https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:49:21 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-985016 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 14:58:16 +0000 Ornella 985016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC, sending positive thoughts for your mum.</p> <p>But your story..... something to think about. A lot! Thank you for sharing it in such&nbsp;eloquent way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984886 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:05:01 +0000 Debra 984886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope your Mum is okay and everything goes well for her, it's a worrying time for you and it's interesting to hear that dressing with confidence helped both here and with work. Now I think about it there are certain outfits I reach for when it's going to be a long day at work...............interesting </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984881 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 13:00:53 +0000 Suz 984881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC - I am so sorry to hear about your mother. She (and you) are in my thoughts.&nbsp;</p> <p>As for the clothing epiphany, I agree with you - it can make a huge difference what we wear, even at home. I've been aiming for a happy balance of casual yet "pulled together." I achieve it better some days than others. But i really do aim to dress in an "outfit" every day, and I find it helps my productivity if I do.&nbsp;</p> <p>The poet Keats used to "adonize" himself to work at home at his desk. Meaning he would put on a fresh shirt every morning, make sure he was all pressed and ready to go. Even back then, people sometimes teased him about it. But who knows? If he hadn't dressed, maybe we wouldn't have his poetry? He only had a few years to write it. If he'd worked slower, it wouldn't have happened.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984875 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:53:00 +0000 Anonymous 984875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC, I'm sending you and your mom good thoughts.</p> <p>Your thoughtful post resonated with me. &nbsp;Thanks for sharing.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984872 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:52:34 +0000 cinnamon fern 984872@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Fingers crossed for your mom! &nbsp;I hope they explained that most/the vast majority of biopsies turn out to be nothing. &nbsp;Take this from a 41 year old who just had her third core needle biopsy </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984864 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:37:15 +0000 Anonymous 984864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC - so sorry to hear that more tests are needed. Always a scary time. </p> <p>You know when I am in lounge wear/pajamas, I am "just" a stay at home mom. When I wear a knit skirt with a tee shirt...I am woman....hear me ROAR! Either way I am physically comfortable, but mentally is a whole different story. </p> <p>I totally agree that it is a different mindset. I don't need to dress fancy, but I definitely need to dress like "me". I am most comfortable in a dressier piece with a casual piece. </p> <p>On the weekends I try to stay in lounge wear longer to remind me that it is a weekend and I should relax. Getting dressed means that I have work to do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984848 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:13:29 +0000 TraceyLiz65 984848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been wanting to shout this from the mountain tops and to all those who think I break the 'stay at home" mom code. &nbsp; I recently had a freind ask me if I dressed up to stay home, you betcha! &nbsp;Puts me in a better more productive mood...Don't think anyone can really understand the power of this unless they try it for themselves!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984842 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:06:24 +0000 krishnidoux 984842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is a great story. Loved it. Thanks for sharing. Your Mom is in my prayers.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984838 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 12:00:09 +0000 goldenpig 984838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about your mom and hope everything goes OK. I agree, clothes can help boost our confidence and serve as our armor against the world. Great epiphany and glad you could stay strong for your mom. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984795 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:12:18 +0000 ManidipaM 984795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>All the best to your mum!</p> <p>This is a great realization, though, isn't it? It's the one that convinced me a couple of years back that YLF was a useful place for me to hang out ;-)</p> <p>Not only do I get more done workwise when dressed for 'efficiency', though still pretty casual by most yardsticks, I also get more done around the house, or at the shops---because I'm *not* in lounge mode, or lady of leisure mode, or gypsy-trippin' mode or (my favourite) it's-too-hot/cold/rainy-to-move mode! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984773 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:45:40 +0000 Lyn D. 984773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have found that wearing 'lounge-gear' all day is 'too much of a good thing' for me too. I do struggle though at times, and with the best of intentions, don't change from my morning work-out stuff at all if I am staying at home all day.<br />I have just about decided to aim for a more minimal wardrobe, so that the guilt surrounding not wearing all those clothes is reduced! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984744 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 08:00:47 +0000 Anonymous 984744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So sorry to hear about your mum. I hope for the best outcome. <br />I loved reading your post VC. It makes perfect sense that dressing in certain ways affects the way we think and behave. Even the way we 'sound'. I'm going to try to do this more often. I need it particularly today as I work from home, with work really piling up and now I have a sick child off school. Thank you for this reminder VC. Oh, and 'hugs' to you and your mum. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984683 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 04:34:14 +0000 velvetychocolate 984683@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There might be Lantana (global synchronicity I mean). Funny how dressing up a bit - despite a casual lifestyle - makes such a difference. </p> <p>In the end, I suspect that we all need some balance - it's all well and good to dress for one's dominant lifestyle, but at the same time - it seems like it's easy to get a bit stuck in one place, and have that dominant lifestyle (and clothing to match) get in the way of moving forward. </p> <p>Thank you for the good wishes about my Mum. I think it'll be ok, just that it's a bit unnerving. </p> <p>Did you say *winter* ????? You must be in Australia. Here's hoping spring arrives soon. Am patiently (well not so patiently) awaiting the cooler weather. </p> <p>Meanwhile, could you send over some of that Super Organized wizardry? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984676 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 04:15:03 +0000 Lantana 984676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>VC, is there some strange global synchronicity operating here?<br />I am at home, a quiet backwater of a town deep in the countryside, I am "dressed up" and I am positively powering through my day.<br />I don't work for dollars but have several voluntary projects that gobble up great chunks of my time.<br />This past week I've felt the need to pull some dressy orphans into the daily round, (something to do with mid-winter malaise?) and the result is that I have been very productive and am now Super Organised, a feeling I relish. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ~<br />Now to your bad news - your Mum would have appreciated your support. She is lucky to have you and I hope the biopsy results will be what you hope for.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984662 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:55:16 +0000 Jaime 984662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think this is totally on topic VC. Very sorry about your mom and I hope it all goes well. I don't have a clear enough head to elaborate but I love and agree with your epiphany. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984661 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:54:40 +0000 velvetychocolate 984661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you're right DonnaF - reminds me of my husband doing the telecommuting thing - always insisted on 'getting dressed' for work, even though he was working from home. Dress shirt, dress-casual pants and so on (no, not a suit and tie, but still slightly dressy) - he said it was important because it helped him get into 'work mode' somehow. </p> <p>Me? I've just somehow slid into this project - so dressing up at home (without really needing to) is kind of new to me. Thing is? It absolutely does have an effect on productivity, efficiency and most of all - confidence. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984656 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:49:47 +0000 velvetychocolate 984656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks sarah - I'm feeling a bit freaked out about it. Thank you for keeping your fingers crossed, I really appreciate it.&nbsp; Now it's a wait-and-see thing.</p> <p>Stressed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984655 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:49:05 +0000 DonnaF 984655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope your mom's biopsy turns out okay.</p> <p>What you said about dressing and productivity brought to mind a recent exchange on office dress on my professional association's forum.&nbsp; One fellow said he ALWAYS wears a tie at work and even dons one if he needs to get work done at home because if he doesn't he simply doesn't get as much done.&nbsp; Somehow, that tie puts him in *work mode*.&nbsp; </p> <p>I don't think that I need to go so far as to don a pencil skirt and hosiery (from when I first started working!) plus a blazer, but I doubt that wearing jammies puts me in the most productive frame of mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984637 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:30:11 +0000 sarah 984637@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gosh, I'm really sorry about your mom. Fingers crossed for both of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984632 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:23:58 +0000 rae 984632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very sorry to hear about your mom, but glad that you have found a way to feel up and motivated and together. Clothes definitely affect our outlook! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984614 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 03:06:40 +0000 velvetychocolate 984614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone. </p> <p>Caro - I find it interesting too - the casual thing just isn't working very well for me on a regular basis, even though I have a casual lifestyle. </p> <p>I'm just coming around to the realization that sometimes the clothes you wear have an effect on <i>what you're doing.</i> Further - it's not just whether you have a casual lifestyle or a corporate lifestyle (or a creative or scientific bent). </p> <p>It's turning out (for me) that maybe I should get dressed based on what I want to achieve, and how I want to "be" on a particular day. </p> <p>Although my lifestyle is very casual, I am working on a somewhat technical and complex project right now. Dressing up a bit today helped a lot more than I expected. </p> <p>Like I said, slouching around in my shorts and tees wasn't helping me. Those same shorts and tees would be perfect for a weekend away or a day 'off' - but just because I'm "at home" - this doesn't mean what I wear makes no difference. I was truly surprised at what a difference dressing up just a little bit made today. I'm doing something that I'm not naturally good at (the project), really having to stretch myself - and it took slightly dressier clothing to make me feel smarter and more efficient than I really am. Don't laugh, but I think it helped.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Most interesting to me? Dressing based on what you want achieve.&nbsp;</p> <p>So, my little epiphany has me realizing that it's useful to get dressed based on what you want to achieve, where you're going, and who you want to be that day. </p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984602 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 02:45:35 +0000 Caro in Oz 984602@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear about your mum, but glad you felt strong enough to be there for her. Hope the results are good.</p> <p>This is <b>so </b>interesting - I never feel "right" or "dressed" or&nbsp;"me" in super casual - as much as I love it on others. More food for thought. I've been trying to find my casual look this winter without really feeling 100% about it&nbsp;&nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984601 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 02:44:50 +0000 lyn* 984601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aww. A biopsy (I'm guessing a fine needle) makes her a bit tender for a day or two, but usually pretty low complications - I had one myself, and I think my mom made a much bigger deal out of it than it actually was (although I think I cried - but I was 17).</p> <p>I'm glad you were able to draw strength from your clothes and feel confident and be strong for your mom.</p> <p>*BIG HUGS* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984597 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 02:37:52 +0000 MsMary 984597@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yep.&nbsp; I couldn't agree more!</p> <p>I'm sorry about your mom and I'm happy your clothes helped you both get through it today! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/epiphany---clothes-make-the-woman-more-efficient-confident-just-a-little-bit-more-powerful#post-984594 Fri, 19 Jul 2013 02:35:58 +0000 velvetychocolate 984594@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I have a very casual lifestyle, even though I'm working on a big project at home. Casual jeans and tee shirts are the norm. Cooking, cleaning, organizing at home, while also working on a fairly big project.</p> <p>This morning, I was up and out the door by 8am - even though I didn't need to be. I was just going to do some grocery shopping before starting on my day. </p> <p>That said - I decided to try something a little different. Dressed as if I were going to the office. I wore light, summer-weight grey dress pants, a smoke-blue button down dress shirt, a fancy statement necklace, and carried my nicer oxblood MK handbag. Even dabbed on Narciso Rodiguez "For Her" cologne (for the grocery store!) behind my ears and on my wrists. Put my hair up in a chignon, added matte silver stud earrings, and for a bit of "jauntiness" added some Ray-Ban (knock-off) style sunnies. I'm just going to the grocery store and coming right back home. <i>This is dumb, right?</i> I even added some red lipstick atop my usual lip balm. </p> <p>You know what? I got more done on my project in one day than I've gotten done in two weeks!!!</p> <p>I'm shocked! </p> <p>Seems slouching around the house in shorts and tees isn't very good for me or my self-esteem. :(</p> <p>I think there is something to be said for dressing in a way that is appropriate for one's lifestyle, <i>while also dressing "up" a wee bit if you're moving on.</i> I'm&nbsp; moving on, but have been kind of 'stuck' in my "at home" wear. </p> <p>Bad news/good news? I was well prepared (ie. much stronger) when I got the call at 10:30 am this morning that my Mom's "further testing" at the imaging place didn't go so well - she'll need a biopsy. This is a mammogram, followed by ultrasound testing (today) - and now biopsy stuff. She sounded scared and upset, and I was somehow able to come across as reassuring and confident. </p> <p>Hate to say it, and while it might sound stupid - I would have fallen apart if I hadn't been wearing my dress pants and crisp shirt. I just know I would have started crying and ended up in a heap on the floor or something. Because of my "I'm going to work" outfit, I was able to stay strong and confident-sounding on the phone with my Mom. </p> <p>Moral of the story? </p> <ul> <li>sometimes you have to show up for something that you're not expecting</li> <li>what you're wearing can affect your productivity, confidence and clarity</li> <li>what you're wearing can actually affect how you "sound" to others - my Mom sounded&nbsp;relieved after we talked on the phone. No, she couldn't see me - <i>but the clothes I was wearing today had an effect on my voice.</i> </li> </ul> <p>Not sure if this should be part of the main forums or moved to "off topic" (insert awkward, embarrassed, but still-confident smile here). Just thought I'd share - in case any one else finds it useful. Better to dress "up" than dress down, imo. </p> <p>Now batting for Team Dressy. Don't care how hot it is outside, how 'casual' my lifestyle might be right now, or what the heck's going on out there.&nbsp; </p> <p>Too casual makes me feel bad, makes me less productive and less confident. I'm very surprised at what a difference dressing up a little bit makes for me. </p> </p>