If you ever wanted to know how to dress for the job, I recommend taking advice from Jack Donaghy.
When I'm asked by entrepreneurs how to dress for the job in both office and home settings, I'm often reminded of wise words from Alec Baldwin's character Jack Donaghy on the hit NBC comedy, 30 Rock. Vice President of the East Coast Television and Microwave Oven Programming for General Electric, Jack is as known for his savvy executive business decisions as he is his viewpoint on clothes. When Tina Fey's character Liz Lemon (who spends most episodes in jeans and cardigan casual) questions him as to why he is wearing a tux at work, he pithily replies, "It's after six. What am I, a farmer?"
Even though I really liked that response, this isn't the quote I'm referring to. Jack's most fashion-forward moment is in the episode "Do-Over" when he proclaims, "Don't dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want to have." It's a blink and you miss it moment, but one that holds true for every man and woman no matter what environment they work in.
Working at home is very different from being in the office. Depending on the customer flow throughout the office, you may find yourself dressing in anything from business casual Liz Lemon to full on tuxedo'd Jack Donaghy. Offices tend to set more boundaries and enforce a strict dress code with several no-no items including open-toed shoes, super short skirts, plunging necklines, and torn pants. These rules are set as a way to not only keep employees safe on the job, but attractive to the clients that they deal with.
Today's modern home-based entrepreneur doesn't need to be wary of safety in the comfort of their own home, but they still need to employ a sense of separating home life from work life. There is an unfortunate stereotype beginning to form around those that work from home and I like to call it The Pajama Effect.
You wear pajamas all day while working. They're comfy and warm! Like my bed. I might want to take a nap right now. Just a quick catnap before starting this project….
Zzzzz.
If you weren't allowed to fall asleep on the job in the office, then you shouldn't be able to when working from home. Even if your office consists primarily of a laptop and printer, getting dressed will make you feel better and elevate your mood. You'll be able to get that "going to work" sense without blending your work life into your home life. And if you decide to invite clients over to your home, they'll appreciate the extra effort you made to dress the part, despite being in the office.
We may say that we don't judge a book by its cover, but if we're looking to invest with that book, you better believe that judgment is going to play a large part in the decision making process. If you dress in pajamas or jeans that are too tight for your frame, the person meeting with you will be drawing conclusions about you all over the map. Sloppy dress might mean sloppy service. You disagree? As a representative of your product, look the part so that nobody has to second-guess your role in the company (the only exception to this rule is Mark Zuckerberg, naturally).
There are ways to look professional within your home without including an elastic band or fuzzy slippers. Here are a few great staples for men and women alike:
Blazer
Few jackets command respect and authority like the fitted blazer. If you happen to have one, put it on. Feel the way it cinches in your arms, the single button in the front forming a formal V-line? This is a jacket that means business. Whatever you need to get done, it's going to get done, on-time, and will set to impress.
For guys, I recommend pairing it with button-down or vintage band tee. For ladies, try a simple striped tee shirt or a colorful blouse.
Dark Denim Jeans
Avoid anything washed out or faded and for that matter, jeans with "artfully" ripped anything. Be sure that the hemline has been tailored or at least pinned if the pants are too long. Nobody wants to hear you shuffling toward them for your first meeting.
Another minor note that shouldn't have to be included here but hey, you're working from home so things are a bit more lax: keep your zipper up. Be sure your jeans aren't too low to expose anything you wouldn't want showing, and be sure that all undergarments are tucked inside of your pants, not sticking out from the top.
Trousers
Maybe you don't like wearing jeans. Try trousers instead for a looser fit but still a professional appearance. Likewise with all pants, be sure the fit is right for your frame and the length doesn't induce tripping up the stairs.
Shirt Dress
A popular option for a dress that isn't too dressy but not too casual either. Shirt dress are longer versions of shirts that would be work-appropriate to begin with. These dresses usually have sleeves and an easy fit. Pair one with a scarf, opaque tights, and flats and you're ready to knock 'em dead during your PowerPoint Presentation.
The Sweater Vest
Men of the world, look to Joseph Gordon-Levitt from 500 Days of Summer as your fashion inspiration when dressing to run a successful home business. He combined sweater vests with button-down shirts in a way that not only complemented his frame but translated to good outfits to wear when running errands. Sweater vest with a button down and jeans work great for guys of all heights and sizes.
Flats & Chucks
Ladies, unless you truly feel confident in heels, you don't need to wear them around your home office. Wear a low stacked heel for important meetings. Flats are another necessary go-to that you'll need to invest in. Get a pair of pointed flats to maintain that same air of authority and a sense of getting it done that you need to prioritize your work flow with.
Guys, while I am pro-Oxfords, you can still wear your Chucks to give off a contemporary and youthful vibe. Just be sure to tie the laces and keep the shoes from tracking in mud and looking ratty. This goes for the flats above too. Any shoe that looks past its wear probably deserves a nice retirement from your closet.
Above all, be sure that what you wear fits you well, is neat and clean, and makes you look and feel fabulous. You don't need to go all out when you work at home- unless you personally want to which by all means is fine too. You're representing a service that you worked hard to create on your own and you are just as much a part of your brand.
To quote Mr. Donaghy once more, his advice to Liz on shopping? "I want you to go out in your lunch hour and find something…in a 'woman's' store."
Thanks to Deborah Sweeney / Blogs Forbes
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