More people are now working entirely remotely, even with fewer WFH job openings. Telecommuting can be an appealing career move. Advantages include but aren’t limited to more sleeping, spending time with family, exercising, and preparing healthy meals, to name but a few. You should dress well even when working from home because it helps you be more productive – it’s not just about showing up for the office; it’s about showing up for yourself. Falling into pajamas when you do your job from home can be tempting, but you might want to dress up to maintain a sense of normalcy. Please continue reading to discover how to create effortless WFH outfits.
Stack Up on Office-Ready Shirts
If your wardrobe is full of joggers and sweatshirts, it’s no wonder you can’t put together a decent look. Whether you have plans to return to the office or not, reboot your closet by buying shirts that offer warmth while presenting a smart and professional appearance. When work is being done remotely, employees choose between Zoom, Google Hangouts, Slack, and Facetime. No one is able to see your bottom half, so strive for business casual attire on top. If you want to be the best-dressed person in the meeting, opt for long-sleeved tops with oversized collars and pleats (take a test photo from your computer so you can see what you’ll look like ahead of time).
Upgrade Your PJs
The ability to wear pyjamas is a huge perk because they’re comfortable and save time when it comes to ironing and getting ready. It’s recommended to invest in some quality pyjama sets, but keep in mind that a high price tag doesn’t always equal a high level of relaxation. A pyjama set that’s both matching and made from an elevated material like bamboo will help you embrace coziness and style. In case you didn’t already know, PJs can be repurposed for the outside world for grabbing a coffee or picking up the paper. You don’t need to dress business casual.
Stay on top of your pyjama collection, and add pieces that make you feel best. No matter if you’re wearing sleep pants and tops inside or outside, make sure the clothing pieces are clean, washed, and well-fitted. Try to look like someone who’s not trying too hard. Dressing monochromatically elevates any outfit, so whether it’s a sleek all-black ensemble or a bright hue, a matching set is always going to look fashionable. Adding a pair of slippers will make more of a difference than you know, but if you don’t see the need for them, you can always walk around in your regular shoes.
Throw In an Accessory
A quick way to elevate your WFH look is to add simple jewelry or a statement piece. Without accessories, there’s the risk of getting bored with your wardrobe; your outfits are always the same. The trick is to accessorize as you would in person. For instance, you can add a bracelet that you might wear to the office. Instead of showing up to a video conference with a boring outfit, you’ll want to look like you’ve put in some effort, even if it took only a few seconds. Essential business casual accessories include but aren’t limited to watches, pocket squares, cufflinks, and scarves.
Experiment With Patterns & Prints
Don’t reach out for shades of beige and black when doing your job from home. You’re better off including patterns and prints in your wardrobe – not all of them are colorful and bold. Patterns can be divided into two categories: patterns with rounded, soft shapes and patterns with straight, geometrical shapes. Polka dots have round shapes and soft lines, while stripes have geometrical shapes and straight lines. It’s recommended to avoid combinations of small and large patterns because they don’t go well together; match small patterns with small ones and medium/large patterns with large ones.
Prints are more abstract and less organized; it’s a repeated design. You can never have enough prints in your wardrobe. Even gentlemen can wear prints, as they’re pleasing to the eye and suitable for most body shapes. Trends come and go, but polka dots and florals never go out of style, drawing attention to any accessories you might have on. Using two types of prints in an outfit is possible, but it’s best to avoid layering prints to avoid making a fashion faux pas. If you really want to do it, pair a smaller, subtler print with something that’s more eye-catching.
Beware Of Reflections on Eyeglasses
Previously an aid to correct visual impairment, eyeglasses are now a genuine fashion statement paraded in international shows. If your WFH outfit needs a finishing touch, why not make it eyewear? Accentuate your personal style with statement eyeglasses for a look that’s bold, original, and unforgettable. However, keep in mind that popular video conferencing software like Google Hangouts or Zoom can record the reflection of glasses on the computer screen, recreating text on the screen. If you remain on camera, either don’t move away from the screen or take off your eyeglasses.
Wrapping It Up
All in all, you’ll enjoy playing around with details and various looks to make your outfit comfy enough to telecommute and stylish enough to feel like yourself. Sprucing your wardrobe is highly affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to look good every day. Your boss won’t care what you’re wearing as long as you hit those deadlines, so what’s the point of it all? Getting dressed helps you be more productive, signaling you’re in work mode; that structure alleviates stress and creates a healthy boundary between your workday and your personal life.
Getting dressed for the day makes you eager to use your lunch hour and break periods, so you won’t be tempted to sit in your office chair and scroll through your Instagram feed. Last but certainly not least, wearing business attire makes you feel more confident and authoritative, so you take yourself and your work seriously. Since you’re spending much of your day at home, start paying attention to your clothing.
