Working from home has so many advantages (having my dog sleep at my feet, tea breaks whenever I like, flexible hours…) but it’s so easy to get caught in the slump of wearing college sweats or baggy, loungy clothes that are only good for when you are snuggling up on the couch watching a great movie. I have fallen victim to this many, many times and only recently decided to get out of the habit.
At the risk of sounding a little pretentious, I tend to be more productive if I actually dress for work because I feel good about myself. The days when I wake up, go for a 25-minute run, shower, dress for work, put on a little make-up, and then sit with a cup of tea at my computer to start the work day are always better days. Does anyone else feel this way?
Elle.com recently featured the 9-5 work styles of 11 very creative women in New York. I could see any of these looks working for those who are in a more casual office or for work-at-home women, like me, because they are comfortable but still have a lot of style. My favorite of these is photographer Lilia de Gregory’s ensemble of the flowy Mayle top and skinny jeans.
I also had to throw in a page from the J Crew catalog because I am secretly hoping that the dazzling dots pencil skirt will go on sale soon. But anyway, the point of this post is not to go out and spend but to declare that I am going to keep dressing for work. If I say it out aloud (or announce it on the blog) then I’ll be accountable 
Plus my pup doesn’t care as long as she gets her treats for the day.
Thank you for all of the sweet anniversary comments yesterday. You are all so kind and truly make the work days more enjoyable. We’re continuing the celebration at a little dinner over at Mockingbird Bistro on the weekend. Neither of us have ever been so hopefully it’s as good as we’ve heard.
18 responses so far ↓
1 Lucie : Mar 12, 2009 at 10:47 am
Great post! Now only if JCrew made scrubs!
2 Paloma of La Dolce Vita : Mar 12, 2009 at 10:48 am
You’re going to love Mockingbird Bistro! We actually went there for our last anniversary dinner in July. It was delicious!
This is such a great post and I can totally relate. In fact, I am sitting in my PJs as I type this. Oh, the shame! You’re right, though. I feel much more productive on the days that I get up early and dress for work. You’ve inspired me to try to do that more often.
3 Jessie {A Punctuated Life} : Mar 12, 2009 at 12:05 pm
I know exactly what you mean! I work on a college campus, but happen to work and live in the same building… talk about making it difficult to separate your work and personal life! It would be so easy for me to stay comfortable upstairs and work on my couch, but I’m so much more productive when I put a little effort into my outfit and take a stroll to my downstairs office; makes all the difference! Here’s to being productive and put-together!
4 Tamara : Mar 12, 2009 at 1:22 pm
I would keep on my PJ’s…probably because I have to dress daily..
5 bandelle : Mar 12, 2009 at 1:30 pm
@ Lucie — now wouldn’t that be cute.
@ Paloma — I’m so glad that you liked Mockingbird Bistro. I love those little restaurants that are tucked away and Houston seems to have so many of them. In case you need some ideas for your upcoming anniversary, we went to Bistro Calais and Bistro Vino the past two years. Both were excellent.
@ Jessie — I couldn’t have said it better…productive and put-together! Hope your day so far is going well.
@ Tamara — I used to long for being in my pj’s all day at my office job.
6 Marianne : Mar 12, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I work from home most days and know what you mean. Every morning I have to get dressed or I can’t get anything done.
7 Lynne : Mar 12, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Absolutely. I swear, I wear the same thing every day; tracksuit bottoms, a fleece, and if I have to go to the Post Office I put on my J Crew puffy gilet and winter Fit Flops. I look a state. Last night I got really dressed up for a low-key drink with a friend, just to smarten up my act. I totally agree – and tomorrow, I’m going to go for a run, get properly dressed and may even wear make up during the day instead of lounging around like a bum.
8 Melissa : Mar 12, 2009 at 5:09 pm
You’re totally right, I feel better and more productive if I have the right clothes on. Even for phone interviews I have to dress up so that I feel like I’m in the right frame of mind even though the interviewer can’t see me.
Also, happy (belated) anniversary.
9 Kelley : Mar 13, 2009 at 11:11 am
I totally relate to the lure of all-day sweat pants (sitting in them now). I have had to make a conscious effort (partially for my husband’s sake) to find stylish, pulled together, comfy clothes to wear. J.Crew is my favorite, and I just got some beautiful things from Tracy Porter (for a great price too). I’m doing my part to stimulate the economy, for the sake of fashion of course.
10 Paige : Mar 13, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I used to wish I was a doctor – so I could wear scrubs everyday because scrubs were like pj’s. This was before I was aware that a stay-at-home blogger was! I would give anything to be home in my jammies with my laptop. Sometimes getting dressed in the morning is the most daunting task I have all day! Sad, but true!
I guess the grass is always greener…..
Have fun at MB – it’s delish!!
11 Kim : Mar 13, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Happy Anniversary. You will love Mockingbird. We used to eat there a lot. I found you off of Cote de Texas…I am a Houston gal too:)
K
12 Sarah Danielle : Mar 16, 2009 at 9:55 am
I am so grateful for this post, I suffer from what I call “the business casual curse” every now and then and this is great inspiration to take a bit more time dressing in the morning!
13 Design Lovely : Mar 16, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I am usually in the most comfiest clothes possible when I am home but when I have a meeting I like to dress up a little. All of these women have impeccable taste!
14 Anonymously Chic : Mar 22, 2009 at 9:32 pm
i suppose i’m in the opposite boat in that i have to dress up for work everyday so i really enjoy the days i get to slum around in my pajamas. i love to dress up, but it can get kind of tiresome and i end up wearing the same thing over and over. this women all look effortless and chic (which is something to aspire to).
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