What to Wear When You Stay At Home

While I've heard from many readers who enjoy all the tips for getting ahead in business, I've also heard from several who don't "do" 9 to 5 and want to know what's appropriate for the stay-at-home woman. Whether you're raising children, working from home, or enjoying your retirement, today's article offers some simple tips for dressing casually WITHOUT succumbing to the sloppy t-shirts and jeans routine.

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Should you worry about what you wear if you don't "do" the 9 to 5 routine? If you work from home, are retired, are a stay-at-home mom or the like, does it really matter what you wear around the house so long as you're comfortable?

Because even though you may not see anyone all day, you're still dressing for someone: yourself.

Scientists have long noted the correlation between how we dress and how we feel about ourselves. When we look good and are appropriately dressed, our confidence soars. When we're having an "off" day or are dressed too casually for a given situation, our confidence plummets.

Now translate that to an at-home scenario. With no dress code, no regular interaction with other adults, and no one to answer to but ourselves, it's really easy to go the sloppy jeans and sweats route. After all, no one sees you, so no one really cares, right?

While it's certainly therapeutic to step away from your whirlwind life sometimes and dress any way you please, months and years of wearing a rag-bag wardrobe can do a real number on your self-esteem. I've seen countless women give up successful careers to retire or stay home with their kids who later mourn the loss of their incomes, their sense of self-worth, and the "nice" clothes they used to wear when they had a paying job. Some even get mad that their working husbands have nicer clothes than they do. The consensus is that because they're not getting a paycheck, they don't deserve nice clothes.

How many CEO's do you know that dress like something the cat dragged in? Are you not the CEO of your home? Are you not overseeing child care, food service, housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, grounds keeping, finance, recreation, and the like?

Then why are you always dressed like the gardener? Could that be the reason your kids treat you like a maid?

Or if you're seeing clients at home and dressing like a college student, could your attire be the reason they don't respect your time, don't follow your recommendations, or don't pay their bills on time? Hmm. Just a thought.

Now I know your budget may be tight. Squeaking, even, if you're down to one paycheck, starting a business, or are living off your retirement funds. But frankly, that's no reason to leave the house looking like you just rolled out of bed (even if you did). It's all a matter of choice. You can choose to buy and wear sloppy clothes that make you feel like an old dish rag, or you can choose to buy and wear clothing that flatters your figure and makes you feel terrific. The choice is yours. The cost is similar; but how others treat you is astoundingly different.

So what are some casual, easy-care looks that will take you through the day, from running errands to hosting play dates to volunteering in your community? Here are a few suggestions:

A Crisp Shirt

A crisp shirt with a collar immediately upgrades any outfit, even when you're wearing jeans. Add a vest, cardigan, or jacket for a modern, polished look.

Chadwicks.com

A Stylish Twinset

Twinsets have been popular for decades because they go with so many things. Dress them up with a skirt, dress them down with a pair of jeans, wear just the shell, drape the cardigan around your shoulders - whatever you want. Twinsets offer plenty of mileage.

Chadwicks.com

A Casual Skirt

Want an easy upgrade that goes just about anywhere? Try a casual skirt in denim, corduroy, cotton, or other easy-care fabric. Dress it up, dress it down, and looked polished either way.

Chadwicks.com

A Trendy Top

Want to look current without spending a lot? Pick up a couple of trendy tops each season and become the fashionista of your peer group.

Spiegel.com

Trendy Accessories

Have trouble finding tops that fit your body or budget? Then get that "in the know" look with trendy accessories instead. Try a cute pair of shoes, a trendy belt, a new handbag - or whatever - and become a fashion follower without spending a lot.

Newport-News.com

Now true, these quick and easy tricks take a bit more imagination than the standard t-shirt and jeans or sloppy sweats, but the return is SO worth the meager investment. When you feel good about yourself, it shows - in your attitude, your energy level, and your quality of life.

So don't become a member of the sweatshirt and jeans squad just because you spend most of your time at home. Put together a couple of casual wardrobe capsules and challenge yourself to looked pulled together every day, whether you're meeting clients, chauffeuring kids around, or having "the girls" over for lunch. Remember: you tell others how to treat you by the way you treat yourself. So ditch the sweats and slip into something a little more authoritative and garner the respect you deserve. You've certainly earned it!

Need some more helping in figuring out the clothes you need and putting together some budget-friendly clothing capsules? Download a copy of WARDROBE MAGIC,

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to see how easy dressing well can be.