Dress for Success: How Getting Ready Helps You Feel Your Best

If you’ve ever wondered how the women who seem to have it all—confidence, success, and a strong sense of self—got there, here’s the secret: it’s all about how they get dressed. I know, it sounds simple, but trust me, it works. I’ve noticed when I take the time to get ready—even just a little—I feel better, even when I’m working from home.

Let me take you back to when I first started working remotely. I’ll be honest, I fell into the trap of thinking that it was totally fine to stay in sweatpants or pajamas all day. After all, I wasn’t going anywhere, right? But soon, I started noticing that the more I stayed in comfy clothes, the less motivated I felt. It was like I was stuck in this cycle of self-loathing, not really feeling productive, and not really feeling like the best version of myself.

One day, I decided to put a little more effort into getting ready. It wasn’t fully glam by any means, but I put on some light makeup, styled my hair and chose a casual, but elevated at home outfit. And you know what? I felt SO much better. It was like I suddenly had more energy, more focus, and I was ready to tackle the day.

That’s when I realized: dressing for success doesn’t just apply to meetings or big events—it applies every day, no matter where you’re working or what you’re doing. Even the small act of getting dressed can shift your mindset and make you feel like the best version of yourself.

1. First Impressions Matter

We’ve all heard the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," and it’s so true. Whether you're heading into a meeting, running errands, or just getting on a Zoom call, how you present yourself says a lot before you even speak. In fact, studies show people make snap judgments about us based on our appearance—so dressing in a way that makes you feel good actually matters.

It’s funny, but I’ve noticed how people in America seem to have gotten way too comfortable going out in public looking a mess. Whether it’s sweatpants at the grocery store or people rocking a clothing item that should be relegated as pajamas to work, it’s like we’ve forgotten the impact of showing up looking put together. I mean, if you don’t feel good about how you look, how can you expect others to take you seriously?

Taking the time to get ready and present yourself shows that you respect yourself—and that kind of energy is contagious. You start feeling more confident, and people will also start treating you with more respect. Trust me, it makes a difference.

2. Dress for Your Heroic Self

When I started paying more attention to how I dressed, I realized that it wasn’t just about looking good—it was about dressing for the person I want to become. The woman I imagine myself as—the confident, successful, empowered version. And this isn't about spending tons of money or wearing anything super fancy; it’s about wearing clothes that make me feel confident and strong.

When I dress for my "heroic self," I carry myself differently. I stand taller, speak with more confidence, and feel like I can take on whatever the day throws at me. It’s like I’m giving myself permission to be the best version of myself, even on the days that don’t feel perfect.

And here’s the thing: you don’t have to go all out every day, but even taking a few minutes to throw on a cute top, do your hair, or wear something that makes you feel good can have a huge impact.

3. Dress for the Life You Want

The women at the top don’t dress for the life they have right now—they dress for the life they’re building. And that’s something I’ve really started to embrace. I don’t want to wait until I’ve reached some milestone to start dressing the part. Whether it’s building a business, traveling the world, or just living with more freedom, I want my wardrobe to reflect that lifestyle.

And it’s not about spending a ton of money—it’s about dressing with intention. When you dress for the life you want, you begin to feel more aligned with your goals. Every time I take that extra step to put together a look I love, I’m telling myself, “I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”

4. Invest in Yourself—Including Your Wardrobe

Investing in yourself isn’t just about hitting the gym or reading all the self-help books—it’s about taking the time to look after how you present yourself, too. That includes your wardrobe. The top women I look up to don’t just invest in their careers and personal growth—they invest in the way they look and feel, because they know it makes a difference.

That doesn’t mean you need a closet full of designer clothes, but having pieces that make you feel put-together and confident is definitely part of the equation. Whether it’s that one blazer that makes you feel like a boss or a pair of shoes that give you that extra boost, when you invest in things that make you feel good, it pays off.

5. Stay Consistent

One of the best things I’ve learned from from getting ready is the importance of consistency. Getting dressed with intention isn’t a one-time thing—it’s something you do every day. Even on the days when you’re working from home, or don’t anticipate leaving the house, getting ready helps you feel more energized and motivated.

It’s crazy how much of a difference it can make just by throwing on something that makes you feel like a million bucks—even if you’re not leaving the house. And if you’re consistent with it, it becomes a habit. You start showing up more confidently, and it becomes easier to take on whatever challenges come your way.

6. Take Risks and Dress the Part

Getting dressed for success isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling empowered enough to take risks. The women at the top know that dressing with intention helps them step into their power and make bold moves. When you feel like you look the part, you're more likely to act the part.

So, whether it’s going after a new career opportunity or taking a leap in your personal life, dressing like you’re ready for it can give you the boost you need to take that risk.

Conclusion

Getting dressed may seem like a small thing, but trust me—it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re working from home or heading to a meeting, dressing intentionally helps you feel your best and sets you up for success. It’s not about looking perfect or spending a lot of money. It’s about showing up for yourself every day, feeling confident, and stepping into the life you’re building.

So, the next time you’re tempted to stay in your pajamas or sweatpants all day, remember: getting ready—even just a little bit—can make all the difference. It’s a small step that can totally change your energy and mindset. And I promise, it’s worth it.