One of the phrases you’ll hear frequently at a romance writers’ conference is, “work in my jammies aaaaaaall day long!” MANY best selling authors cite that privilege as one of the great perks of writing success. Those on the aspiring end of the continuum will list it right up there next to being home when the kids get off the bus.
I must admit, I am more creative when I’m wearing my play clothes. I sit before my computer, a temple of comfy. In hot weather, this means a fan aimed directly at ME, my person clad in my fave nightie or plaid jammies, and my feet in well cushioned slides. At my feet, two very large dogs monitor my job performance moment by moment, and several cats handle the upper management task from the top of the fridge.
This is BLISS.
Too many years of adhering to the dress code mandated by “courtroom attire,” means every day I don’t have suit up and put on my lawyer clothes feels a little therapeutic, a morsel of my identity ransomed from the day job. Ten years into the writing gig, and I’m still grateful it’s a stay home, wear your play clothes job.
Though this week, I had to meet with my accountant, and the news was not good. I knew going in that we were talking about the sort of tax consequences that result when you publish a book a month for a year, but are too busy keeping up with that schedule to stay on top of all the revenue ramifications. I can deal with numbers–I’m not stoopid–but relative to the pleasure and ease I take with words… GAH. I reach input overload very quickly with Mr. Accountant.
I got dressed up, for me. Business casual for some people, but quite pres
entable by writer’s standards. Wore my hair down, and I hadn’t realized it reaches below my waist again. My efforts on the tread desk meant my clothes fit a little better than they had the last time I put them on, and what do you know… dressing like a grown-up once in a while isn’t all bad.
I had some confidence going into that meeting, some calm, some determination to deal with business in a businesslike manner. I might have reached the same outcomes wearing my yoga pants, slides and T-shirt… but maybe not. Readers judge books by their covers (publishers count on them to do that, too), and I was judged a businesswoman in that meeting because I looked the part–and I felt it, too.
When do you dress the part, when do you rebel against dressing the part? Are there wardrobe elements you regard as part of your special regalia, that bolster your confidence or identity on the tough days?
To one commenter, I’ll send a signed copy of “Matthew–The Jaded Gentleman, Book II,” wherein our heroine is trying very much to dress the part… while our hero has a different wardrobe agenda entirely.
I play many parts in my life and dress for each.
For my working at the ‘puter, anything goes…..jeans & tee-shirt/sweatshirt/sweater, weather depending.
For teaching kiddos to sing……chinos & turtleneck & perhaps a seasonal vest (Halloween, Turkey, Christmas, etc.) and a pair of loafers.
For home (adult) teaching, see above, without the vest! But a nice pair of dress pants and sweater is also possible.
For church work (under a robe), what you might think is a *funky lawyer* look….more colorful but business-y. Also this is what I wear when I do a lecture, pre-concert or music history.
For conducting, lately, I wear a long black (velvet in fall and winter) dress and some sort of lace or brocade-y jacket over. Comfy and easy to move in.
I don’t have to rebel because my daily uniform changes often from day to day. I don’t get bored or resentful because for each role I play, I dress for it. I like vintage clothes and I like to add something funky to my *business dress*. And I can since I’m a musician.
I see the wisdom of *dressing for the part*…I would never wear my concert clothes to work with children…..and my concert clothes for a children’s concert are different from my regular concert wear.
The only bad thing……I have to store off-season clothes otherwise my closet collapses!
“I don’t have to rebel because my daily uniform changes often…” That’s some wisdom there, implying that if we’re not trapped in a role we resent for long stretches of time, we don’t waste a lot of energy recovering from the bad fit.
Must think on that–thanks!
I worked in an office most of my adult life and my employers had strict dress codes. Didn’t bother me a bit. I loved my heels and dresses as much as I loved my jeans, shorts, big shirts and sweaters. It was a sad, sad day when I had to give up my high heels about ten years ago because they would no longer support my knees (sob).
Of course, now all I wear are Old Lady Clothes (smile), which are chosen for their ease of getting in and out of as well as comfort.
I have never been one of those “stay in her PJs all day” kind of gals. I don’t know why, but after I have eaten my breakfast, I have to brush my teeth, wash my face, comb my hair and put on my day clothes.
I’m not judging – I just wouldn’t be comfortable in anything else.
I know writers who approach the writing job exactly as they do any other–wearing business attire for writing hours, clocking in, clocking out (using a log on the computer). That works wonderfully for them, and I also think it sends a message to the people around them.
If you wouldn’t barge in on a discussion in the office, why would you think you could expect a writer to drop everything and listen to your gossip/gripe/whatever just because YOU have a coffee break at 2:30 that day?
I wear t-shirt, yoga pants or jeans and sneakers in the mornings when I walk the dogs. I wear jeans and a comfy shirt when I train Celeste and Greg in obedience classes. Lots of pockets for their treats.
My work uniform usually consists of a sweater set or business casual short sleeve top paired with Khahis ( stone, khaki and navy blue pants), nice pair of flats and jewelry. Monday’s are my busiest day at work so I usually wear my favorite blue khaki pants.
Bought a few new items this summer to get away from the uniform look. New pants, a jacket and tops. Six pieces that I can mix and match. I feel confident in these newer clothes and wear them when I have a meeting or am training someone.
I found my favorite pair of winter slippers the other day. They went missing last winter. I am looking forward to wearing them with my favorite flannel lined LLBean jeans and sweatshirt very soon when I have a stay at home day!
I became more aware of which clothes meant what when I spent a lot of time around animals. My horse “noticed” when I wore the tall boots out to the pasture to catch him, which meant it was a riding under instruction day, versus when I wore paddock boots, or something else, which meant goof off day.
Pretty interesting comment on my level of self-awareness when the horse paid closer attention to what I wore than I did.
you have me laughing – same goes for wearing a helmet, or not. Helmet means we’re riding, no helmet might mean a scratch or an apple. The mares SO know what’s going on.
We dress up less on the weekends now when we go out. I just want to live in jeans on Sat & Sun, since I have to be so formal during the week. Jeans means ‘me time.’
I will think about that, “Jeans mean ‘me time.'” Maybe yoga pants mean “writing time,” though I’m not sure where the association took root.
Courtroom attire probably means “controversy time,” and that’s not a cheering association.
When I’m in the kitchen, baking bread and other things for my farmers’ market, I’m usually in my “baking pajamas” (which vary with the seasons) in order to stay comfortable while I work.
But when I head to market, I dress up. I have a couple of different skirt-blouse combinations – a little vintage, a little dressy, a little flirty – that I wear. Being at the market and meeting my customers face to face means I want to put my best face forward as I represent my work. It makes me feel more confident, more social, and more professional – giving my best work through my baking and giving my best self through my professional appearance.
Rarely does anyone comment on my appearance, but I know I am more upbeat and more able to give people a smile and a friendly “good morning” when I am putting my best business self forward. And I think it plays a part in how people perceive me and my business – they see I take it seriously – and in their growing loyalty to my business.
I’m very aware of how people perceive me when I have my attorney hat on. I MUST look the part, in part out of respect for my clients. When one of the attorneys working for me went to a professional conference in holey dockers, no tie, no jacket… I was absolutely flabbergasted, and for one of the few times in my supervisory career, got up on my hind legs.
But writing at home…? The cats don’t care.
I dress the part for work; luckily it’s business casual so polos and jeans are fine. I have no need to dress up much.
You are actually making a point with that short comment: I chose a profession where there IS a dress code when went to law school. Nearly every Circuit Courtroom has a posted dress code.
I turned down a job early in my Washington DC career in part because at the time, women were not “allowed” under their dress code to wear open toed shoes, pants suits, or skirts more than two inches above the knee.
The pay was excellent, the responsibilities right up my alley, the reputation of the company solid. But that level of supervision regarding dress…. deal breaker.
The courtroom dress code is within my tolerance, and I can see that it rationally relates to the public perception of one of few self-policing professions.
But I still love working in my jammies AT HOME. If I had to lawyer in my jammies… no way.
At work I am required to dress business casual. Away from work I only dress up when it’s absolutely necessary like for a the wedding or something of that sort . The rest of the time it’s jeans and T-shirt or sweatshirt for me .
You make me aware of part of the reason I used to resent church as a kid–yet another day when I couldn’t wear what I wanted to wear.
Though I’m also aware some people ENJOY that excuse to get dressed up, accessorized, scented, and seen at their best.
Different strokes, I guess.
Well, I rebel and conform at the same time. The clothes may be fine, conform… But the color is different. Or the jewelry is wacky. Or the jewelry and accessories are conformed, and the clothes say “Whaaaa?” 🙂 I really love retro, so it can go either way. But if I am all dressed up, it won’t matter if I don’t have the nice undies on underneath. It’s like a secret power supply, lol. Makeup helps, but even minimal will do. If the foundation garments aren’t right though, the rest won’t matter. Strange, I suppose, but true.
What a cool way to compromise, and self-express at the same time. Well done, you!
I work from home, so I have the luxury of wearing yoga pants, tshirts, and on occasion, jammies.
I dress up for cruise dinners, special occasions, etc.
I can’t think of a time when I’ve rebelled, I guess that says something about me more than how I dress.
Or it says you’ve found occupations where you didn’t have to rebel, because even down to the dress required, they fit you. Sounds like a sensible plan to me.
Until about four years ago I was one of those people who got dressed as soon as I woke up. Sometimes the hair and makeup could wait until after I had breakfast. I have never been a stay in your jammies all day person, even though I have been a stay-at-home mom for 14 years.
For the last four years I have deviated from this a little. I still get dressed when I wake up, I still don’t like staying in the clothes I slept in. Weekdays I put on real clothes to take the boys to school, maybe my mom driving me to school for 8 years in her house coat traumatized me, but I can’t even drop my kids off at school in yoga pants. I won’t even go to the store in my yoga pants. Sometimes makeup is optional and having longer hair means I can pull it back when I don’t feel like styling it. Although, I just got a new do and it requires some styling. If I know I am not going anywhere and no one is coming over I will wake up in the morning and put on what I call lounge clothes. Sometimes during the week, once the boys have been picked up from school, I will also change into lounge clothes.
I am mostly a jeans (capris in the summer)and t-shirt wearing person. But I enjoy dressing up from time to time.
You remind me that when I was doing the “drop the kid off at school” schlep, I was also get up/get dressed/don’t leave the house without putting yourself together…
Maybe some of my approach to wardrobe is a pre-retirement phase, at least retirement from an office job. I can almost smell freedom, but not quite, quite yet.
My mom never went anywhere farther than the mailbox in her house coat, and never left the property without hair, make up and nails done. Maybe I’m reacting some against that, too, because the poor woman had seven children. When did she get a break?
Saleslady don’t you know I always dress the part, I’m neat, and look like I work at a big box store. If I go into another one a customer will always ask me to help them. Usually, I don’t mind, cause I know it is the dress for success in my area. I also wear the same thing everyday, same color. I did it because it is just easier to grab and go, as I arise before daylight. I am a news hound read all the stories I can stand and one I found was an article about another business woman the did the same thing. Wore the same outfit everyday. Yes, we have multiples as I do not wear anything twice in a row. Not even jeans. I know a sin to some people to wash everything before you wear it. I change out my house attire, a bit, shirts, yoga pants, whatever and a gown or robe is a necessity for my days off. I’ll read in nothing at all, if it pleases me….but I’m under covers most likely. ☺
Peggy, I wear a lot of black slacks and top, with mix and match uppers, outers, scarves, and accessories. Works for me, is comfy, and as you say, there’s no dithering over, “yes, but does it GOOOOOO.” It all goes.
Chicos caters to this approach, and they seem to do OK.
What did we wear before yoga pants? I do wonder about that. Sweats aren’t quite right, jeans just don’t fit me…
I was fortunate to be able to wear casual clothing in my career – caring for developmentally disabled adults. I always felt sorry for my friends with office jobs. They always seemed to spend scads of money on clothing to look stylish and trendy. The downside to my casual clothing lifestyle was occasionally getting caught flat-footed when I needed something dressy, and had to find something at the last minute! I now have a small selection of “nice” outfits on hand in case of a dress-up emergency
I used to have a lot developmentally disabled clients, some of whom lived in a state residential treatment facility, and some of whom were prone to violence. The guys working there never wore ties–too easy to be choked–and considered that one of the perks of the facility. The doctors, the psychiatrists, LCSW’s… not ties. Nothing around the neck for anybody (no scarves for the women, no necklaces)…
Gave the place a lovely, relaxed feeling, oddly enough.
When I became 60 I said I would never wear high heels of any type again. Also that I would speak my mind in discussions. The former I have managed. The latter some. Why should I speak my mind and make someone unhappy. Not my job in this world. However I sometimes forget to bite my tongue and then I remind myself to behave next time. I really don’t wish, a self image, of make people miserable or just unhappy.
The way one dresses doesn’t always reflect the person’s stature, so I laugh to myself at how shallow people can be.
Margaret
Sounds like you occasionally struggle with the balance that gives me the biggest challenge: I want to be kind (including kind to myself), but I also want to be honest.
Sometimes silence serves that balance, and sometimes I just make a bad call.
You’re absolutely right that appearances can be deceiving, and sometimes appearances are revealing. You look at somebody who’s clearly, clearly dying their hair, trying to deny the gray, and wonder… do they think nobody can see their neck? See their eyebrows? What is this really about?
When I was growing up, my mother would insist that we dress “nicely” when we went shopping. I know now that it got us better service because we looked like we could afford the clothes in the nicer dress shops.
When I was in my 20’s, I rebelled at this notion of being judged by my clothing and wore whatever I wanted. Ah youth in the 60’s & 70’s. LOL
Now I recognize the value of “dressing the part”. I’m not being untrue to myself but valuing myself for others to see. And yeah, that’s 40 years of experience later!!!
I was lucky while working that I didn’t have to dress in heels because I always found them uncomfortable. After retiring, I took up ballroom dancing, found some comfortable low heels and learned to joy of “dressing up.” I used to have one closet for all my clothes, now (because of dance clothes) I have filled two walk-in closets and another that’s 6′ wide. Can you tell I’m enjoying retirement?
If you’re going enjoy one phase of life the most, let it be retirement. No longing for the good old days of the past.
Dance is good for us. I saw one long term study that concluded dance does more to protect against dementia–significantly more–than reading, doing crossword puzzles, or physical activities such as golf, bicyling or swimming (which did nothing to reduce the probability of dementia). I think of indigenous cultures and one thing they all have in common–everybody dances. EVERYBODY.
Twenty-six years ago, the company I wrote computer software manuals for turned belly up in the wake of a share market crash, and I started my own freelance commercial writing company. A sinking boat is a great incentive for learning how to swim.
Working on the principle that you have to look like you’ve made it before you’re taken seriously, I invested half my severance pay in two upmarket woolen suits: one in grey with a blazer and box-pleated skirt, and one with a belted jacket and pencil skirt in a navy houndstooth.
I mentioned in my writers’ group that I was planning to offer all kinds of writing – manuals of course, but also letters, reports, advertising copy, anything someone would pay for.
One of the other members was horrified. “You mean you’re going to prostitute your talent?” he asked.
From that day to this, my personal romantic hero and I have referred to my ‘meet the client’ dressups as ‘the whoring suit’.
Oh Lord, thanks for the laugh! Wasn’t the point of writing as a job to get paid? What a thing to say to you.
That group member seemed to forget that you still needed to put food on the table and pay your bills.
What a cultural comment, in so many directions. Writers are an odd lot, but why is it prostitution to be paid for effective communication of one variety, but art when you’re paid for another?
Geesh.
Working as a civilian employee for the police, I am forced to wear a uniform. Luckily, since we are in the middle of nowhere and not in seen by the general public or department brass, we get to wear a “soft” uniform. Black polo shirt, tan tactical pants, black belt and black socks and shoes/boots.
But since, no one ever sees us other than the people in the building, some of us stretch the rules a bit: no belt, striped socks, colorful undershirt… Okay, okay, I AM THE ONE! I crave individuality and if forced to wear the uniform, I will find ways to make it my own!
When not forced to conform, I am in comfortable clothes. Jeans and tees most of the time. The weather is pretty constant in Southern California (except now when it’s 100+), so the jeans and tees work year round. In the winter I’ll add comfy sweatshirt, and in the summer I’ll wear a sleeveless shirt. On the rare occasions where dressing up is called for, it’s a nice shirt, maxi skirt and sweater.
What I can’t do is wear my pyjamas to write. I have to physically get up, shower and get dressed in order to write. If I stay in jammies all day, I don’t take myself seriously. I know it’s all psychological, but
if I feel like I’m going to work (even down the hall), then I treat it as work. And if I don’t change, I’ll be tempted to go back to bed and never get up again. 🙂
Makes sense that if you’re in a “wear a uniform when you work,” profession, then putting ON something that isn’t play clothes would pre-dispose you to write.
Mary Balogh burns scented candles when she writes. She’s trained herself to associate lighting the physical candle with punching in as a writer mentally.
We creatures of habit, even if the habit is sometimes one of rebellion (Grace Ann).
I’m ashamed to say I haven’t dressed up in ages. At home I’m usually dressed indecently though I do toss on a nightshirt if I go from the bedroom to the living room or kitchen, especially after being told I had a “peeping tom” living next door to me. No more running into the kitchen in just undies and a tee shirt past a window with a lightweight covering. When I go out I’m usually in shorts, or capris, and a tee shirt. Once cold weather hits I’ll be in jeans, I was lucky enough to pick up four pair on clearance at Walmart for $7 each, and a tee shirt, either short or long sleeved. I’ve got a ski jacket that can be worn three different ways so I grab a part of it if I think I’ll need it. I also have four scarves and a couple of pair of gloves to wear when it’s cold and windy, and if necessary I can pull on a pair of leggings under my jeans. I’ve even got two pair of fleece lined leggings but so far I think I’ve worn them less than half a dozen times because this last winter wasn’t all that cold. I want to see about finding a pair of dress slacks and a couple of nice blouses to wear to church if I go as I’ve gotten rid of my excess weight and the dress clothes I own are way too large for me now. I honestly don’t go anywhere that I would need to dress up so I’m mainly safe when it comes to my clothes.
I’m lucky it’s not crowded where I live. If I take out the trash in my lovely, designer plaid PJ’s, nobody sees, and the few people who might see… they have their own wardrobe of bermudas, sweats, camp moccasins, and LL Bean comfy-wear.
dress-up for work
I’m a geek. Our uniform is nearly always jeans and a shirt. Except now I own my own company and can often work in my jammies. I actually have clients who won’t video conference so *they* can work in their jammies. I always picture those meetings as 1/2 dozen women on the particular project, all sitting down with messy hair and bunny slippers. New clients in-person get polo shirts (and slacks if I’m actually there, tho my last 7 or 8 clients I’ve never actually met in the flesh), long time clients get jeans and tee-shirts.
If I have a school meeting or an in-the-flesh meeting with a client, I might actually wear make-up! That’s the big one for me… if I’ve put a bra on and added make-up, it’s a “formal” meeting.
I love my job. Back when I worked at a Fortune 50 company, I wore slacks and a polo, or turtle neck and a jacket with dressy boots. Most days now I don’t get out of my slippers.
For work, I dress as required. Suit when needed, business casual the rest of the time. I always use eyebrow and eyelash color if I’m leaving the house or someone’s coming by, since I’m a mono-colored blonde otherwise. All my clothes have to be comfortable, and preferably washable. I have low heels, but rarely wear them. If I had someone to take care of my clothes, I might dress up more, but since it’s just me, I look for plain, simple, and comfortable that also suits my (rounder with age) figure with some elegance.
I have followed the fashion advice given by What Not To Wear. In public I never wear pajama pants, flip flops, athletic wear or sports jerseys. I also only wear athletic shoes for athletic activities. There are so many other clothing options, I can be comfortable and still look like I care about my appearance. I have a friend who uses her chronic headaches as a reason to wear flip flops and yoga pants to go shopping. I called her out on it, by reminding her that Walmart is a public place. My mother never let me wear pants to church. I waged a year long campaign to be able to weat them in the cold weather. She finally relented, but said they had to be clean. I am not a suit and blouse type of person. I am too artistic to be comfortable with the business uniform. In fact, I dislike uniforms. I value individual expression. I like color and am not afraid to wear it. I dress up for the opera, and I am disappointed that some people don’t consider it a special enough occasion to dress up for. It is one night out of many. You can stay in your business clothes for a special occasion. Your comfort should be second to the respect of dressing for the occasion. My late aunt told me people used to rent furs to attend the opera and she always wore her best dress and hat.
I haven’t had to dress up for work since the 80s, when I was a supervisor at a hospital and work suits and heels every day. I wore jeans on the weekends. I’ve been working with computers since then so I switched to jeans full time. But I have been wearing just dresses for many years since I gained enough weight to require size 18 jeans. Since I live in Florida, I wear sandals every day and only wear closed shoes in the very coldest days of winter. Earlier this year, I started working from home (the new group in charge of us closed our physical office). I do get up and get dressed every workday but I usually don’t wear a bra, slip, or shoes. When I go outside the house, however, I do wear the missing items. But on Saturdays, I rarely get dressed at all. That’s my day to relax and read and I just prefer my nightgowns to clothes.
I dress the part at work. Luckily, I can wear jeans but I also have to wear a polo shirt with the company logo embroidered on it. I need to wear comfortable shoes since I’m on my feet all day so summer I wear running shoes, winter I wear hiking boots. I’d love to wear my other boots (cowboy or other boots) but the activity involved in unloading pallets (and climbing shelves) makes them very impractical I have to pass. As soon as it is cool enough outside, I’ll be wearing boots with my jeans every day – along with my T-shirts and flannel button downs. In the summer it’s shorts/capris and Ts. I rarely have cause to dress up.
I am lucky enough that my personal style goes quite well with my profession. I love dresses, they make me feel more comfortable than pants, and they make me feel beautiful. I have great luck in finding dresses that are pretty, comfortable and professional. What I seem the most drawn to is prints. I didn’t realize this until we were preparing to get our first family photos done, a few months ago, shortly after my son turned one. The website said that you should wear solids in order to minimize size. I looked in my closet and realize the only solids I had were my very colorful cardigans that I pair with everything. I had to go to the store to get a solid colored cami to pair, of course, with a cardigan! Anyway good luck to all, and happy congratulations to whomever wins.
Oh, the clothing issue! This has been hounding me since high school, when pants were not allowed, nylons were required, and as pantyhose were not yet invented, a girdle or garter belt required. Bras were hard cotton instruments of torture, stitched into bullet-shaped silliness. My occasional revolt was to wear bobby socks! College: everybody dressed up, in far fancier clothes than I’d ever attempt! (Ever see a 200 lb girl in a pink twinset? A fuzzy one? Not on me!) Then suddenly, everybody was wearing WHATEVER! The professors regularly ranted against “this modern generation!” Trying to get a job after college, many different versions of the dress code. Finally, teaching in public school. I can remember when we had to get the union involved to allow us to wear pantsuits! “Must come down over the rear totally!” Can’t believe I lasted 42 years conforming to some code. Now, retirement is freedom for casual dress at all times. I even retired the hated bra for the most part. Out of consideration of others, I will put one on when it is hot out and I am wearing one layer! Can hang in the shift/nightie all day with no guilt. T-shirts, shorts made of knit materials, Capris of knits, pants of knits, long sleeve in winter, sweats of course! I think of sweats as the American version of the old Chinese Mao jacket/pants! Yeah, if a funeral comes up, or someone is getting celebrated, I can shake out a decent outfit of slacks and a shirt or sweater. And you ain’t seen nothin’ ’til you’ve see a 235lbdr in a stretchy sundress if it is 100 out. LOVE being 70+!
Hmm… When I am at home, I love to wear my pajamas. When out and about I have a work wardrobe and then jeans and T-shirt when doing errands on the weekends. Every now and again I wear a dress. I notice my manners are better when I dress up and people are nicer to me.
You notice that too? !? Because if you respect yourself by being presentable and tidy then others respond accordingly. That is what’s happening. Makes for a lovely day!
I remember when I worked overtime I could wear comfortable clothes – jeans and no high heels. I swear I worked better on those days!Except for special occasions you will usually see me in comfortable clothes and shoes now. A relative (by marriage) made a snarky comment about me never wearing dresses meant as an insult. Why she should care is beyond me. I’m not really a shopper so avoid it when I can and I much rather spend my money on books lol
The wardrobe element that boosts my confidence is LIPSTICK! Striving for conservative elegance here and am happy with the results. Tees have never suited me so grateful for cotton modal fabric! Drape is key. Yes to princess seams–no tugging. I dress nicely for any activity but mowing the lawn and stacking firewood!
Be nice to yourselves ladies and go forth looking respectable. A smile helps!
As a child, clothing choices were dictated by event…I had “school clothes” that had to be changed out of, as soon as I got home-traded for “play clothes”. “Good clothes” were for church and special occasions; of course this include shoes! During my teen years this code relaxed as jeans became my preferred choice. Since my profession was nursing, it started with spotless whites, stockings, polished shoes, cap and then pant-suits…to be traded out for “scrubs” when I moved to ER nursing. As a minister’s wife, I relished “dressing up” for church, because I otherwise, did not get to wear “pretty clothes”! Nothing makes me feel the way I do to have a great dress, shoes and accessories with my make-up on and hair done…although, an afternoon or evening spent in soft velour pants and an overlarge sweater or sweatshirt, near a fire with a great regency romance is a comfy feeling too…
Since I work at home, and have on and off for years, I do feel like I need to “dress” for work and not stay in my jammies all day. It is a mind set for me and helps me to get into “work” mode…
I make an effort before I walk downstairs to my office by putting on (comfy) clothing, but clothing none the less. Usually shorts and a nice polo or t-shirt (mostly with something Disney on it!) In the winter, yoga’ish pants or warm up pants and a t-shirt or turtle neck, (having hit the “hot flash” phase, I am still in T-shirts in the winter.) Comb or put up my hair, etc. I don’t put make-up on if I don’t have to leave the house though!
Because I don’t have to “dress” for work, when I do leave the house I try to look nice in “leisure” type clothing or “business casual” for going to friends or dinner.
We travel when we can, and that is when I try to really use my other half of the closet! Nicer clothing and evening wear!
As a teacher for many,many years I always tried to dress the part. In fact, when the women teachers started wearing pants I decided I would not. I thought it was more professional to dress to look the best I could. I felt that I got more respect than some of the other teachers who looked like they were in everyday play clothes.