One of the best perks of freelancing is escaping the monotony of uptight office wear that so often accompanies the cubicle. While you don’t have to wear heels and a suit every day, the life of a freelancer does require you to set some boundaries.

Your appearance can have just as much of an effect on your work ethic as your environment does. If you have dishes piled high in the sink and clothes tousled about, you’re likely to be more distracted and disorientated than you would be if working from a cleaner space. The same can be said about trying to accomplish important tasks with a messy bed head. It’s hard to take yourself seriously if you’re not in the right state of mind to conquer the day.

Therefore, it’s best to avoid lounging in your pajama pants, sweats, or exercise gear all afternoon. Instead, dress for the activity you’re going to do. If you look and feel your best, you won’t be tempted to put off that video call or meet with clients. Good intentions make for success, and you’ll find a boost in your
productivity, confidence, and overall mood if you put just a little bit of effort into how you look.

From Top to Bottom

If you’re the only one if the room, you can get away with a button down shirt and joggers or leggings. The key is to show some restraint by keeping it casual on the bottom and all boss on top. In fact, anything with a collar (dress shirt or not) will go a long way in creating a presentable look when you’re just sitting down for a long day at the computer.

Dress Up The Basics

In terms of sophisticated but relaxed separates, if you really want to get laid back, pull on a snarky t-shirt from Threadless. They’re affordable, comfy, and when paired with a blazer or sweater, can still give the impression that you mean business. If you’re wary of men’s cardigans, Express has a whole line that best accompanies plain tees for a cozy yet professional ensemble. Nine West’s Draped Open-Front Top, on the other hand, epitomizes the relaxed women’s jacket.

Find a Versatile Pant

With workplace bottom wear, it’s best to opt for black or a pop of color as they best embody style. Barbell’s jeans and chinos are made to move and be worn all day while looking like stiff denim. However, if you’re interested in a more transitional pant that can be taken out on the town, a tailored skinny trouser with just the right amount of stretch, and a flexible waistband will do the trick. Check out the men’s ABC Pant Classic from Lululemon that appears to be stylish but actually wicks away sweat and is ultra flexible. And ladies, the Mara Skinny Knit Pant from Neiman Marcus combines the feel of sportswear with a sleek black business pant that is so comfortable you’ll think you’re wearing yoga pants.

Pants, however, can even be replaced with the everyday easy dress. Kit & Ace offers dresses and skirts for any body type in neutral tones that are drapeable and layer friendly.

It’s the Little Things

With the right accessories, any outfit can be dressed up or down. A sharp pair of glasses, for example, can make a powerful business statement, and a watch with changeable bands is ideal for varying looks. Forever 21 also has affordable jewelry options like fun droopy earrings and chunky rings that will spice up a day of typing.

As far as footwear is concerned, shoes can be a thing of the past. No one will care if you rock a pair of fuzzy socks if they can’t see them. However, it’s worth noting that Target has perfected the no mess ballet flat you can pop on and head on out the door should you have to.

Get a Stylist

If you have a hard time finding exactly what you want in the store, Stitch Fix will send things straight to your door. Just tell them what you like, your size and price range, and they’ll pick it out for you. Plus shipping is free, so if you don’t end up fancying what you get, you can send it right back without the hassle.

Whether you’re working from home or at the coffee shop down the street, make the best of your opportunity to set your own dress code and express your unique sense of style. Mix and match tops and bottoms effortlessly, and feel free to wear things multiple times. After all, there’s no one around to notice if you’re a repeat offender.

What about you? Do you have any style hacks?  Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.