How Having a Writer Wardrobe Makes Me Feel More Like a Writer
And a winning writer, at that
When it comes to getting dressed everyday as a freelancer, what are your go-to outfits? Leggings + sneakers + oversize tee? Monochrome joggers/crewneck set + Birkenstocks?
While whipping up a feature story in loungewear does sometimes work, it’s good to have a consistent look that makes you feel more like the professional writer you are.
Why, you ask? Looking polished puts you in a better headspace to focus. For example, wearing jeans + blazer + heels — as opposed to your pajamas — can significantly impact your ability to crank out articles.
After all, when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you become unstoppable.
What is a Writer Wardrobe?
A writer wardrobe is a workweek uniform geared specifically to freelance writers who like routine. We have our routine coffee shops we work in, our routine music we listen to when writer’s block hits, and our routine workouts we rely on to clear our minds before a full day of click-clacking on our MacBooks.
Why should getting dressed — routinely speaking — be any different?
If you’re looking for a way to seriously boost your productivity, adopting this concept of a Writer Wardrobe will give you a leg up on other writers who don’t take their look (and consequently their work) seriously.
I’ve written about The Power of a Signature Style, How to be Stylish, Not Basic, and a slew of other style-related-to-productivity posts, but today’s post hits a bit harder on really getting into the mindset of the writer you know you want to be.
Dress Your Mind Right
Keep in mind possessing a Writer Wardrobe is not a one-size-fits-all feat.
Your style might skew more toward minimalism. It might be more on the conservative side, or it may have a strong bohemian vibe.
I am going to share with you what my Writer Wardrobe looks like from week to week, as an example and guide for your own unique Writer Wardrobe — fit specifically for you.
My Writer Wardrobe consists of the following rotation of outfits, Monday-Friday, and it rarely lets me down in the face of creativity, inspiration, and (most importantly) productivity.
- Vintage tee + Oversize blazer + Jeans + Loafers: Example here
- Bodysuit + Kimono + Leggings + Heels: Example here
- Military jumpsuit + Ankle boots: Example here
Find Your Key Statement Piece
I am much more inclined to produce quality, creative work that I’m proud of when I’m wearing one of my three go-to kimonos. Kimonos, for me, are the key piece that pulls my whole Writer Look together.
Why? They strike the perfect balance between elegance and playfulness. They hit the functionality/comfortability/versatility sweet spot that women drive themselves crazy over trying to find. I highly recommend you go find yourself one or 10. Or maybe just wait until I launch my clothing line :)
A key statement piece will set the tone for the state of mind you need to be in as a writer — the state of mind that makes you the kind of money you very well deserve.
No matter what your Writer Look is, what’s important is that it’s a reflection of you, and your writing.
Whether you’re working on a book, a column, one-off articles for clients, or are pitching new ideas to publications, give the Writer Wardrobe experiment a go and see if it makes a difference in your mood and energy.
Conclusion
You feel good when you look good. And you look good when you feel good. This advice will never not be true.
Even if you aren’t working with someone face-to-face, your confidence (or lack thereof) will reveal itself over the phone, through email, and in your writing. And that confidence is directly tied to your appearance (and therefore your mindset).
In sum, getting dressed matters. Looking like a professional matters. Taking yourself seriously matters.
Let me know what your Writer Wardrobe looks like, and ask me if you need help in finding your Writer Style.
Good luck!
Thank you for reading.
Ashley Alt is a writer based in Connecticut. Her area of expertise lies in mental health + self-improvement, but she can’t help her allure to fashion. Laughing is her favorite thing to do. She is a SoulCycle addict and a big proponent of the 4-day workweek.
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Need to contact her? Email her: ashley.lauren.alt@gmail.com
