With increasing numbers of people working from home, is every day a dress-down day?

Some people use the opportunity of working from home to sit at their desk wearing pajamas or, at the most, a tracksuit and no make-up. However, there are others who feel that they need to dress the part, even when running their business from home.

Mimi Bell, who runs an editorial and publications consultancy from home, is an example of this. On most days she is at her desk by 7.30 am, with her hair done, in full make-up and business-wear. She explains: “It’s just who I am by nature. For me to do my very best work, I need to present as a professional. If I was sitting in my PJs at my desk I would be thinking of crawling back under the covers.”

On the other side of the scale is Karen Scheel, who runs a jewellery design business from her house. She said: “I will not get dressed. I will comb my hair and brush my teeth. My work outfit is PJs and a shirt and slippers. Sometimes I will do my hair and makeup and put on jeans.”

Does it really matter what you wear? Dr. Jain Syed, a psychiatrist based in the US, claims that you should dress to fit your work situation and present yourself as a professional. Perhaps he just doesn’t have the opportunity to work from home….