With so many people working from home, it's no surprise that most of us have abandoned our work wear in favour of our trusty joggers and pyjamas. According to a recent survey, one in 11 British workers have taken video calls while wearing pyjamas, while 53 percent admitted to wearing the same clothes for more than two days in a row. Being comfortable is important while remote working, but studies have shown that making an effort to dress up and look put together can have a positive impact on your overall performance while working or running a business from home. Here are all the reasons why you should look your best while remote working.
It helps you to get into work mode
Research has shown that dressing for work can help you get into the right frame of mind to work. In the study, it was revealed that the kind of clothes you wear impacts the signals sent to the brain. Known as enclothed cognition, the experiment showed that wearing a lab coat increased selective attention compared to not wearing it. You may not wear a lab coat to do your job, but the simple act of wearing a nice blouse or a shirt with trousers can help you feel more productive because it signals to your brain that you're about to start working. This makes dressing up important, especially if you don't leave the house, since doing so allows you to differentiate between being on the clock and having leisure time.
If wearing a suit seems too restrictive or if it's too much of a bother for you, try creating a comfortable work uniform that you can wear everyday. Women can wear drawstring trousers or skirts with a blouse or a button-up shirt, while men can wear trousers or khakis with a polo shirt. Add some webcam-friendly jewellery, such as subtle silver or gold stud earrings, a watch with a metal or leather band, or a dainty necklace to complement your work wardrobe. This way, you'll be instantly ready to present your best self in virtual meetings with clients or colleagues, even if they happen at short notice.
It boosts self confidence
Making an effort to get dressed everyday is important to start your day on a positive note while you're working from home. When you put on something that makes you feel good, you're more likely to be confident while going about your tasks. Being confident allows you to communicate more effectively, and it can have a positive effect on team performance if you work with other people online. Keep in mind that clothing has the power to influence how you feel, so put on a nice shirt in a colour that complements your complexion, or a casual dress with a cheery print, which can help you be in a good mood throughout the day. Why not give yourself a makeover?
What to wear while remote working
When choosing clothes for remote working, it's recommended to select clothes that you would wear if you were leaving the house to go on an errand or to visit a relative. This means wearing something that's comfortable yet presentable, such as a thin-knit jumper or a soft and stretchy top paired with relaxed fit denim jeans, capris or joggers. Wear a proper pair of shoes such as loafers, ballet flats, or slip-on sneakers to complete your work from home ensemble.
Good grooming is a must too, so don't forget to brush your hair, shave, and follow a good skincare and makeup routine everyday. A little makeup can also help to make you look your best for Zoom meetings. Try applying a lightweight base such as a tinted moisturiser, skin tint, or a bb cream to even out your skin tone. Groom your brows, and brush on some brow gel to keep hairs in place; then finish with blush and lipstick or tinted lip balm for a touch of colour on the cheeks and lips.
The way you dress when working from home can have an impact on your performance, mood and productivity. Make an effort to dress up so you can look good, feel good, and do well while remote working.
