I've always wondered why there's a preoccupation with workshifters' attire--specifically, the assumption that we're all decked out in pajamas. There's something subtly disparaging about it, too, as if workshifters are deceptively mucking about in PJs all day long. Have you ever lingered in pajamas? It gets old. Fast.

In addition to wearing daytime clothing, workshifters also need to stay groomed--just like everyone else. My husband and I go to the same hair salon and usually schedule our appointments back-to-back so we can carpool together. While one of us relaxes with a delightful pre-trim scalp massage, the other workshifts in front of the salon's fireplace.

During a recent trip to the salon, I overheard our stylist teasing my husband about his mullet. (He wasn't in full mullet territory, but things were definitely overgrown.) The mullet jibe reminded me of something I'd seen on Facebook. In a status update, one of my contacts mentioned that she was working from home and decked out in her workshifting attire for a remote meeting: business on top and party on the bottom (i.e., blazer on top and pajamas on the bottom). Oh, those occasional workshifters and their sneaky pajama-wearing ways.

Truth be told, I've had my own exercise in deception while holiday video conferencing with far-flung family and friends. Having been burned one too many times by my husband's uncensored room panning, I decided that this year I would carefully stage a single corner of the living room to give the illusion of decorum and order. Our official set was distilled to a twinkling Christmas tree, freshly plumped pillows, and steaming mugs of hot chocolate. You might say that our holiday background was all business, while the unvacuumed carpet, dusty woodwork, and precariously piled books screamed party (or, rather, the morning after the party).

This is completely silly, I know. We live and work in our house. So what if things are a little messy in the background? Personally, I've always felt that business attire is nothing more than a carefully constructed illusion of professionalism. Does wearing a suit mean that I am a better worker? Does it make me more productive? (No and no.) I've worked in suits-only environments. In my experience, suits certainly didn't make coworkers more professional in their work or the way they interacted with one another. In fact, suits may very well have been the reason they seemed so cranky.

But should there be a standard for workshifting attire? Yes: common sense. Gauge what's appropriate attire for your company or client environments and dress accordingly during video conferences. Otherwise, choose clothing that enables you to be productive, focused, and prepared for the task at hand. I happen to work better in jeans and a t-shirt. If suits make you happy, then bust a move with your trousers and jacket.

Pajamas, however, are for bedtime.

Photo Credit: David Steltz

There is something about working away from a typical office setting that says pajamas, sweatpants and free t-shirts (why are they so comforting?). For some, getting away from the 3-piece, the tie, the uncomfortable shoes and tucked in culture is a driving force to take the leap into working from home, the airport, the beach or wherever your work-life takes you.

For me, I'm young, into music and pop culture and like to carry a certain style, even at 8am in the coffee shop. Getting into this feeling of comfort allows me to focus less on shifting and more on working (swear the pun was unintentional). My work outside the office wardrobe consists of a nice pair of jeans, some Nike Skateboard Sneakers, a printed tee and a fitted cap. Paint that stereotype.

This type of dress allows me to work in my element, or my zone per say. It may not be your cup of tea, but finding a way to get dressed and motivated can increase productivity and instill a mindset that is geared for working.

Here are 5 Things About My Attire and My Daily Grind

1. Conversation starters.

When I am public wearing a graphic tee that has some sort of meaning, or invokes someone into curiosity, it has the ability to opens communication and starts a conversation with someone. I regularly wear Rock For Hunger shirts, a nonprofit that I work for, and it always creates conversation, from someone locally saying they volunteered, or wanted to volunteer, to strangers far away who want to get involved and make donations. I also know that I can learn a lot from other people and their situations and getting them to open up is the key!

2. Nike's mean I can walk in comfort and style.

My shoes of choice are Nike's and I love their SB Brand (skateboard). The shoes are durable, comfy and look great with either jeans or slacks - yes I am that Gen-Y, rocking sneakers with suit pants. Having comfy shoes makes walking in big cites enjoyable and also gives me the freedom to walk more - something that assists in keeping myself healthy. Imagine loving to walk 20 blocks mid day instead of taking a cab. This gives you a nice little heart rate bump and saved $10 so you can buy another tee to start a new chat.

3. Gear Bags.

My bags and my gear are a huge part of how I work and how I GTD. I have started a nice little collection including the over the shoulder laptop case, the big backpack and the little Kiva foldup bag. Being comfortable lugging around your electronics and having easy access to things like power cords, cameras, pens and business cards sure makes my life easier. I'd love to know your favorite bags and Lea from LocationIndependent.com goes over some top choices for LIP's.

4. Self-Reflection.

One of the best parts about my "work" attire is that I can look at my life and know that I have created my own "corporate" culture and acknowledge where I am at in this portion of my life. Style changes over time and really from day-to-day, but my values and having that opportunity to be who I am, is something really powerful in my daily grind.

5. Customization.

Just because I love wearing tees and jeans, doesn't mean that I get to wear them everyday. Client meetings, video shoots and conferences have their moments to wear that tie and jacket. Customization can also include mash-ups from jeans and a blazer to flip-flops with button downs. Having that customized freedom opens your mindset from going into your closet every morning and grabbing the same khakis and shirt that make your life feel so routine.

How does your style affect your performance?

For those of you still working in office settings, or those that split time to those that are 100% independent, how does your dress impact your performance? Can you accomplish and innovate in PJ's the way you could in a suit? Does your personality and passion explode when you are free to express yourself?

For me, waking up in the morning and getting ready for the day is something that helps shape my entire mindset. From my attitude to my motivation and production to how I talk, write and perform.

Photos by: Cool People Care, skateonrails, double-h, B_Tal, & twentysixcats