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10/20/2020 18 Comments

Work from Home? What to Wear to Improve Your Work


Imagine this. You are having one of the most productive work days you have ever had. Your creativity is off the charts, and it seems like you are even thinking more clearly about the work you are doing right now. You made an important change in the way you work from home and you can only think that it must be this change that’s responsible for the way your day is going.

There are many more women and moms working from home right now, than ever before, due to the pandemic, according to research. And experts also suggest that that may not change, once the dust has cleared, because many of us may go right on working at home.

Many women who were asked, mentioned that one of the things they liked best about working from home was the opportunity to dress more casually than usual. But not so fast, work-from-home mom...


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Work from Home Moms: the Best Way to Dress for Work


Researchers from Cal State Northridge conducted a study where five tests where they compared groups who were dressed up, dressed neutrally and dressed very casually. The results suggest that when we dress up or dress well, our brains function better. In fact, our thinking will be more creative and more abstract. - study summarized in a blog post on Adjuvancy.com

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Other similar studies suggest that when you are working with others, the way you dress influences the impression you make. While that idea is not really news, what was interesting was that it had an impact on the consequences of their negotiations, too, because the better dressed were also better at negotiating. 

A similar conclusion is that we think better, or at a higher cognitive level, according to the New York Times, when we are dressed up, than we do when we are not.

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​So my takeaway, for my own work, is that it’s not just important for me to dress well for a style day with a client, it’s also important to get dressed and dress well, when all I will be doing is writing a blog post or creating an offering for my clients.


It will help to ensure that they get my very best work, in whatever capacity they encounter it.

But in my opinion, dressing well might not mean the same thing for every person working from home. 

Because for me, if I am dressed up as if for a job interview, I am likely to overfocus on how uncomfy I am, and also likely not to feel like my true self. On the other hand, if I am best-dressed by my own standards, in JeanineWear, then I am probably more likely to do my best work.

I am planning to give this a try, and report back on my results. 

If you are a work from home mom, what’s your takeaway?

See you tomorrow!

Love, Jeanine

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18 Comments
Pam Langord link
10/20/2020 11:06:48 am

What a good read :) I'm all for dressing in comfort, I find that I am most productive in it. I occasionally find dressing up in my unicorn onesie helps channel my "inner tech-unicorn" persona, lol!

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 01:21:53 pm

Thanks, Pam! I'm glad you liked it. I love onesies. And while I do want to experiment with what might make me even more creative, clear and productive, I am not willing to give up comfort, either.

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Kathleen link
10/20/2020 11:23:41 am

I agree there's something to dressing for work, and the mindset that accompanies it. In the beginning of the pandemic, I dressed for casual comfort, although I did wear some make-up for zoom calls. On my work-related calls, I always felt it was appropriate to appear professionally, and it did elevate the mood/mind. So I agree wth this proposition. Now, for zoom calls, I'm good to wear make up and a nice top, although my pants are less formal (though coordinated) and I always wear my comfy inside shoes with great arch support! Thanks for this article!

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 01:25:08 pm

You're welcome, Kathleen! Sounds like you're doing what's best. And I also read that on Zoom calls, dressing professionally is particularly important for women and men of color, who tend not to be given any grace for casual wear. But I think it's a good rule of thumb for everyone.

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Angie Vallejo link
10/20/2020 11:36:50 am

I can agree with this too. Although I don't technically "work" from home, I am setting time aside to write and do homeschooling lessons. However, I do find that when I put on my whole "face" that I feel more motivated.

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 01:27:30 pm

Oh, that's neat that it makes you feel more motivated, Angie! And I think the concept of work doesn't have to be only about employment, but about whatever you are trying to accomplish, when it comes to clear thinking, productivity, results and creativity.

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Kate Loving Shenk link
10/20/2020 12:46:28 pm

The take home message here is-in order to feel good about yourself, also taking into account how you may appear to others-is a way to increase not only productivity, but peace of mind, as well.

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 01:29:29 pm

Yes! Though I think it also must be about the way our minds interpret the cues that our clothing presents.

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Carol Graham link
10/20/2020 12:47:29 pm

I completely agree. I have been working from home for decades. I want my office to smack of professionalism and dress the part

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 01:30:23 pm

Oh, how awesome, Carol! That's great.

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Brenda Fluharty
10/20/2020 09:08:16 pm

What a great article. I have been working from home for years. I have noticed when I dress up a little a seem to be more productive.

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 10:06:48 pm

Really? That's great, Brenda! Well, I tried it today, and I noticed a difference, too. Sometimes, sitting or standing or walking differently for a moment, when I am working on something, changes things, too.

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Elisa link
10/20/2020 09:27:45 pm

Well said! This morning, I put on a sweatshirt and sweatpants bc I had no meetings today and wanted to be comfortable. About an hour in, I changed my outfit to something more professional. I definitely feel more creative when I look ready to work.

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 10:07:45 pm

Oh, that's wonderful, Elisa! I'm glad to hear it.

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Kebba Buckley Button link
10/20/2020 10:26:32 pm

Jeanine, how wonderfully you write. I have long found this: " when we dress up or dress well, our brains function better." I dress in comfortable yet professional clothing every day, makeup on and hair styled. I am always ready if I need to go out or let someone in. But really, it just feels good, and my mind works so well. Thanks for a great piece!

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Jeanine Byers link
10/20/2020 10:53:23 pm

Oh, thx so much, Kebba! Well, ,I am not quite there yet, so I really admire you for doing that. After all I learned, I want to start doing that, myself.

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Martha link
10/21/2020 04:36:19 am

Good ideas and so true. I've always tried to look my best when working at home but I do tend to dress more on the casuat side.

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Barb link
10/21/2020 10:03:11 am

I totally agree with this article. For me there is definitely an impact to my productivity and creativity if I'm dressed too casually, even if I'm working from home. Thanks for a great read!

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    ​Hi, I'm Jeanine Byers :)

    I'm an author,  Christian image consultant, proud former homeschool boy mom of a college student, Hallmark movie fan and big cuppa tea drinker. 

    I believe that creating your signature style is a spiritual calling. It's about seeing yourself as God does and delighting in your own beauty and style.

    I'm specializing in color analysis and signature style for black women.

    As women of color, we often aren't analyzed correctly when we receive color analysis. And all of our lives, we have been given sometimes subtle, and sometimes more overt societal messages about not meeting the cultural standards of beauty.

    My mission is to help you discover, embrace and celebrate your own beauty and style. 

    Thanks for dropping by! I'll see you soon.

    Love, Jeanine

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