22 March 2010
by 
“Several years ago I worked for a direct sales cosmetics company. One main rule for that company was that you could not make a single phone call in the morning unless you were totally dressed, and I mean really dressed! All the way to dress shoes. The reason behind this duty was that you act different when you have clothes and shoes on. You are more professional. The customer can tell when you don’t feel good about the way you look. Even when you think you do. So if getting dressed makes that big of an impression on someone that can’t even see you, then what is going to happen to those that can see you. Mainly yourself.” ~ FlyLady
I recently sent a question out to a few social media networks – I was curious about just how many freelancers actually dress up from head-to-toe, as Flylady recommends. While I can’t imagine dressing up “really fancy†just to stay at home and freelance (although I’m not trying to make it sound like freelancing isn’t hard work – it is!) I do understand what FlyLady is saying.
But apparently, quite a few freelancers are not dressing up these days…
Casual Corner
Meet some freelancers who live for comfort:
- “I only dress up if I know I’m going to meet with a client that day. Otherwise, it’s casual and comfortable for me.” –Â Lorna Doone Brewer
- “Casual all the way. I only “dress up” if I go to the library to get away from the “home office.” – Reesy Floyd-Thompson
- “Casual clothes. Or, um, pj’s.” — Janna Leadbetter Qualman
Dare to Dress
I think as much as we’d enjoy lounging around in our jammies or “slouch clothes†all day while we write articles or do other necessary tasks, we know deep in our hearts that looking frumpy (sometimes) leads to feeling frumpy – and God forbid an unexpected business opportunity shows up at the door! Just ask Jenny Greenleaf, who says: “After a horrifying “drop-in” last week, I *now* get dressed for work every day! No more jammies and chip clips in the hair for this writer!!â€
Confession
I’ll admit, I’m a casual gal myself. While I definitely don’t wear pajamas all day, I do throw on the most faded, comfy clothes I can find. I mean, I’ve even referred to myself as the gal who “prefers quiet days, bare feet, herbal tea and raw juices and smoothies to high-end shoes and lattes in the city.”
I can’t imagine trying to write while being super dressed up and uncomfortable. Seriously!
What about you? Do you dress up? Dress down? Stay in your jammies and robe? Do you frequent a local coffee shop or never leave the house? Do you fix your hair and spruce up? Do you even brush your hair? Chime in and let us know! It’s fun to learn how different we all are, even though we’re all at home freelancing.
Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.
References:
Photo Source: Graur Razvan Ionut
For me, it depends on the day. I am most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt. However, when I need an extra boost, I put on some nice slacks (or a skirt) with a dressier top. Nothing too fancy, and still comfortable.
~Kimberlee
.-= Kimberlee Ferrell shares: Mars Goes Direct, and the Spring Twist =-.
Thanks for sharing, Kim! I say comfy wins out for me, too. Some writers say they can’t write while in jammies – but I’ve written some of my best stuff that way! LOL
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Aurorae Yoga Mat Review =-.
I suppose because I still work outside the home, I cannot wait to spend dress down time in my pjs writing to my hearts content…less works best for me.
.-= clara shares: A Few Surprises For Clara54… =-.
Thanks for letting me know, Clara! Sounds like most of us prefer comfy.
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Aurorae Yoga Mat Review =-.
For me it’s all about makeup. I’m an ex-Mary Kay lady. If I get up and fix my hair and makeup I can take on the world. Of course, I always wear heels even with my jeans. My husband complains because even my dress down clothes are coordinated.
Hey, Amanda!
Wow. You’ve got it together, girl!
I could never wear heels around the house. Wait. I don’t wear heels at all! LOL
Thanks for sharing. If it works for you, then that is fantabulous! I love finding out what works best for each of us. We’re all different, but I love that we all have the same passion: words.
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Aurorae Yoga Mat Review =-.
I don’t look at dressed up as being uncomfortable. There are some delightfully comfy dresses. I have this pretty sun dress with a halter tie. It looks cute, is cute, and I feel good in it. Put on a nice sweater or blazer and it easily makes the transition from sun-dress to business dress.
I love the flylady. I also know which company she is referring to because I also worked for them! I learned some great life lessons but working direct sales was definitely not for me.
.-= Katherine shares: I’m Doing the Heart Marketing Challenge With You =-.
Thanks, Katherine!
You’re right, being dressed up doesn’t mean uncomfortable. I have nicer clothes that are comfy, too. But I’m talking about wearing high heels and really “fancy/uncomfortable” stuff, ya know? That just isn’t me.
It’s coolness that you worked for the same company as flylady! Wow.
Thanks for sharing.
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus Recipe + Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution =-.
There’s something about a reasonable amount of dressing up to get the workday officially started. I feel more professional and productive when I take those few extra minutes in the morning to fix my hair, put on some earrings and as FlyLady says “get dressed to my shoes.” Then I’m ready for whatever the day might throw at me.
Hi, Shari!
Thanks so much! I do agree with you that when you dress to your shoes, you’re ready for whatever the day throws your way. I usually always am dressed and have shoes on, just not like I would if I were going in to an office.
Thanks for your input – it’s much appreciated!!
.-= Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Tropical Traditions Raw, Wild, Certified Organic Honey WINNER!!! =-.
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