For me, one of the best things about self-employment is being able to set my own rules about what constitutes “appropriate” dress (and “appropriate” hours and “appropriate” work environment).

I can totally understand that some (maybe even most) people feel better about themselves if they are dressed to conform with societal norms. In my case, the opposite is true. I can’t think when I’m dressed in a corporate costume. I wear pajamas because I perform better when I’m comfortable. I also feel more confident when I’m being true to myself rather than trying to fit in with what others are doing.

Thank you, Barbara Saunders for providing the example of the 6-figure-earning-pajama-wearing-consultant (whoever she is, she’s my new hero).

I have often had days where I got a writing project completed (or done a final edit on a project finished the previous day) before getting dressed, and then got dressed later for a meeting or other event outside of my home office.

“Appropriate” dress also depends on your industry and part of the country. I have worked mostly in high-tech, usually in the buildings where the engineers work. It’s a bit of a stereotype, but in some companies, dressing down (or even poorly) is a signal of higher status. I thought California was casual until I interviewed for a job in Boulder where the founder of the company, who held the title Vice President, took me to lunch in his running shorts and a pair of old, dirty sneakers. I was dressed in business casual and actually felt a little uncomfortable.

Come to think of it, I had a friend – a six-figure consultant – who did, in fact, wear pajamas as work clothes at client sites. She didn’t go to work in clothes she slept in, of course, but she used recognizable pajamas as slacks because they were comfortable.

In less dramatic times, I still get dressed! Thanks, Barbara

Cheers–
pkp