What To Wear?
One of the best aspects about working from home is that you can wear whatever you like. That often means less investment in expensive work clothes and smaller drycleaning bills – what’s not to like?
But inevitably from time to time there are occasions when you do need to dress up a bit more, to meet clients or attend a networking event, for example. If you’ve only recently started to work at home you probably have plenty of suitable outfits to choose from. But the longer you’re home-based, or if you only have these occasions very rarely, it can become a real dilemma to know what to wear.
I recently saw a section in the local Marks & Spencer I’ve never noticed before – ‘Careerwear’. A great idea but disappointingly it was dominated by a sea of black and grey garments. It’s vital to look businesslike and professional (and I devote a chapter of my book to simple ways of keeping up an impeccable image in all respects) but it’s also good to display a bit of personality.
As an ambassador for working from home I’m still trying to find the right balance between looking convincing and not looking corporate.
February 28, 2009 - 2:07 pm
Hi Judy, I’m recommending Kew stores for this – lovely wearable and timeless clothes which bridge the gap between casual and smart. Dress up their tops and knitwear with a skirt or pair of tailored trousers for meetings, or down with jeans or casual trousers for home. They have a great website if you don’t have a store near you (we don’t down here, as you know!).
Good luck with the book, look forward to reading a copy,
Katie (St Austell bookclub!)
PS I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing your Uggs out in public, so long as they’re worn under and not over trousers by anyone over 30 in my humble opinion..
February 28, 2009 - 6:33 pm
Katie, it’s great to hear from you! Thanks for this recommendation, it reminds me I used to get their online newsletter. Kew is the more affordable sister of Jigsaw (love the clothes, cannot beLIEVE the prices. I popped into the Bath store only the other day to check out a simple leather bag in the window – £330 to you, madam! Had to leave immediately before I exploded with indignation). The style is similar and they have great colours – http://www.kew-online.com.
I totally agree about leaving Uggs over trousers to the youngsters. I have 2 big problems with wearing them outside apart from the age thing – they must soak up moisture like a sponge, and they give the foot very little support. All those girls you see with their feet going over to the side! Not a good look and surely bad for the feet?
March 2, 2009 - 8:55 pm
It’s only the cheap and replica Uggs that do that wearing down on one side thing to my knowledge. Agree it looks awful and very uncomfortable. I’ve worn my Ugg Australia ones to death and they have never done that. They cost more but really do last. You can waterproof them with a spray available from Clarks btw, have never had a soggy toes issue! What an Ugg geek I am..!
March 5, 2009 - 1:32 pm
Do you know, I’ve never noticed, but I’m going to keep my eyes peeled from now on! I think it’s great when you find an item of clothing or footwear you really love. I have a thing about stripey T shirts, which disappeared from the shops for a few years, but now they’re back, hurray! I got one from Gap the other day and can hardly bear to take it off.
March 6, 2009 - 2:34 pm
Next time you get the chance, go into COS in Regent St. (It’s on the corner next to Liberty)
They are a grown-ups version of H & M and their clothes are FAB. Very pared-down chic styles, simple unusual shapes. The Tshirts are good quality and the prices are pretty good.
They look very expensive because the fabrics are good.
March 7, 2009 - 1:01 pm
Thanks, Marg, this sounds just the thing for a would-be celebrity author, and for anyone working from home who wants to make a good impression without spending loads of dosh. I’ll check it out next time I’m in the big city.
May 20, 2009 - 5:46 am
I guess it depends on the type of work you do. When I was freelance and I met with my charity clients I would wear slightly different clobber than my corporate ones. I had a nice, quirky handbag that one client even mentioned – this was good for lifting my more sober look for the more creative clients. Ebay is brilliant for great, quirky bags.
Between you and me, I even have two different types of glasses – one red and black funky pair for my creative days, one frameless for doing invoicing and the like. I think that I’m the only one that notices the difference.
May 20, 2009 - 11:43 am
Different bags for different clients has never occurred to me! What a great idea, and so much cheaper than a whole outfit. I reckon you could do an article on that, credit crunch chic and all that. And I love the idea of different glasses for Miss Arty and Miss Accountant. Thanks, Jen!