The Self-Employed Working Mum Uniform
/What Do Self-Employed Women Wear to Work?
This morning, while getting dressed between school runs, making the bed and starting my workday, I caught myself wondering - what do other self-employed people actually reach for every day?
Do we all have a uniform without realising it?
The Architect Wardrobe – Practical, Not Personal
When I worked in practice, my clothes had a job to do. Smart enough for meetings. Practical enough for site.
Hard hat. Steel-toe-capped boots. Affordable smart trousers. Layered tops.
There was nothing “me” about it - it was functional.
The Lecturer Wardrobe – Creative Freedom
Moving into academia in India changed everything.
Suddenly, clothing became a form of expression:
cultural days
colour
experimenting with silhouettes
dressing in a way that felt like me
That was the first time I understood the connection between identity and what we wear to work.
The Self-Employed Uniform – Comfort, Confidence, Consistency
Now? My real daily uniform is simple: Soft, worn-in Zara straight-leg jeans, A comfortable top, A sports bra (real life)
Not because it’s fashionable. Because it lets me:
move
work
film
think
create
without distraction. And confidence comes from comfort.
Why a Uniform Matters When You Work for Yourself
A uniform isn’t about rules. It’s about:
stepping into your role
feeling capable
reducing decision fatigue
showing up as your future self
Even if no one else sees you.
If you’re building a flexible creative career from home, you might also enjoy my guide to entrepreneurial side hustles for architects and designers, where I share practical ways to create income on your own terms.
Dressing for Visibility vs Dressing for Real Life
There’s a difference between filming/teaching/client calls and deep work at home.
For visibility, I elevate:
hair
simple makeup
structured outfit
Because it changes my energy.
inspiration
Your Self-Employed Uniform
So now I’m curious. What are your “comfies”? What do you reach for every day? What makes you feel like you?
