In today’s new normal, employees don’t have to worry about the commute to work anymore – they make their own hours from the comfort of their own homes. But just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you’re free from dressing up for work. The days of business suits, ties, and structured ankle boots are replacing with ‘desk-to-dinner’-type of stylish, comfy, and practical work-from-home fashion trends. Read on to learn the do’s and don’ts of dressing your best while staying comfortable after clocking out!
1. Goodbye, Power Suits: Welcome to the Work-from-Home Era
For working professionals worldwide, the transition to the work-from-home era has been a seismic shift with far-reaching implications. Goodbye power suits, boardroom meetings and office outings; hello sweatpants, Zoom calls and home offices.
For the lucky ones, the transition to working remotely has been a blessing in disguise. With the ability to stay comfortable and dodge rush hour, people are now blessed with more time to spend with loved ones and new opportunities to pursue passions outside the workplace.
But that doesn’t mean the transition has been completely seamless. Yes, virtual tools have adjusted to cater to those navigating a work-from-home lifestyle, but that doesn’t make up for the drawbacks of remote work.
- Isolation: Working remotely can be a lonely experience, making it difficult to coordinate with teams and build meaningful experiences.
- Technology: Poor Wi-Fi, slow computers, buggy applications and other technology issues can really slowdown teams and productivity.
- Ergonomics: Working from bed or on the couch may seem cozy, but it can put strain on the body and eyes.
Even still, the transition to a work-from-home lifestyle has made the 9-to-5 grind more flexible and productive. No more cubicles or rush hour; only sweatpants and better time management. All in all, the work-from-home era is changing the professional landscape in ways that weren’t fathomable as recently as a year ago.
2. Dress for Success – From the Comfort of Your Own Bedroom
Starting the day in a dress for success mode is key in making a successful first impression. Not many people realize this can be easily done in the comfort of your own bedroom. Here’s how:
- Start with a Good Breakfast: Not only can a good breakfast put you in the best frame of mind for the day, but it can also set the tone for your wardrobe decision. Pick a comfortable, but polished, look to start the day. Think slacks and a collared blouse.
- Switch Up Your Style: You can make a big impression with subtle changes. Go for different accessories, or change up your hairstyle with an updo. This way, you can preserve a professional, stylish look without having to put on an expensive suit or outfit.
- Invest in Clothing Staples: Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces keeps you looking polished. Invest in classic items such as blazers, trousers, and skirts. This ensures your clothing is always professional, regardless of the occasion.
If you take the time to dress the part, your morning wardrobe woes will be solved and you’ll be ready for your day in the comfort of your own bedroom. No need to worry about uncomfortable business wear or expensive tailoring.
With the right pieces, every morning can be a dress for success morning. Invest in comfortable, but professional clothes that you can feel confident in and show off your best self.
3. How to Style Comfortably Without Compromising Professionalism
Regardless of how much fashion has evolved, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dressing professionally. There’s a proper way to dress for every occasion—from a night out on the town to a full workday in the office. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to stay stylish and still maintain a professional look.
Start with classic elements. When in doubt, classics are a safe bet. Denim, in dark washes, is a good choice and always on-trend. Accessorize with classic leather goods, like purses, belts and wallets. Traditional styles are timeless and always professional.
Put together an appropriate outfit. Just because you’re dressing professionally doesn’t mean that you have to stick to boring basics. You can still express your style through details and color. Add a hint of professional flair by sporting a blazer or tailored suit. And don’t forget to make sure that your belt and shoes coordinate.
- Pick a suit or blazer in a neutral color like black, navy or gray.
- Choose tops and dresses in solid colors to keep it classic.
- Mix and match textures to add interest to your outfit.
- Add one or two accessories for a polished look.
Choose the right fabrics. Quality fabrics are essential when aiming for a professional look. Choose items that won’t wrinkle even after hours of wear. Wool, polyester, and linen are all good choices for professional attire. Fabrics that are easy to care for are also a plus.
Review the dress code. Lastly, don’t forget to review the dress code of the office before heading in for the day. That way, you can ensure that you are always dressed appropriately and in line with the company policy. Get creative and show off your style while still presenting yourself in a professional way.
Welcome to the new normal: work-from-home fashion. No more strict dress codes, no more early morning commutes, and no more bland clothes. Now is the time to embrace your style, break away from the traditional, and unleash your own self-expression. Turn your home office into a fashion oasis, and turn your walk to the fridge into a runway.
Don’t be afraid to step outside the box. After all, the new home office fashion revolution is just beginning!
