5 Power Dressing Tips for Remote Workers

October 21, 2015 | By | 3 Replies More

 

power dressing

Power dressing is about what you want to accomplish. Are you dressing the part?

Power dressing is about comfort, function, and what you want to accomplish.

 

There’s a wealth of information about workplace “power dressing”, a particular style of dress that signifies a confident, successful persona. But what about when you work from home, where no one can see you? Outside of an occasional delivery person, does it matter what you wear? In fact, is there such a thing as power dressing for working remotely?

It does, and there is.

In an interview about power dressing with Business Insider (Australia), former Christian Dior designer Jon-Michail says when you dress for work ask yourself, “What do I hope to achieve?” Although Jon-Michail was referring to corporate power dressing, this question is just as relevant to remote workers as it is to onsite employees.

“What do I hope to achieve?” Ask yourself that question each morning as you prepare for work– even if work is a mere ten feet from your bedroom.

My guess is you want to be thought of by others as confident and competent. You want to be productive and excel in what you do. And you want to look forward to showing up each day to work. Does your dress reflect what you want to achieve?

 

When you dress for work ask yourself, “What do I hope to achieve?”

 

If you want to look the part, take the advice Jon-Michail gave Business Insider. There, he offered several tips on power dressing, which are surprisingly simple, practical and applicable to the remote worker.

 

1. Don’t skimp.

Just because your colleagues don’t observe you often, don’t buy low quality clothing to cut corners. Not only will you wear through them faster, but you’ll be less comfortable than if you wore clothing made from better material.

 

2. Color matters.

Many people get stuck wearing “comfort colors”. In my dresser, for example, is a stack of gray T-shirts. I must feel more secure when I wear this bland color, but it does nothing to energize me or make me feel more energetic or competent.

Instead, I’ve discovered that I’m more confident, creative, and productive when I wear slacks and print tops. Clothing color can positively affect performance, especially if it’s out of one’s comfort zone.

 

Clothing color can positively affect performance, especially if it’s out of one’s comfort zone.

 

3. Dress for the occasion.

Are you meeting a client, or a group of coworkers for coffee? Dress up a little! From your appearance people will make assumptions about your competence and dedication to your job. If your appearance says, “Hi guys, nice to see you. I was cleaning my bathroom!” it’s time to give your sweatpants a break until work hours are over.

According to Katie Rice Jones, fashion expert and author of Fashion Dues & Duen’ts; a Stylist’s Guide to Fashionably Embracing Your Baby Bump, “Some home-based workers falsely believe that power dressing… doesn’t apply to them since no one see them during the workday. But they forget they are being noticed during web-based conference calls with coworkers and frequent meetings outside the home office with clients. All these impressions, good and bad, add up.”

 

4. Dress for your body.

The majority of us can’t get away with wearing leggings or hoodies. At best, we look like we’re headed to the gym. Ditch the oversized hoodie for something more fitting. From who are you trying to hide, anyway?

Also, sporting unflattering clothes merely because they’re the latest fad will make you feel worse about yourself. How well do you work when you uncontent with your appearance?

 

Working from home should not cause you to lose sight of what your goals are.

 

5. Add pizazz, but don’t overdo it.

You’ve purchased some nice pants and tops that are both comfortable and presentable. You’re almost there! Now, it’s time to fix your hair and, ladies, put on a pair of earrings. (While you’re at it, remove that chipped nail polish!)

As Jon-Michail says, “Despite having great clothes, if your hair and makeup are not done well you can sabotage your whole image.” Don’t overdo it to where you can’t function; but be mindful that taking care of your hair, adding accessories, and wearing a dab of makeup adds to your overall appearance.

Rice-Jones adds, “No matter the location, be it at the corporate office or at your home office, no one climbs the career ladder in a pair of slouchy couch pants. [W]hat you wear during work, no matter where you work, matters.”

 

Working from home should not cause you to lose sight of what your goals are. Dressing to achieve your goals should be a part of your every morning routine.

What’s great about power dressing for the remote workplace is that your power outfits aren’t dictated by GQ or Cosmo magazines. They’re determined by comfort, function, and what you want to accomplish. What serves as a power outfit for me could differ from what works for you.

However, the principles apply are the same: By selecting a perfect power outfit with comfortable clothes that flatter you and reflect who you are and want to be, you’ll feel good about yourself and be just as productive– if not more– than ever before.

 

Your turn: What’s your work-from-home power attire? What makes you feel more confident and productive?


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Category: Productivity

About the Author ()

Pamela La Gioia is a resume writer and LinkedIn profile expert. She is also a pioneer in remote work, and has been researching and writing about remote work since the early 1990's. You can follow her on LinkedIn, for resume tips, LinkedIn insight, and general career help.

Comments (3)

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  1. Aron Turbe says:

    What a great article! It’s clear that you are passionate about this subject, which is a refreshing change from most authors. I see a lot of authors just putting up quick junk, which is unfortunate. I wish you well, and thank you again for taking the time to write this!

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