Mastering Comfort and Style for Your Home Office
Image Source: Unsplash
Image by Michelle Nash
The year 2020 saw a massive shift in the way we work, with many of us transitioning to remote work or adopting a hybrid model that combines home and office. As we settle into this new normal, one question continues to plague us every morning: What do I wear? Dressing for work when your office is just a few steps away can be a challenge. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the rules and standards of work-from-home fashion, providing you with tips and inspiration to dress comfortably and stylishly in your home office.
The Rules of Work-From-Home Fashion
When it comes to work-from-home fashion, there are a few key rules to keep in mind:
1. No Hard Pants
One thing that hasn’t changed in the post-pandemic world is the need for comfortable clothing. Hard pants, defined as pants without a stretchy, elastic waistband, are best left out of your work-from-home wardrobe. Opt for pants with room for easy movement and a flexible waistband, like joggers or leggings.
2. Embrace Easy Layers
Working from home often means dealing with temperature fluctuations throughout the day. Layering is essential to ensure your comfort. Choose lightweight, versatile pieces that can be easily added or removed as needed. A cardigan or a sweater vest paired with a basic tee is a great option for staying cozy and adaptable.
3. Versatility is Key
Your work-from-home clothes should seamlessly transition from Zoom meetings to coffee dates, errands, and lunches. Look for a collection of basics that can be mixed and matched with fun, statement pieces. This will give you a closet full of options for any occasion that may arise throughout your day.
4. Casual Yet Professional
While the comfort of home may tempt you to stay in your pajamas all day, it’s important to strike a balance between casual and professional. Opt for attire that is relaxed and comfortable but still looks put together. You don’t need to wear a pair of heels to your home office, but try to make an effort to dress slightly better than your three-day-old sweatpants.
5. Clothes That Make You Feel Like You
Above all, your work-from-home clothes should make you feel like yourself. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style and make you feel confident and productive. Consider comfort, versatility, and professionalism, but ultimately, prioritize your own comfort and happiness.
Work-From-Home Essentials: Building Your Capsule Collection
Now that we’ve established the rules of work-from-home fashion, let’s dive into some essential pieces that will help you create a versatile and stylish capsule collection for your home office. We’ve curated a selection of must-have items, combining personal favorites with recommendations from fashionable colleagues. Remember, before you start shopping, take inventory of your own closet and see what items you already have that fit into these categories.
1. The Day You’re Toggling Back and Forth
- Buck Mason Pima Boxy Crew
- Everlane The Oversized Blazer
- Everlane The Way-High® Drape Pant
- Chuck Taylor All Star Classic
Image by Belathée Photography
2. The Day You Take Meetings From the Couch
- Sézane Max Shirt
- Everlane The Easy Pant
- Minnetonka Chesney Slippers
3. The Day Your Calendar is Clear
- Aerie Down-To-Earth Crew Sweatshirt
- Vuori Villa Jogger
- New Balance 574 Core
4. The Day You Go From Home to Happy Hour
- The Scarlet Dress Christy Dawn
- Long Sweater Duster
- Chuck Taylor All Star Classic
Image by Michelle Nash
Embracing Work-From-Home Fashion IRL
While the curated capsule collection provides a starting point, it’s important to remember that work-from-home fashion is ultimately about finding what works best for you. Experiment with different combinations and styles until you find your own perfect balance of comfort and style. Here are a few more recommendations and tips to help you master work-from-home fashion in real life:
1. The Easy Button-Up
In search of laid-back sartorial ease? Look for button-up shirts in relaxed fabrics that can be easily washed at home. These comfortable and chic options, such as the Wilfred Free Sail button-up shirt and the Nili Lotan stripe cotton button-up shirt, will give you that effortless, Nancy Meyers-inspired look.
2. The Wear-Everywhere Knitwear
Upgrade your basic tees with cozy knits that are perfect for Zoom calls. Opt for ribbed-knit cardigans like the Frame Phoebe cardigan or the Toteme Vagueria ribbed-knit top. These pieces will add a touch of sophistication to your work-from-home attire.
3. The Reentry Pants
If your pants are feeling a bit snug after months of indulging in comfort food, fear not. Look for drapey pants with elastic waistbands like the Everlane Put-Together Easy Pant or the Eileen Fisher tapered pull-on pant. These options provide the comfort of leggings or sweats while still looking polished and professional.
4. The One-Size-Up Jeans
If your jeans are no longer fitting comfortably, it’s time to embrace a size up. Find jeans with a relaxed fit, such as the Agolde 90s pinch waist high-rise straight jeans or the Khaite Danielle rigid high-rise straight jeans. These jeans will give you the freedom to move while still maintaining a stylish silhouette.
5. The Slipper-Adjacent Slide
While heels may be reserved for special occasions, finding the perfect indoor shoe is essential for your work-from-home wardrobe. Opt for comfortable slides like the Vince Olina slip-on sandals or the Beek Gallito slide sandals. These options strike the perfect balance between comfort and style.
6. The Anti-Work Bag
With no need to carry a bulky laptop to and from the office, downsize your bag to a compact crossbody. Choose a small, stylish bag like the Loeffler Randall Georgina beaded phone crossbody or the Baggu Sport crossbody bag. These bags will keep you organized without weighing you down.
7. The Indoor-Outdoor Shacket
For those days when you want something more structured than a sweatshirt but less formal than a blazer, reach for a shacket. A shacket, or shirt jacket, provides the perfect balance between comfort and style. Look for options like the Club Monaco cropped faux fur jacket or the Mango oversized handmade overshirt.
8. The Everyday Sneaker
As you spend more time at home, your sneakers become your go-to footwear. Invest in comfortable and versatile sneakers that can be worn both indoors and outdoors. Consider options like the Dear Frances Seek high top or the Veja Campo textured-leather sneaker. These sneakers will keep your feet happy without sacrificing style.
Image by Belathée Photography
Transitioning into the Post-Pandemic World
As the world slowly reopens and we start transitioning into a post-pandemic environment, the way we dress for work may evolve once again. However, the lessons we’ve learned from work-from-home fashion will continue to influence our style choices. Comfort and versatility will remain essential, as will the importance of expressing our personal style and feeling confident in our attire.
Remember, work-from-home fashion is about finding what works best for you. Experiment, have fun, and embrace the freedom to dress in a way that reflects your personality and supports your productivity. Whether it’s a cozy knit, a relaxed button-up, or a pair of comfortable pants, create a work-from-home wardrobe that allows you to thrive in your home office.