Ask Remabulous: How do I update my look to reflect my professional image?

Today I cover a topic that most people don't associate with business: fashion and personal style. We often forget that, as entrepreneurs, we are our brand. I have been taking a wonderful class on PR with Lisa Elia of The Clear Publicist, and she reminds us that every point of contact we make with the public is part of our PR as business owners.

So it seemed appropriate that I answer the following questions this week, as I teamed up with an expert yesterday, Catherine Cassidy of LifeStyled, who was just the right person to spruce up my look and help me answer this question:

"Dear Ask Remabulous,

I feel like a frump! Working from home, I often hop out of bed in the morning and head right to my computer. If I don't have meetings, I'm often still in my pajamas until late in the day. I know I am doing good work, but sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't feel a bit more legitimate if I dressed for work, even though it's just as my desk in my apartment.

Do you have this problem? What do people generally do to make sure they are putting out a professional image both when working at home, and when out meeting contacts in the world?

Thank you for any advice you can offer,
Pajama addicted entrepreneur"

Thanks for your question, PJ addict! Let's dive right in, and remember, if any of you have questions you'd like answered on the site, you can e-mail them to: [email protected]

First of all, PJ addict, I feel your pain. I don't know an entrepreneur who hasn't spent many days working until later on in the afternoon with plates from rushed meals piled around and hair up in a messy do with crumbs all over their pajamas. We are with you!

Yesterday, I spent an afternoon with Catherine Cassidy of LifeStyled, and she helped me purge and repurpose my existing wardrobe. I'll share with you the tips that she offered me, so that you can think about dressing for work as an entrepreneur in a whole new way. Also, I've got a great article from her recent newsletter that has really helped me get dressed in a much less stressed-out way the past week.

So... what to wear to work?

It's hard when we don't have a dress code imposed by an office. Whenever I have worked in offices, I have had a totally different experience of setting the tone and mood for working- when I am in work clothes, my brain shifted to work, even though being in a different physical location didn't hurt in shifting my mindset.

Even though working at home is much more casual, it helps to sort out yor clothes into those that aren't pajamas, are comfortable for working at home, and still can make you look cute.

in my own wardrobe, I had a lot of fitted tees that were a little short for wearing out, but still take me out of pajama mode and into a more dressed space. As Catherine said, I don't want to be doing the exposed belly thing when I am out in the world, but a fitted tee I have with the ubiquitous juicy lounge pants is certainly a step up from working in a nighty.

It's ok to be comfortable when you are working at home.

Don't think that as an entrepreneur you need to overdo it and throw on a suit and tie at your desk to feel like you are working, but at least delegate some set of clothes as "work at home" items so your brain makes the shift.

Now, for leaving the house, there is a whole different story.

Again, as entrepreneurs, we are able to dress in a more funky and edgy fashion, and expressing who we are through what we wear is actually a huge asset, as we need to be memorable and authentic when meeting clients out in the world.  Here I am in a new outfit Catherine helped me assemble that feels like me, yet is nothing I would ever come up with on my own. Exciting!

As a woman over thirty, I realized when I was meeting with Catherine that, in many ways, I dress like an overgrown twenty-something. Learn about what little touches and polish you can add to what you're wearing can take you to the next level. I look young, so I need to make these shifts so people perceive the time and effort I have put into my business, rather than thinking I am some nice girl just starting out.

You need to get your expertise across, so help contacts out my making the first impression a stylish one!

Here are the musts Catherine impressed on me:

• Color. I have a tendency to hide in neutrals, and adding a pop of color really took things up a notch and made me look and feel more confident
• Jewelry. Adding Jewelry to my looks was often what made them memorable and shifted me from twenty-something to thirtysomething business owner. It's ok to look your age with style- in LA we often try to stay young forever, but I find that stepping up into a classier look felt like a great way to move into being more of a lady and less of a girl
• Shoes. Ok. I have a tendency to wear super comfy shoes and not push the edge there, but whever I added a more professional or polished shoe, either with a heel or without, the outfit really took shape. For more support, I have some grear espadrille wedges that give me height and elongate my leg, but are still easy to wear for the day.

For more info, check out Catherine's get dressed tips in this article- I swear by them, and I highly recommend signing up for her newsletter at LifeStyled. Enjoy...

Ugh. Do I have to??

by, Catherine Cassidy of LifeSyled.

Yea, we all have those days. It’s time to get out the door, but putting on anything other than yoga pants and a tee seems unbearable. I know the feeling too!

Personally, my style changes with my mood. I think most of us busy women are like that. I can be totally sophisticated in a fabulous Jackie O kind of way, or I can get totally funky with a little inspiration from Beyonce. But my style did evolve from the tee shirt and jeans look.

More specifically, the cute tee shirt with designer jeans look.

Hey! We’ve all got to start somewhere! However, I do still love this classic look for its ease and it’s comfort.

But now that we’re busy professional women with a brand image to uphold, we need to kick it up a notch. The best part … you’ll still be super comfortable, yet you’ll also feel a hundred times better (and a bit fancy!).

HOW??

It’s so simple: colorful and fun accessories. JEWELRY! 

Didn’t your mom always ask you to put on earrings before heading out the door? Or a necklace? Mine did and I always thought it was SO annoying. Until I realized, as usual, she was right! Because they instantly dress up your face and your look as a whole.

Mom is so smart!

Here are some of my faves  from Amrita Singh I actually found on Hautelook, but her site is having an AMAZING sale!

Even with a white tee and jeans, this ring POPS the outfit. Would definitely want a pair of earrings to complete the accessorized look.

Instantly brighten your face with playful and bright earrings. Especially in a color that compliments your skin tone and/or your mood.

I love just throwing on some bangles to complete a look. So simple, yet POP there’s the color!

Stay tuned for more ways to update this favorite look!

Sign up for Catherine's newsletter at www.lifestyledonline.com!