You Can Dress For Success Even When Working From Home
Working from home has its perks. Some like not working on a set schedule. Others love not having to deal with face-to-face meetings or traffic jams.
After a while, you can get a little too comfortable. You’ll find yourself working on your laptop in bed. Maybe you don’t want to get out of bed or change out of your pajamas.
I, too, work from home, so I understand. But, I still manage to pull together something. It’s not hard to dress for your job – even if your job is inside your home.
Create Your Own Work-At-Home Uniform
When you work at home, you want to be comfortable. Why would you wear pumps and a pencil skirt if you don’t need to? Create your own uniform instead.
Some employees have to wear a uniform or adhere to a strict dress code. If you don’t know what to wear, then create your own work-at-home uniform. This can consist of a white button down blouse and black pants, or a polo shirt with khaki pants.
The keyword here is comfort. If you don’t like to wear jeans at home, then don’t wear them. Don’t try to wear something that confines you. You can create your own work- at-home uniform by combining loose knits with comfortable stretchy pants.
Casual-Business Attire Is The Work-At-Home Dress Code
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a dress code. You wouldn’t show up to work in your underwear or boxers. So, why should you work like that?
When you work from home, being casual and comfortable is important. Every day is like casual Friday in your home office.
Opt to wear a black blazer with a white T-shirt and skinny jeans. On the flip side, you can also wear a loose-fitting button down blouse with trouser leggings. You can look stylish and appropriate without sacrificing your comfort.
Choose Stylish Loungewear Over Pajamas
If you have a real casual job, such as customer service, chances are you’re not going to suit up. But, you should also change out of your pajamas, so you can feel a little productive.
Being comfy doesn’t mean sacrificing your sense of style. Change out of those ratty pajamas and slip into a comfortable T-shirt (preferably one with a fun saying) and a pair of leggings.
Athleisure wear is a huge trend right now. There’s plenty of stylish and comfortable options for your work at home life. Options can range from yoga pants and cropped leggings to tunics and flowy T-shirts.
And here’s a little tip. Silk pajama pants can look super chic when paired with a cozy cashmere sweater. Just make sure that your pajama pants are new and clean.
Give Pajama Jeans A Shot
Pajama Jeans is here to save the day. This company should be the face of the work at home lifestyle. The brand offers comfortable and stylish jeans that feel like your favorite pajamas. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors.
This brand doesn’t just stop at Pajama Jeans. They also have comfy sweaters, fun T-shirts, easy blouses, and more. Though it may be too expensive to create a wardrobe, you may find some pieces that you want to incorporate into your work-at-home life.
Look Like You’re Leaving The House
Look like you’re leaving the house, even if you don’t plan to. You don’t want to run into a neighbor or answer the door in your robe. Your neighbors will wonder if really you work at all.
Try to leave your house at least once a day. Work at the café or library for a change. Or, schedule lunch with a friend or business partner. This way you won’t feel that you’re “wasting” your wardrobe and end up lounging around in your pajamas.
When you’re dressed to go somewhere, you’re most likely to leave your home. Leaving your home will make you focus better, and become more productive. Plus, it’s nice change of pace from your usual work at home life.
Putting It All Together
As you can see, it’s difficult not to look like a slob when working from home. You can incorporate so many pieces without having to get a new wardrobe.
Some pieces you should already have include flat shoes, leggings/jeggings, oversized knits, casual blouses, and knitted blazers. You may also want to add some simple jewelry and accessories to your wardrobe, so you look pulled together at all times.
Set an intention for your work at home wardrobe. If you wake up and hang out in bed, then you are never going to get out of your pajamas. Think about what looks good and feels good on you. Then you can build a wardrobe out of your favorite pieces.
Get your body moving right when you wake up. Make a cup of coffee, green tea, smoothie, or whatever you drink. Walk your dog or check the mail. Put on some clothes, so you can work and start your day.
I actually struggled with this for a while when I started working from home. I would not even bother changing out of my PJ’s! I found that all black yoga pants are perfect loungewear that can look professional so long as you get decent quality ones. I pair these with a sweater in the cooler months or a nice bright type in the summer. I want to feel good about myself because when I do, I get more done.