The art of work-from-home dressing

Fashion

Just a few years ago, working from home was synonymous with loungewear. In the midst of pandemic lockdowns, it wasn’t uncommon to hear of people working from their kitchen table, or even from a laptop in bed.

Since then, the world of work has evolved, and with it, the concept of workwear and the idea that when it comes to productivity and feeling ready for the day, where you work counts as much as what you wear. 

Dressing for success

From tips on loungewear styles to outfits that combine athleisure and corporate dress (the sartorial equivalent of hybrid workwear), you can find plenty of advice on what to wear when working, but why does it matter?

According to a 2023 study, employees who dressed smartly for work tended to perform better and experienced stronger self-esteem. A potential reason for this might have to do with what certain items of clothing symbolize.

Workwear balance

“Office appropriate” doesn’t always translate well to working from home, although there are ways to combine comfort with professionalism. One method is to wear two pieces of formalwear with one casual item, which tends to look more balanced than a full suit or loungewear set.

What to include

This tends to rely heavily on personal preference, but generally, it’s a good idea to avoid wearing items with stains or holes in them. Some examples might include:

Outerwear

If you tend to get a little chilly while working, a blazer might feel too stiff, and a hoodie may feel a little too casual. Knitwear comes in varying thicknesses and styles, offering warmth while looking smart. Avoid printed or heavily-textured items, and instead opt for sweaters or cardigans in block colors that can be layered over other items.

Tops

In general, combining a formal top with a more casual bottom (or vice versa ) tends to work well: a button-down shirt with denim, for example (in a plain wash and preferably, without rips or embellishments). In summer, breathable cotton or linen is a good option, and in winter, a thermal long-sleeve can keep you stylish and warm.

Bottoms

Avoid waistbands that dig in when seated. Instead, opt for pants or skirts with some elasticity to them (or a drawstring). The key to wearing comfy-yet-polished pants also lies in the choice of fabric and cut: for example, traditional gray sweatpants tend to appear more casual than a wide leg tailored pair in a darker shade.

Dresses 

Some prefer dresses, which in terms of convenience makes a lot of sense: basing an outfit around a simple “one and done” item like a dress (or a jumpsuit)  is often far more efficient than attempting to mix and match separates. Make sure it is something that you can sit comfortably and move about in: not too short, not too long, and with some added stretch. 

Best foot forward

Slippers are generally associated with sleep, for example, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for focus and concentration. On the other hand, some experts suggest wearing shoes inside could potentially aid productivity, particularly for people with ADHD. Slip-ons offer a happy medium between the two, provided they’re comfortable. Add one or two pieces of jewelry to finish off the look, and you’re ready to start the day.