Donald Trump Announces End to Remote Work for Federal Employees: Who Will Be a Casualty of Casual Dress?
President Donald Trump recently announced that he’s planning to end remote work for government employees, with signs pointing to a percentage of businesses following suit.
End-of-year greetings to you, my friends!
I am so very thankful for all your support this year. As we look forward to a new calendar year, I would love to give you more! It’s not only light and color that make us glow. Many things make us glow: healthy relationships, vibrant health, good skincare, balanced mental health, sound sleep, and many more important aspects of being a productive and healthy human being.
Definitely, the clothes we wear can do wonders for our outward appearance, but they can’t cancel out bad habits, negative relationships, or other factors that sap our inner glow.
As I reflect on the coming year, I’m looking to add more of this type of content here. We’ve all been through a lot in the last five years. Let’s keep working on ourselves in all these important areas so we can glow inside and out!
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End to Remote Work For Federal Employees: Who Will Be a Casualty of Casual Dress?
Tatyana Wilson, Ed.S. helps people empower themselves with a carefully curated wardrobe of biologically correct colors, good tailoring, and elevated accessories. She writes at www.lightlovescolor.com.
President-elect Donald Trump recently announced that he’s planning to end remote work for government employees, with signs pointing to a percentage of businesses following suit. While we mere citizens may not have the power to make these sweeping decisions about the future of work, make no mistake: the ripple effects of this decision will impact many of us.
For those who rely on jobs to support our families, pay bills, and keep a roof over our heads, the question isn't whether we'll be asked to return to the office. It's about how we’ll show up when we do. Many of us have spent nearly 4 years working from home, and the world of work–not to mention dress–has irrevocably changed. However, if things transition back, the one thing we can control is whether we make the best of the situation.
So here’s the question I have: If we’re told to go back to the office, will we capitalize on what we’ve learned from psychology about dressing for success, or will we be a casualty of casual dress?
The Power of Dressing for Success
While remote work has allowed us to embrace comfort and convenience, it's important to acknowledge that how we dress can significantly affect our mindset, productivity, and how we’re perceived in professional settings.
When we dress intentionally, we tap into a psychological phenomenon known as enclothed cognition. This is the idea that our clothes directly influence how we think, feel, and perform. Specifically, research shows that people who dress in what is regarded as professional attire are more likely to feel empowered, confident, and capable of taking on challenges. According to a study by The Journal of Business Research, participants who dressed in formal clothing performed better in tasks requiring attention and concentration. Similarly, a Harvard Business Review study found that formal attire led to increased productivity, improved problem-solving skills, and better leadership. It’s clear—when we dress with purpose, we unlock more of our potential.
However, because so many people have gotten accustomed to the casual style of remote work the last couple of years, it’s going to be a challenge to get out of the habit of only dressing for comfort rather than professionalism. As the bar has been slowly lowered, it might feel like wearing sweatpants or a t-shirt is the way to go, but if you want to stand out, be taken seriously, and succeed in your career, it's time to rethink that mindset and to consider going back to more professional clothes.
The Business of Casual Dress: A False Sense of Security
While casual dress is often seen as a more relaxed approach to work attire, it can sometimes betray us. Dressing down, while comfortable, can signal a lack of seriousness, commitment, and focus. In fact, studies have shown time and time again that people who dress too casually are often perceived as less competent or less capable.
A study from The University of California, Berkeley revealed that people who dress in business casual attire were perceived as less professional and less authoritative than those who wore business attire. Casual dress can also lead to a decline in productivity and motivation. If your outfit doesn’t make you feel empowered, it’s harder to stay focused, perform at your best, and maintain the energy needed for the job. So this affects our mindsets as well as other people’s perceptions. This is not a great trade-off.
It's Not Just About Clothes, It's About Mindset
Professional attire doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit every day, but it does mean that when you dress for work, you do so with intention. A well-tailored outfit, the right colors, and strategic accessories can significantly impact your confidence and how you’re perceived in the workplace.
Take colors, for example. Biologically enhancing colors can boost your energy, enhance your complexion, and elevate your mood. Throwing in some bright colors can give off an energetic vibe, help you be more approachable, convey trustworthiness, help you appear more competent and authoritative, and many other psychological benefits for both yourself and those around you. Warm tones like coral, peach, or golden yellow are perfect for warm-toned individuals, while cool tones like navy, blue, and purple are perfect for those with predominantly cooler undertones. Colors can directly influence how others perceive your professionalism and expertise.
Let’s not forget about tailoring and fit. Even casual pieces like a well-fitted blazer, a smart pair of trousers, or a structured dress can elevate your look and make you feel more empowered and capable. The key is to find the right balance between professionalism and comfort—what we call the Classy Casual look. This style allows you to maintain a polished appearance while still feeling comfortable and approachable.
"Be uniquely you. Stand out. Shine. Be colorful. The world needs your prismatic soul!"
- Amy Leigh Mercree
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Practical Tips for Dressing for Success
Fit is Everything: Invest in clothing that fits well. Tailored blazers, trousers, and dresses give you an instant power boost. You don’t need to wear a full suit, but pieces that highlight your body’s natural shape will help you feel confident and look professional.
Embrace Colors That Work for You: Use your biologically correct colors to enhance your natural beauty. Choose colors that make your skin glow and that boost your energy. Whether you’re warm-toned or cool-toned, wearing the right hues will make you feel more confident and help others see you in your best light.
Invest in Timeless Pieces: Think quality over quantity. Invest in classic pieces that can transition from day to night, from formal meetings to casual workdays. A well-made blazer, a crisp button-down shirt, and a tailored pair of pants never go out of style.
Use Accessories to Elevate Your Look: Bold accessories—whether it’s a statement necklace, a stylish watch, or a pair of bold shoes—can elevate even a simple outfit. Accessories add personality, and they draw attention to your face, which is key when creating a lasting impression.
Feel Comfortable, But Look Intentional: Dressing for success doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. You can still dress smartly without feeling uncomfortable. Opt for fabrics that breathe and allow movement, while still maintaining a professional, polished look.
Whatever It Takes
As we watch over the next few months to see if the world is destined to slowly return to in-person work, we have a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned during this time working remotely. This isn’t just about following a dress code—it’s about respecting yourself, your career, and your potential. Dressing well doesn’t only affect how others perceive you, it impacts how you feel about yourself and your ability to succeed.
Whatever the workplace transition looks like, whether your office moves from remote to hybrid or fully in-person, take control of your narrative. Dressing for success, using biologically correct colors, and wearing pieces that fit your personality and career goals is a strategy that guarantees growth, productivity, and career advancement. Make it your mission to show up for yourself.
If the slushes, mushes, and rain gushes aren’t a thing for you this year, then count your blessings! We have had mild temperatures with plenty of precipitation. I have these exact Sperry boots (that are actually incredibly comfortable) for these types of occasions. I also know that a lot of us love down parkas. My tip for wearing a down parka without looking too poofy is to find one with an inner waist cord or an outer belt. This way there’s still some shape to give you a more flattering silhouette. I personally don’t have a parka that looks exactly like this, mine is sleeveless, but same rules apply. Stay dry and safe out there!
Why Good Sleep Is Essential
Brain Detox: The glymphatic system works most efficiently during deep sleep, clearing out harmful proteins and waste products like beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
Cognitive Health: Regular, high-quality sleep improves memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Beauty Sleep: Sleep is when the body regenerates, repairing skin cells and producing collagen, which keeps your skin glowing and youthful.
Emotional Regulation: Restorative sleep helps stabilize mood and reduces stress, enhancing your overall appearance and confidence.
Tips for Better Sleep
Stick to a Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your circadian rhythm.
Create a Sleep Sanctuary: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and invest in comfortable bedding.
Limit Blue Light Exposure: Avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime to promote melatonin production.
Mind Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as they disrupt sleep quality.
Wind Down: Establish a calming pre-sleep routine, such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath.
Get Active: Regular physical activity during the day promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
Hydrate Smartly: Stay hydrated but avoid drinking large amounts of water late at night to prevent frequent bathroom trips.
Why It Matters for Light Loves Color Readers
Great sleep isn’t just a wellness habit—it’s a glow-up essential! If you want to maximize the benefits of wearing biologically correct colors and showing off luminous skin, it starts with restorative sleep. A rested brain and body allow you to look and feel your best, projecting the confidence and radiance that elevate your style.
Invest in your rest, and your glow will follow. ✨
Until next time, dress well, my friend!
~Tatyana