Today I’m going to talk about something that’s always been close to my heart:
I’m hired for my work and my brain, not my looks
Yes, I’ve written that big.
I’ve always struggled with this corporate image thing, especially for women. Being expected to dress a certain way, to put on make-up, to look “right”. I’m not talking about my right to be dirty or unkempt here, but to not dress up in what sometimes feels, to me, like drag. And I’m not criticising people who like to dress smartly, and especially not those people who dress very individually and interestingly – I’m talking about me and my resentment of the fact that I have had to present myself in a certain way in order to engender respect.
I’m lucky: I’ve not had many times in my life when I’ve had to dress up in office, suity attire. I do make an effort when I go to networking events or to do a presentation, but now I can pretty well choose what I want to wear. But I can remember times at trade shows where I’ve been openly criticised for wearing a dress and jacket, not a suit – “SO unusual”, when it wasn’t.
I’ll openly admit that I’ve not had the courage to be different and stand out; I’ve always toed the line and slunk around in my suit and heels, trying to be invisible. I’m fairly introverted and quiet, and I don’t really like to attract attention by my physical appearance. I do know businesswomen who have brightly coloured hair or unusual outfits and can manage to sail on past the criticism. I salute you!
Anyway, I’ve always maintained that it doesn’t matter what people look like, but what they ARE like. Again, no to smelly and unkempt, but yes to pretty much anything else. And working invisibly like I do, on the other end of a wire(less), behind an email address, means that people probably don’t know what I look like, and hopefully don’t care. They hire me for my mind and my abilities.
Of course, human nature being what it is, I have been advised to, for example, have a photo on my About Me page of my professional website. And I have got one. And I am lucky enough to know Adam Yosef, who takes jolly good photos of me, looking like me. Cardi and scarf, a bit of make-up because, yes, I have got brainwashed into the whole image thing, and frankly it does make me look more awake these days, and we do have to present something of an image to the outside world, still, but it’s me, I think. But I hope that my clients, and potential clients, have a look, OK, she’s a human, a woman, about whatever age I look to be … and then concentrate on hiring the mind inside the outer casing.
This is a bit unfocused, but it’s been interesting jotting my thoughts down. I know I’m the same person with the same gifts, mind and talents as when I was sitting at an office desk stuffed into a suit – but I’m a more comfortable and relaxed home for those gifts, mind and talents now.
You can keep up with this series by clicking on the category “clothing” to the right. And do share / comment / both – I want this to be about us, not me!
Maxine
Nov 07, 2012 @ 09:01:04
Liz I love this! If only you could see me now. I’ve got my tracky bottoms on, hooded top, ‘doggy walking’ jacket, hair scraped back and no make up. Hopefully nobody will request a skype call today because even I will admit I look terrible!!!
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Liz at Libro
Nov 07, 2012 @ 09:03:07
Nice to know I’m not the only one! And I forgot to talk about Skype calls – might add that in later! Makeup and a nice top when in view, tracky bottoms and slippers on the bottom half!
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Maxine
Nov 07, 2012 @ 09:05:07
Yes that is generally what I do. I have a stash of makeup in the office just in case I ever need it! Fortunately these days, I have to admit, it does make me look soooooooo much better!
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Liz at Libro
Nov 07, 2012 @ 09:08:11
I’m so conflicted on that, as I feel annoyed to be sucked in to a value system around artificiality, but I know that if I don’t wear mascara everyone thinks I’m tired and tearful! Hoping to get a good debate going on this today!
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Katharine
Nov 07, 2012 @ 13:22:26
I haven’t worn makeup for more than 25 years. I stopped doing it during my commuter-train-riding employee years, and it saved me so much time each workday morning. It saved me money too; makeup can be expensive! Also years ago, I stopped perming my straight, fine hair and stopped coloring it—more money savings, plus healthier hair. And on the incredibly rare occasions that I must meet face-to-face with a client, I don’t even wear pantyhose. The one concession to convention that I still make is wearing a bra when out and about. I’m ever so glad to take it off when I get back to my home office!
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Liz at Libro
Nov 07, 2012 @ 13:32:34
Thanks for today’s comment, Katharine – much appreciated! I have to say I am fully supported at all times, even if such attire is not so much dainty as sports-orientated much of the time …
I used to have all sorts of hair colour, and suppose I could take advantage of my relative anonymity to make it all stripy and such like if I fancy it!
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What the well-dressed homeworker is wearing 5 – Wednesday ... | small business, consulting services | Scoop.it
Nov 07, 2012 @ 17:32:04
Ruth Jarvis
Nov 07, 2012 @ 18:04:36
I always had this same issue with my previous business as a work from home self-employed lawyer. I am far more comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt and slippers but obviously the public face of a lawyer has to be the smart office trousers/skirt and blouse thing – not really my style as a run-ragged mum of four! Much happier now I have completely changed my business all together and have gone from the smart world of laywers to a jewellery maker! Doesn’t really what I wear now as it’s mainly done behind closed doors! If I do craft fairs and things though and “go out into the big scary world” then I guess I will have to have a rethink about the public image I will have to put on! Interesting points – really great blog! Thanks for sharing.
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Liz at Libro
Nov 07, 2012 @ 18:08:00
Thank you for dropping by to comment and for your story! I’m glad you’ve found this post interesting – do have a look at the other ones in the series too!
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Sam
Nov 07, 2012 @ 18:37:40
I used to work from home but now work from an office, but do have the choice now and then…When I do work from home, I get dressed smartly and I more often than not put make up on. It seems to change my mindset! Its not really that I have been sucked into a world where looking groomed means being taken seriously but a) I look rough without make up and b) someone ALWAYS knocks on the door when I am lolling in my pj’s with bed hair.
When I go to the office and don’t have clients to see I have ‘work dresses’ that I wear but I like to team them with funky accessories and usually boots. I don’t really ‘do’ corporate. I only occasionally dress down…but always feel like a naughty school girl when I do.
However, I am a great believer in not judging books by covers…..
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Liz at Libro
Nov 07, 2012 @ 19:26:00
Thanks for dropping by to comment, Sam, and for sharing your feelings on the subject. Sounds like you’ve got it all how you like it and feel comfortable, which is great. Hmm, I seem to recall accessories …
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What the well-dressed homeworker is wearing 7 – Friday | Adventures in full-time self-employment
Nov 09, 2012 @ 09:26:25