I work from home. I’m a marketer, and I manage to keep the lights on day after day doing it. As I move around online, I’m always stopped by people asking me, “Should I get dressed up like I’m going to work? I mean, after all, it’s a work at home job.”

Well, it depends. If you have a work at home job, then I suppose you should do whatever you feel peace about. However, if you’re building a professional image, and a business that truly gives you the freedom to move about, then I suggest this thinking be altered just a bit.

When I get up in the morning, I’m a businesswoman. I’m meeting with clients, emailing people, calling shops on my phone… you get the idea. I might even have to run to the FedEx Kinko’s to pick up a big print job - do I really want them to see me in a t-shirt and jeans?

It’s not just about image though - think about how you feel when you dress nicer, and people actually notice - doesn’t that change how you feel? I know it does for me. It’s hard not to look pulled together in something business casual like.

Working from home doesn’t mean you can automatically throw out everything those friendly recruiters told you about in high school - their advice still carries weight in the self-employed world. If you’re a consultant, you still may have meetings - people to see, things to do.

Ladies, if you’re reading this blog, you know how much image is a factor. We’ve already got the world looking at us because we dare to look feminine, why make them do a double take because you look sloppy? Taking care of your hair and nails, minding your outfits, and putting on a professional attitude does make a difference.

Business cards, business wear, business attitude — now that’s what’s going to make the difference. Leaving the 9-to-5 world doesn’t mean rules fly out the window - you just get more leeway…and more rope to hang yourself with.

Make smart decisions and stay luxuriously deluxe,

Isabella Murphy

Working at home isn’t a cakewalk — and Isabella Murphy knows this from experience. If you like what she had to say about fashion for work at home women, why not join her mailing list? You can get special deals, more tips, free mini e-courses, and announcements on her new books for women just like you! In fact, if you join her mailing list before October 30, you will be entered in a contest to win a $100 gift certificate to ObeyYourBody, a site that sells Dead Sea Cosmetics! For more information on why Dead Sea Cosmetics are important, check out what Isabella has to say about these great skincare products!