Telecommuting Wardrobe Tips

It's easy to think that when you work at home you no longer need to worry about clothing at all. Let your freak flag fly, you figure, because who will see you?

Well, dear readers, if you're doing things right, people will actually see you pretty frequently (through your web cam). So you need to make sure that you look reasonable when you're virtually attending meetings. I've got a few suggestions:

1. No pajamas. I know it's a cliche, but just don't do it. Even the most professional looking pajamas are still vaguely floppy. And really what's the point of having business-like pajamas?

2. Try shirts with collars. There is something about a shirt with a collar that makes you look somehow more pulled together from the waist up than a t-shirt. Even the most chic, sophisticated jersey knit t-shirt will look slouchy and too comfy when people see you online.

3. Wear shoes every day, at least for part of the day. Stella has learned one thing over the years of wearing slippers: they're a lot more comfortable than shoes. But the sad thing is that you will always have to wear shoes at least part of the time, so don't let your feet get too comfortable. Put on Real Office shoes for at least part of your day.

4. Pay attention to what you wear. A corrollary to my wear real shoes every day is this little rule. It's far too easy to slip into the same yoga pants, cardigan, blogging muu-muu or what have you. But working from home is your lifestyle, not a temporary illness where you give yourself a break. I'm not suggesting that you spend a ton of money and buy a whole new casual home wardrobe -- that would defeat the purpose. But don't forget that you're a vital, attractive, young telecommuter -- wear stuff you like that looks good.

Particularly from the waist up!