Have you joined the ranks of the work-from-home group? These days, working from home has become the new normal, thanks in no small part to the ongoing pandemic. Because there is no need to make that trip to the office and see colleagues, many people fall into the habit of conducting work in the pajamas they wore to sleep. Looking at your clothes, you might not know what are wardrobe essentials for working from home.
On days when you have no video calls scheduled with your boss, coworkers, or clients, wearing a cozy outfit can help put you in the right mood. Not worrying about your outfit or having a full face of makeup on can free up time to get even more work done.
However, your outfit can also set the tone for your day. If you associate pajamas or a baggy tee and sweatpants with relaxation, these might not be the best outfits to wear if you need to stay productive.
What you wear can affect your performance, and if you feel great in what you have on, you may just produce better work. Dressing up, despite being stuck at home, can pay off. According to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, wearing attire that carries a significant meaning can help put professionals in a better mood to perform better. Clothes that you associate with feeling great or professional can flip a switch in your head and help you settle into a more work-oriented mindset.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to get dressed up in a blazer, pencil skirt, and heels every day. At the same time, you shouldn’t limit yourself to home attire, especially with all of the eye-catching tops, stunning accessories, and stylish leggings available on the market. Still lost? To give you a few ideas, here are six wardrobe essentials that you need if you are working from home:
Tights and Leggings
Wearing any non-stretch bottoms at home can be very uncomfortable, especially if you are sitting behind a desk all day. In most cases, sweatpants prove to be the easiest solution to that problem. And instead of wearing jeans or trousers, opt for tights or leggings instead.
Tights can help elevate an outfit, especially when paired with a flowy skirt and a blouse for a more dressed-up appearance. They look and feel more put together than sweatpants and pajama bottoms, but they are also far comfier than denim—perfect for a long workday ahead. Wearing leggings can make you more work-ready, even if you’re just staying at home. That said, consider mixing a pair of leggings with your favorite top along with a jacket or chic sweater.
Collared Tops
This is for the women who work in a company that normally requires corporate attire. Make sure you have an array of collared tops to wear while you work, especially for meetings that require you to have your camera on. If you have an important business call scheduled for the day, slap on a no-frills dress shirt and a blazer. To still keep you feeling comfortable despite being a little constricted on your torso, pair your collared tops with some lounge pants or leggings, which should give you freedom of movement from the waist down.
Another smart option is to pair a collared shirt with one of your favorite basic sweaters. This is a more business casual option, but it still makes you look very put together and professional.
Jumpsuits and Dresses
If you want to look great with minimal effort, make jumpsuits and dresses your best friends. These types of clothing combine fashion and comfort in one, which can save you a lot of time trying to create outfits.
Indeed, the right jumpsuit or dress can make you look like you put in more thought than you actually did when getting dressed. Jumpsuits, in particular, are just like pajama onesies but more fashionable and appropriate to work in. Dresses are also less restrictive on your bottom half, especially when compared to pants.
One more tip: make sure that your jumpsuit or dress has a good amount of stretch to keep you feeling comfortable throughout the day.
Comfortable Shoes
It might seem odd, but having shoes on while working from home can also help put you in the right mood to start working. Even more, when you add a pair of comfortable inserts to help you stay relaxed. There is no need for heels at home, but having comfortable sneakers, sandals, and ballet flats on hand can add an extra little touch to round off your work outfit.
If you are not ready to give up the comfort of your house slippers, invest in a more stylish pair. This way, you keep the comfort but achieve that fashion-forward look.
Overall
Whether you love working from home in a comfy sweat set or a blouse paired with trousers, what’s most important at the end of the day is wearing what will make you feel at your best. Find those pieces as wardrobe essentials that promote both productivity and happiness and you’ll be sure to take the workweek by storm.
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