If you’re a millennial, you likely have friends who freelance, run their own companies or work a second job (or a combination of those things). In fact, you may have a side hustle or two of your own. For many millennials, a side hustle is simply a fact of life.

But how should you be dressing for your side hustle? How do you dress when you’re meeting with potential financiers? Or for a pitch meeting? You want to look polished and put-together but still show off your stylish personality. Here’s how to dress professionally in the era of the millennial side-hustle.

Don’t be afraid of colour

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The right color can help convey the exact message you want to say about yourself. So don’t be afraid of those bold shades and bright hues! Colourful clothing – or even just a pop of colour – can make a person stand out in a room.

Play with different textures

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Dare to be a little different from the rest and try mixing textures. Playing with different textures is chic but still professional. Leather can be great for a meeting if paired with a classy, second texture like tweed.

Prints can be both professional and fun

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Prints can be great conversation starters as they are fun but still sleek and polished. Just don’t wear anything too loud. Choose a print that is a good representation of your side hustle and you.

Wear your black blazer in different ways

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Save the pantsuit for Bay Street. With your side hustle, you can use a blazer in more fun ways than traditional 9-to-5ers. Try it draped over the shoulders for a professional yet casual look.

Let your accessories do the talking

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If accessories are your favourite part of an outfit, try incorporating that into what you wear to your side hustle. Keep your outfit simple and let your accessories do the talking. Add a fun necklace and structured tote to instantly elevate the look.

Make your outfit choice a personal one

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What you wear should assert a statement of identity and confidence. Your outfit should include something personal to represent that. Wear pieces that mean something to you or designers that you believe represent your aesthetic and creative values.

Dress how you want to feel

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You don’t need to dress on trend or in the most fashion-forward look for your side hustle. When it comes to dressing for your side hustle, you should use your clothing as an extension of your voice. So choose whatever makes you feel good! You are a creative professional with stories to tell and every element you wear can convey that creativity.

Featured image: Instagram/ @babba.c

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It seems like everyone is working freelance these days, including me. There’s a lot about freelancing that is awesome (like not having to beg for vacation days), but saying goodbye to the security of full-time is risky and always a little scary, no matter how much you believe in yourself. The first couple months are the most stressful, but, as someone who’s made it past the hump, it gets easier. Whether you’ve just made the leap yourself or are amping up to do it soon, here’s a list of things to help you win at freelancing that I’ve learned along the way.

1. Create a Portfolio

Image: Format

Having an online portfolio will increase your visibility, establish your brand (have fun with the design you choose, it says a lot about you) and is a great way to showcase what you got to potential employers and partners. Really, there’s much more to lose by not having one. Websites like Format make it easy to create an awesome customized portfolio, and they offer 24/7 friendly and easy support.

2. Go For Coffee With People You Admire

I truly believe that the fastest way to being the best is to learn from the best. Surely you have people in the industry you admire and my advice, whether you know them or not, is to reach out, introduce yourself and ask to treat them to a coffee. Most of the time they’ll happily agree, although you might have to wait a couple months for it to actually happen (successful people are busy) and you’ll leave with a new connection, inspiration and a wealth of new insight on your passion.

3. Join a Coworking Space

Image: Sharedesk.net

Perhaps the worst thing about the initial stages of freelance is that you are office-less. Working from home gets really weird fast (being alone for that long in a small box in the sky will make anyone crazy) and posting up at coffee shops is only doable for so long (you’ll get sick of asking for the Wifi password fast.) The best thing I ever did was join a coworking space. Of course, you might have to wait a couple months to secure a steady income before you can commit to it, but it’s worth every penny. It’s great for networking, socializing and, if for nothing else, being around other freelancers will really inspire you.

4. Call Up Old Connections

Image: Huffington Post

Sometimes the simplest thing is the hardest, and for me, it was this: people need to know you’re freelance to hire you as a freelancer. You need to get the word out. Call up old friends, bosses and co-workers and tell them your exciting news. Most business will come from referral so this is potentially the most crucial part of being successful. Set a night to sit down with a glass of wine and start dialling.

5. Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Out

Image: Century Initiative

It’s easy to be your own boss — sometimes too easy. When you’re in charge of your own working schedule, it’s tempting to sleep in and stay in comfy clothes all day. This advice needs no explanation; Get up, get dressed, get out.

Do you agree with these tips on how to become a successful freelancer? Share with us in the comments sections!

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