As work at home entrepreneurs our office is easy to get to, we set our own schedule, and we wear whatever we want.
I know when I started working at home after years of working in sales, where I traveled often and wore a suit to work almost everyday, I could not wait to work at home and wear whatever I wanted.
It's easy to just let go when you are home, and spend your day in comfy clothes, but did you know that how you dress when you are working can affect how you perform while working.
Since the first day I started working from home I have always gotten up, gotten dressed (with shoes and everything), had breakfast, and gone to my office, just like the days when I was working 9-5. It helps me stay in a professional frame of mind, and run my business professionally.
That being said, it is nice every now and then to be in my comfy relaxed clothes, and have a relaxing day in the office, because it's my choice.
If you think about it like this, you have on your comfy lounge outfit, and are curled up on the couch with a blanket, your mind is thinking about relaxing, so when you pull up your computer it's hard to get in the mood to work on a project.
I have a friend who works at home and on many occasions she get up in the morning and starts working, just to realize that her husband is walking in the door at the end of the day and she has not even showered yet.
Find what is comfortable to you, but makes you feel like you are going to work. You will be surprised what a difference it makes in how you feel about your work.
How do you dress when you work home?
I have never, ever been into clothes and only dressed semi nice for work, preferring to work in offices with no dress code. I only own one pair of shoes. I haven't worked in over a year and I find that I do just fine with my crafts while wearing my fave tie dye shirts and pj pants! i will spiff up a bit when I do my craft show on 11/10.
ReplyDeleteI shudder when I remember having to wear suits all day ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhether I'm sewing or cutting fabric my clothes need to be comfortable (no I don't wear my PJ's all day, although I sell them). I prefer stretch jeans with a longsleeved shirt and warm hoodie or cardigan.
I don't work from home, but even at work I find styles have become so much more relaxed looking. Sometimes too much I think. I'm usually one of the most "dressed up" people. I was always taught to look your best and I dress accordingly, even on days when I don't work.
ReplyDeleteIf you see me running around town in jeans and tshirt, it means I must be in the middle of a messy project at home and I'm likely running out to Home Depot or something. :-)
I have always been curious about what I would wear working from home. I have a goal of doing so in 1.5 years as my 40th birthday gift to myself. I am thinking jeans everyday. High heels sound like a great way to feel professional during the day.
ReplyDeleteI also get up and take a shower, get dressed, and have breakfast before I settle into work. Most days I wear jeans and a comfortable shirt, but it feels much more put together than pajamas.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy getting dressed up - what can I say?! It's part of who I am. I still miss getting dressed up for my regular job, even though I haven't had a 9-5 in a long time. Still I often spend the day in yoga pants, but am prob more productive if I dress up a little more at home (even jeans vs. sweats makes a difference!)
ReplyDeleteI agree...it's a frame of mind. If I stay in my pjs too long, I get less accomplished. I don't by any means get dressed up, but I do put on my regular clothes that I would go run errands in. But I still wear my comfy slippers around the house :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband frequently works from home. At first he threw on the old jeans, holey t-shirt and was barefoot. Before long, he was dressing as though he was going to the office. He said he was more productive, and more focused when he dressed for work.
ReplyDeleteI love the mix and match examples that you've chosen for this post. A good solid wardrobe of things that work well with each other can give an office chick a lot of options and a whole lot of looks for a reasonable amount of money.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes things today are much more casual. When I worked in the office we HAD to wear nylon hosiery along with what they considered as suitable office wear. Certainly made our wardrobes much more expensive. :(