Whether you’ve worked from home for some time or have recently started due to the pandemic, remote workers everywhere are faced with the same question: What should I wear for work?
With so many people working from behind their computer screens, many have swapped their usual business or business casual looks they used to sport in the office for something a bit more comfortable. But if you’re not careful, comfy clothes can be a slippery slope from chic business professional to unfashionable bum. If you’re looking for ways to stay comfortable and stylish while working at home, here are some cozy but fashionable clothing tips for any remote worker.
Table of Contents
Dress Comfortably, but Outside of Your Comfort Zone
The coziest thing you can wear while working from the comfort of home is undoubtedly the pajamas or loungewear you woke up in. But even if you’re not going to be on camera for the day, it can be healthy to break away from your comfy clothes and routine to help separate your day into work and leisure times.
If your first instinct is to roll out of bed in your PJs and move over to the couch to start on your work, try getting ready just as you would if you were going into the office. This means changing into fresh, clean clothes and getting situated at a desk or another ergonomic workspace to help put you in the right mindset. Being slightly uncomfortable and stepping outside of your typical lounging routine can help remind you that you’re still on the job and help you dress the part.
If you still want maximum comfort, you can slip on a soft, stretchy maxi dress and dress it up with a necklace or earrings, or pair a knit jumpsuit with your favorite tee. There’s always a way to strike a balance between style and comfort.
Focus on the Waist Up
If you’re all about comfort and enjoy the time and energy saved from not having to pick out a full work outfit every day, try focusing on the waist up. Virtual meetings often mean that what we’re wearing down below doesn’t matter as much as what our colleagues can see on camera. If you want to stay in your favorite cozy bottoms and slippers for maximum comfort, go right ahead!
When you wear dressed-down bottoms or loungewear, it’s an opportunity to focus your styling efforts on your top and accessories. You can liven up your look with an embroidered top or elegant kimono, or add a splash of color or sparkle with your favorite pieces of jewelry.
Add Accessories to Your Look
If you want to stay comfy in your boho clothing but still make a statement with your look, try accessorizing. Adding elegant or brightly colored necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings can spruce up any WFH look. Solid tees, sweaters, and dresses can all be dressed up with the simple addition of something like gold chain stud earrings or a vibrant boho beaded necklace for a pop of color.
Play with New Hairstyles and Accessories
If you’re not the jewelry type or want to find a different way of sprucing up your cozy sweater or sweatshirt, play with new hairstyles and accessories. If you usually wear your hair down and straight, try adding curls and floral hair clips for a more whimsical look.
If you like to wear your hair in an updo while you work, throw it in a cute, messy bun with a boho hairband and use a velvet super scrunchy to add a little color and flair to your do. When you want to let your locks down, you can wear the scrunchy on your wrist to keep rocking colors and patterns all day long.
Dress Like You’ve Got a Meeting
While many of us are enjoying the more relaxed WFH routine, it can be easy to miss the days when we had a reason to get dressed up. If you’re someone who misses having a reason to put on something a little more fashionable than the loungewear you’ve been sporting for months, use work meetings as an opportunity to dress up.
Even if you don’t have a big meeting or presentation on the schedule, dressing like you’ve got one is a great way to add some form back into an otherwise structureless day. You can skip the heels and other less comfortable attire and accessories, but wear your favorite dress or blazer to remind your boss and colleagues you mean business. If you want to shed a layer and get back to a more cozy outfit as the day progresses, you can remove the blazer.
Take the Guesswork Out of Getting Dressed
One of the hardest parts about being fashionable and comfortable is the time it takes to find something that checks both boxes. An easy solution is to wear matching tops and bottoms or put on a convenient one-piece. Wearing a matching top and bottoms can help you look put together without having to put a lot of effort into pairing your pieces. And, for even less hassle, you can slip into a jumpsuit or dress, so you don’t have to even worry about coordinating an outfit. If you enjoy sleeping as late as possible before starting work, choose your outfit the night before and hang it outside your closet.
Get a Work Uniform
Similar to getting matching tops and bottoms, putting together a simple work uniform can help take the guesswork out of what to wear and lend you a little more structure for your workday. An outfit as simple as leggings, a quality white shirt, and a comfortable but classic cardigan can do the trick and help you appear professional without having to sacrifice comfort.
Be Comfortable and Chic
Dressing for work while working remotely doesn’t have to be a chore. As long as you are coordinating colors and wearing clothes that properly fit your form, you can sport cozy attire and exude style and sophistication. If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your comfy clothes, consider adding accessories and focusing on the waist up to look your best.
