What to Wear When You Work from Home

Does this look like you? You may have replaced your long commute to the office with the choice to work from home, but that’s no excuse to lounge around all day on your computer in your p.j.’s, messy hair and bunny slippers. While some may say who cares what you wear as long as you are comfortable because no one is ever going to see you anyhow, the truth is this. When you look professional, you feel more professional and it shows in your bottom line. Now let’s be realistic, a business suit, pantyhose and conservative pumps is just plain silly when you are working alone at home. But there is a point to be made about dressing; better than your “I’m sick- get me under the covers and don’t bother me” outfit. The key is to dress appropriately which means –dress more casually than you would in the outside work world, but still look sharp, not sloppy. Simple streamlined outfits and excellent grooming is the key to a successful work at home look. A sloppy appearance equals a sloppy attitude and a sloppy work ethic. Respect yourself by looking like the business professional you are. Here are 5 things to consider when dressing for Working at Home:

1. Create a complete work at home wardrobe

It’s the same idea as having a business wardrobe if you worked outside of the home.  Set aside a certain amount of your wardrobe budget for your work at home wardrobe. Reserve this wardrobe for working only, so it feels special. Now, forget the Jackets for a moment!

These co-ordinating tops and bottoms are great for working at home, but we've paired them with jackets to remind you that sometimes you may need a more complete look. Think ahead to days when you might have to run out to a meeting or pick up something for your business, and you need to wear a jacket. Be sure to have something sharp and polished to go over this beaded tee and crop pant, like this Jones N.Y. Papaya Jacket. You just throw it on and go! Another great option if you need to take your business face to face is to slip on this ¾ length red sateen jacket. It looks chic overtop this simple dot print tee with black stretch, washabale sateen pants. You’ll look like a million bucks and it’s also a great way to take you from home office out to dinner!

2. Don’t let Comfy mean Frumpy

Yes, you want to feel relaxed and comfortable, but there are lots of stylish choices out there besides worn jeans or whatever is in your closet that day. Even though it is tempting to throw on a tired sweat suit, try something else comfy. This knit stretch top and pants with elastic waistband is comfy and cozy, but will still keep you in the right frame of mind to do business.

3. Stay Tuned to Style

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Keep it simple when working at home, but stay current with what’s in style. You don’t want to go out for a coffee meeting and realize you’ve been hold up in your house for so long you look like you are caught in a fashion time warp.  Accessories are a great way to look current. For example, this crisp Anne Klein dolman sleeved safari dress is hot for Spring and has an easy professional look. The beautiful black patent leather belt says modern and with it.

4. Punch up Your Wardrobe with Color

Working at home can be lonely and it’s easy to get into a dreary rut by wearing boring colors. Lift your spirits, as well as feel more confident, creative and productive, with this pretty matte wrap dress in super comfortable jersey.

5. Allow yourself a Casual Friday outfit

One of the bigbest benefits of working from home is you can pop off to the gym anytime you please, and on those days when there is just not much happening at your home office, you may want to stay very casual.  Consider these days your Casual Dress down Fridays the way they do in the corporate world. Give yourself permission to wear a workout outfit—but not just any old one!! Here’s a fashionable choice that still looks neat and pulled together. Stand out from the crowd in this toile inspired tank top with co-ordinating jacket and pants. Accent with fun accessories--a must have outfit for women on the go.

6. Make time for Hair and Make-up

When you look good you feel good, and it makes a difference in how you interact with others, even if it’s just over the phone or computer. While it’s tempting to throw your hair up in a ponytail and forget the make-up, after days and days of this you are going to feel very much like a frump. If you don’t wear make-up for work, soon you won’t want to be bothered wearing it anytime. A little blush, lipstick and mascara (it only takes 4 minutes) is all you need to freshen you up and make you look great. As for the hair, if it’s just too much hassle, then consider that a sign that you need a fabulous new cut that works better for your at home lifestyle.

7.  Keep a pair of chic shoes by your desk

Granted, you probably won’t be wearing shoes in your home office, but you’ll need a pair when you step out, because there’s nothing like ruining your credibility like showing up to meet someone in a pair of dirty tennis shoes. Keep a classy pair of shoes like these ultra chic flats, that are so versatile they will go with most anything, next to your desk so you’ll be ready at a moment’s notice if you need to go out and see a client. It’s details like this that make the difference and show others that you truly are professional and not a rinky dink business person running a half baked business out of your  basement.

Comments

[L.C.]

Just found your blog--very nice! I have been working at home for most of the past 15 years, and I have avoided the whole stay-in-pajamas rut, thank goodness. Thanks for the link to Lucy.com. I'd never heard of it, but I love that outfit and it's affordable.

I'll be back : )

[Dina Eisenberg]

Yikes, you caught me sitting here in my sweats and uggs!

Being able to work in comfy clothes is one of my success measures, but you remind me that I should make an effort to be stylish as well. And, since I'm already at the computer, a little online shopping is a breeze.

Great outfits! Thanks,

Dina
Middle age marriage doesn't have to suck...
http://www.thismarriagething.com

[The Glam Gas]

Glad that you are inspired! Looks like you write about what marriage is like at middle age, one thing for sure, If you want your spouse to keep looking at you, make sure that you have not stopped trying to look good.
It might sound old fashioned, but it works!
The Glam Gals