Dressing to Boost Motivation When Working From Home

Working from home is great…until it isn’t. 

Why? If you don’t have a regular work from home gig, then home is your place of relaxation (or at least a typically work-free zone). When you enter your office, your mind is setting itself up to enter work mode. When you roll out of bed, grab some coffee and open up your computer on the couch, your mind is in weekend mode. It’s expecting you to turn on Netflix, find a show to binge and down a mimosa (no, just me?). Instead it finds itself being forced to work! Cue the internal struggle of staying motivated when working from home.  

So how can I stay motivated?

There are many articles published on many ways to stay motivated when working from home, such as creating a designated space, setting boundaries with loved ones and avoiding getting caught up in household chores. For this post, we’ll be focusing on my #1 tip – dressing as though you’re heading to work. (I am a style coach after all!) How does what you wear have anything to do with motivation, though? Oh, I’m so glad you asked, my friend!

There are many studies (like this one) that show how what you wear impacts the work you do.

In short, the saying dress for the job you want, is not just a nice sentiment. It’s a proven theory with data to back it up. 

Many businesses have now started implementing the ‘dress for your day’ dress code. I love this idea when you have to go into the office. However, it’s not quite as helpful when you’re work day is a stay-at-home day.

Jamming out work with my power look and power heels giving me all the power!

I recommend dressing for your DESIRE not your day, when you work from home. 

In other words, what’s your desire for the day? What type of day do you want to have? How do you want to feel and what do you want to accomplish? Now dress in a way that conveys that feeling! Let’s walk through a few examples. 

I desire to be motivated! 

Don’t we all! And yes, there are things you can do to help besides drinking a whole pot of coffee. If you want to be motivated – dress like a boss! I’m talking going all out. Wear your power look, style your hair and do your make up (if that’s part of your normal morning routine). You’ll be feeling all the boss babe vibes and it will be so much easier to sit down and crank out the work.

What if I’m still dragging even with my power look on?

Put on your shoes and wear them all day. I’m serious! Think about it, what’s the first thing you do when you get home? You take off your shoes. And when you go over to your best friend’s house? You take off your shoes to make yourself at home. In other words, when you take off your shoes, you signal yourself to relax and rest. You wear your shoes all day at work so if you’re really struggling to get motivated, get those shoes on and keep them on until the work day is done. You’ll be surprised at just how well it works (pun fully intended!).

I desire to be comfortable.

Since dressing up motivates you to do work, aim for a casual chic vibe. Think soft, stretchy fabrics like a ponte pant with a brushed knit sweater or a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans with a tee and cardigan. This way you’re still getting dressed for the day, which is flipping your mind into work mode but you’re able to be more comfortable and relaxed than you normally would at the office. 

Take advantage of working from home with comfy clothes like these distressed jeans. Since you couldn’t get away with this at work it feels like a treat but you still are dressed and ready for the day! 

I desire to be indulgent.

I get it! Sometimes, getting the chance to work from home is a blessing and you just want to indulge and enjoy in all the perks that brings. All I have to say to that one is….go ahead and rock those pjs and treat it as a self care day. You do you! 

I desire to be indulgent – but I have meetings! What do I do? 

Try the mullet of work from home dressing – business up top, party on the bottom (pj party that is!) 🤪

Business up top……(pj) party on the bottom!

Stay safe everyone! 

Sending prayers, love and well wishes to all those impacted by these crazy times.

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ABOUT:

I'm a Minneapolis personal stylist on a mission to eradicate outdated style 'rules' so women can unleash themselves in all their beautiful, authentic glory!

I offer personal styling services that empower women to wear what they love by helping them ditch any outdated style rules keeping them stuck, showing them how to dress in a way that embraces their beautiful body and, the key to it all, having fun! I believe in a liberated style approach so there are no style rules, body shapes, seasonal colors or dos and don’ts given out here. Rather, I help my clients tap into what lights them up and dress with the purpose of expressing their authentic selves rather than impressing others.

This is all done through a combination of styling services (including wardrobe edits, shopping trips and styling sessions) available in thoughtfully curated styling packages designed to help clients unleash their true self through the power of style.

When I'm not helping women take back their power style, you can find me reading (about a gazillion books at once), learning the art of pole dancing, making & decorating cakes, binging a random circa 2000's TV show with my hubby, Aaron, while playing with my adorable rescue pup or, of course, shopping! :-)