, wear your hair however you like. Keep your hair a natural color and avoid dying it or strands of it different colors such as pink or blue. Avoid using too many hair products, such as gel, which can make your hair appear slick and crunchy. Put on no makeup or minimal makeup that just enhances features on your face. For example, you could swipe on a coat of mascara and some colorless lip balm. Using a lot of makeup, such as red lipstick or glittery eye shadow, can draw attention to you. The color red is one of the first people see when they are looking peripherally around a room. Keep your nails short. Keep them simply painted or don’t paint them at all.
Keep your volume to a medium or minimum level, which may prompt people to repeat what you’re saying and signal to them that you’re shy. [4] X Research source Avoid yelling, even if you are upset. In these cases, you may just want to avoid saying anything to help reinforce that you are shy. Take your time to respond to questions and reply as briefly as possible. Don’t give away too much information and act uncomfortable if someone presses you to disclose too much. [5] X Research source Ask as few questions as possible, which can signal that you’re uncomfortable talking or engaging with others. Act nervous when you’re talking by letting your voice quiver or make longer pauses to convey that you’re thinking about what you want to say to not rock the boat. Or talk fast and often add filler words like “like”, “um”, or “uh”. [6] X Research source Try blushing when asked questions or when you need to speak, which can be a sign of discomfort and shyness. [7] X Research source
Look at the floor or past the person to whom you are speaking. [8] X Research source
Crossing your arms or legs Touching your neck or fingering your collar Blushing Darting eyes Fidgeting. [10] X Research source
Sit in the back row in classes or at meetings. If the room is set up in a circle formation, sit as far away from the person convening the meeting as possible. You can also arrive early and sit in a corner. Stand or sit as far away from a party or gathering host as you can. Most people will want to talk to her and the farther away you are, the less likely you may be to have to talk to other people. If you can’t see the front very well, sit in the front but stay at the sides. Keep yourself far away from being in the middle as much as possible.
Kindly decline invitations to any group functions, which can make it seem like you are hesitant and shy. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source Be aware that this may make people think you’re anti-social and they may stop asking you to attend if you decline often enough. Position yourself at the wings of social functions if you do attend. [13] X Research source Talk to one person or a group if you are in a new situation. Hesitate to accept if someone presses you attend an event. [14] X Research source
Try not to volunteer for anything. Let other people assign you some function first. You can blush or seem embarrassed if you want to act more shy. Casually mention something you’d like to start and let someone else get the ball rolling. Offer support where you can.
Avoid being totally silent, which may make your conversation partner think something is wrong with you or her. Stutter your way to avoid awkward silences especially with ums or uhs. Still be fairly talkative so you don’t end up in weird pauses. Let the other person ask questions or offer longer statements before you respond. Make sure to glance often and directly at your chatting partner. [15] X Research source Consider repeating what the person says in a playful way. For example, “you’re a boxer, are you?”
Answer funny or flirty questions with a smile and tilting your head to one side. Widen your eyes, look directly at the person, smile, and nod your head if your chatting partner says something that sounds good to you. [16] X Research source Keep your tone light and easy. This might involve raising your voice a bit. [17] X Research source Glance away briefly when you’re talking, which can make you seem shy. [18] X Research source Blush on cue if you can.
Sit close to the person and keep a hand on the table somewhat near to hear. This can indicate you want to touch her during conversation but are too shy to make a move. Touch the person instead of answering questions. Keep the touch quick and superficial. Follow it up with a look or brief answer if need be. Shyness is not a bad thing. While extroverts take up a lot of space, introverts take in a lot of details that extroverts miss. Introverts tend to be incredibly creative people. It is a trait heightened by what the mind does when it’s quiet. They are careful and refined thinkers and work well with others in a cooperative environment.
