Working from Home (in Comfort)

One of the perks of working from home full-time means that I don't have to wear pantyhose or heels every day.  One of the drawbacks of working from home?  No use for the very expensive career wardrobe that is hanging in my closet.

I've donated some pieces to Dress for Success – their mission is to "promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by
providing professional attire, a network of support and the career
development tools to help women thrive in work and in life." – but there are some things that I just can't bear to part with.

AND, I've discovered that if I get lazy in the way I dress, I get lazy in the work I do.  There may be no need for my 3" black pumps or that pinstriped suit, but I don't need to put on tattered sweatpants or go without makeup.  Here are some tips for dressing while being a full-time work at home professional:

• Shower (or bathe) just like you would if you were leaving home to go to the office.  In the morning before you start your day or before bed the night before.  It gets your brain focused on the tasks you need to tackle.
• Dress for the temperature of your home office.  There's nothing worse than being too warm or too cold.  Layers – they're not just for outdoors anymore!
• You can be casual and yet still feel put together and stylish.  How about this cute skirt from Kohl's?

It's knit and swingy-loose so there's no binding at your waist if you're sitting on conference calls all day.

Add this top:

And a cardigan,

and you'll feel like the CEO.

All three of these pieces can be mixed and matched with items you have.  They're all comfortable.  Most importantly, they won't break the bank and can take you to an appointment or a kid's playdate after your business day is over.

• I've struggled with the question of shoes.  I've worked barefoot (my feet get cold).  I've worked wearing slippers.  I've worked in socks.  I've settled on some cute flats that haven't been worn out on the street – so they're not dirty.

These, from Mudd and available at Shoes.com are so versatile and comfy looking.

• Last, but not least, go ahead and give your hair a quick style and swipe those lashes with mascara.  Lip gloss completes the transformation.

Don't use working from home as an excuse to look homeless!  Taking a few minutes to get your mind into the "employee" mode helps more than you'd think.  Plus, it gives the signal to those who share your space that you're "at work" and therefore, not necessarily available to referee arguments or run them to the mall.

How about you?  Share some ideas on what routines get your mind into "work mode" over at Blissfully Domestic Living's Forums.

My personal blog is My Life as a Hotfessional – if you'd like to hear about the rest of the craziness in my life, please come by for a visit.