How To Dress While Working From Home
The Prelude
Working from home has quickly become the norm for most professionals. As a result, how we interact with clients and co workers, how we perform our daily tasks, and even how we dress up for work has completely changed. Recently, a lot of people have been asking me what types of clothing I would recommend for people that work from home. Initially I was surprised at this question. I assumed that when companies started transitioning their employees to remote work, that people would automatically know how to transition from physical workplace attire to work from home attire (or that their employers would prepare them for the transition at the very least). However, to my surprise many do not know how to make the transition and a lot companies have been vague about how to dress when working remotely. So I figured I would write this article to help people like yourself conquer this challenge. Nevertheless, if you’re ready for the work from home blueprint, then scroll down below for some comfy, business casual style tips and clothing recommendations.
How To Dress While Working From Home
Do: Wear Sweaters and Soft Knits
Most of us already own one or two sweaters/soft knits so this should save you quite a bit of money (and as we know that’s always a plus!). The reason I recommend wearing sweaters and soft knits is because they’re comfortable and extremely easy to style.
Here’s what this looks like in terms of style: If your company encourages a more casual environment, this means that you can pair your sweater/soft knit with joggers or leggings. On the other hand, if you have a business casual or business professional dress code, you’ll benefit from wearing your sweater/soft knit with a skirt or comfy trousers that have a lot of stretch.
Additionally, sweaters and soft knits will help keep you warm during the fall and winter months, which in turn will help lower your electricity bill (so keep that in mind and implement them on the coolest days when possible).
Here are a couple of my favorite sweaters:
Here’s a super cute (and comfy) men’s polo sweater that I’m loving right now.
Here’s a stylish, ivory colored women’s sweater that can be worn comfortably during the fall, winter, and spring.
Do: Wear Blazers and Sports Coats
Blazers and sports coats are essential when working from home. These pieces are going to be a lifesaver when it comes to interviewing, meeting with your team, doing presentations, and/or having one on one meetings with your boss.
How you style them will depend on your dress code and company culture, but the good news is that they come in a variety of different colors, styles, fits, and prints so you have some flexibility when it comes to creating your outfit.
Pro Tip: Printed and/or bold colored blazers help add some personality and spice to your outfit.
Here are my top picks for blazers:
I’m really feeling the look and design of this men’s sports coat.
If you’re looking for a women’s blazer that’s going to add some color to your outfit (while still maintaining a professional appearance) then I recommend giving this one a try.
Do: Wear Cardigans
Cardigans are perfect for those who gravitate towards casual and comfy looks. These staple pieces create a comfortable feel for the wearer, are perfect for layering, and can be worn with just about any article of clothing. Additionally, most of them are cost efficient and readily available online and in brick and mortar stores.
In terms of style, you can wear buttoned cardigans with a t-shirt to create an effortless and well put together look. This look works best in casual and some business casual work from home office environments. On the other hand, open cardigans can be used to dress up sleeveless tops and dresses. This is most appropriate for business casual and business professional work from home office environments.
Here are my two favorite cardigans:
I’m really loving this classic and timeless women’s cardigan from M.M. Lafleur. It’s lightweight, perfect for work, and petite friendly!
Here’s a wool blend men’s cardigan that can help add some style and excitement to a basic polo or button up.
Do: Wear Leggings and Ponte Pants
Let’s face it, leggings are officially pants now and you should wear them as such (especially when working from home). If you aren’t sold on the whole “leggings are pants” movement or would like a more polished alternative then I would highly recommend Ponte pants. Ponte pants have the stretch and the level of comfort that leggings have, but the most notable difference is that they look like pants. They come in a variety of different styles ranging from business professional to business casual and at the time of this article they are extremely trendy. Moreover, they are a great investment piece for professionals that need to leave the house before or after their work from home shift and they transition seamlessly into a happy hour or dinner outfit.
Here are my top picks for ponte pants and leggings:
Here are some stylish ponte pants by Rag and Bone that can easily be transitioned into a work from home outfit or date night outfit.
Here are a pair of classic black leggings in plus sizes that conform to your body shape.
Do: Wear Blouses
Not only are blouses timeless, but they are a must have for your work wardrobe. These versatile pieces can be worn in business casual, business professional, and even hybrid work environments. Plus they’re great pieces to pull out when you want to feel a bit more dressy without going over the top.
Here’s what this looks like in terms of style: If your company encourages a more casual environment, this means that you can pair your blouse with jeans or leggings. If your company encourages a business casual or business professional dress code, then you’ll benefit from wearing your blouse with comfy trousers or a skirt.
Moreover, blouses make a good transitional piece for after work activities (such as date night). So if you have plans with your significant other after work, then it might be a good idea to wear a blouse so you can head straight to the venue once you clock out for work.
Here’s a printed blouse that has definitely captured my heart!
Need To Build or Revamp Your Work From Home Wardrobe?
Then I would love to assist you! We have some stylish pieces in our boutique that would make exceptional work from home outfits. Make sure to take a look around when you get the chance and don’t forget to sign up for an SBB account to get $$ off of your first order.