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I have embraced working from home. For me, it is true joy for being able to maintain work life balance. Have you ever wondered what to wear working from home? One of the great pleasures is being able to wear what makes you feel the most comfy yet present a professional image when you need to jump on a work telecon. Just the act of putting on a different outfit for work can put you more in a ‘work state of mind’. You also look great in case you need to run out to the store or to your child’s school. Here are some comfortable work from home outfit ideas.
It is good to know how to dress when working from home. Professionals can still be casual if that is what your company culture is. It truly shows that you care about the job and respect the people you work with when you take a little extra effort to get dressed. It is also important to wear comfy work from home clothes because feeling great impacts your work. When you look comfy yet are professional, you feel confident yet have an aura of being relaxed and natural. Even when cozy, I always want to know how to look good when working from home,
What not to wear when working from home if you have a work telecon
No matter how casual the company culture, don’t make the mistake of being too sloppy, or poorly dressed or groomed. After all, when you work from home you are still at work! You don’t have to be wearing a 3 piece business suit and look and feel uncomfortable. However, a frumpy hoody with your hair looking like you just rolled out of bed, is never great for a work look. Stick with simple and air on the safe, neutral side. When in doubt, leave it out.
It is also tempting to stay in your pajamas and sleepwear. One of the problems with this, even if you don’t have a meeting or an errand, is that it is harder to transition from home life to work. You really need clear signals for your brain to say “Hey, now we are at work” or “work is over, now lets relax”. I try to do some things like I would do at the office, like eat lunch at the same time or take breaks. Otherwise your work life balance becomes one big blur.
Avoid wearing these comfy clothes when working from home and have to present yourself
- Hoodies, frumpy sweatshirts, wrinkled t-shirts, t-shirts with big logos, pictures, or big lettering
- Low cut necklines
- Tank tops or spaghetti straps (unless you cover with a cardigan or jacket)
- Messy scarves
- Big, gawdy jewelry pieces
- Anything that makes you feel too rigid and uncomfortable
- Pajamas, sleepwear, nightgowns
However, you can maintain a simple put-together look but still be comfortable. You can certainly have style and look pretty. Here are some ideas for cozy work from home clothes that are also professional.
Your Comfortable Work from Home clothes and ideas
Look for comfortable materials that still look polished.
A comfortable polished look starts with great fabric. These include materials that breathe well and feel cozy. I love rayon, cotton, and viscose. Although you want to choose comfy materials, you also want them to give your clothes some structure and polish. Sometimes they will be blended with other materials such as polyester to give them structure. They should retain their structure when you wear them. If they tend to ball up, wrinkle or lose their structure, there may be a better choice. Watch out for fabrics that after you wash them a few times tend to lose their shape and look shabby.
Invest in quality fabrics that retain their structure
Also, the quality of the fabric can impact how cozy it feels and the structure it retains. Try clothes from different brands that give you that comfortable yet polished look. Depending on your budget, consider investing in some items made with quality fabrics. They are definitely worth the money because they tend to retain that “crisp, polished” look. Though you can certainly also find great quality pieces in a more modest budget range.
Always be on the lookout and take note of the materials and brands that make you feel comfy but hold up well and look professional. I’ve found the only way to truly know what works for you is to try different brands and fabrics. I love a bit of spandex blended in for some stretch as well.
Here is a list of best comfy work from home outfit ideas and staples
- a silky short or long sleeve shirt with an elegant collar– When it comes to telecons, webinars, or meetings there is nothing like a collared shirt. A silky short sleeve shirt maintains the comfort and casual vibe and is great if it is hot outside. A rounded neck, v-neck or shawl collar is modest and flattering. Occasionally if you are working with a colleague you know well and the meeting is more informal, say on a Friday, a t-shirt may be okay as long as it is wrinkle free and the rest of your look is polished and put together.
Rayon Floral short sleeve blouse – This comfy blouse is elegant and classy. Rayon is a comfortable material. It also has a bit of spandex for stretch. The floral print is feminine yet polished. A V neck is a flattering neckline and it is still modest for work. Love the way she has it styled with a simple necklace. I can see her running out to her kid’s school, a lunch or an errand after work.
Black – Loose long sleeve T-Shirt – hard to believe this stylish blouse is called a t-shirt. Very elegant collar that instantly gives you a polished look. 100% Rayon which is super comfy.
The light green color is so cheerful yet sophisticated in this chiffon green v neck long sleeve blouse. The button detail and stylish neckline give this blouse appeal.
2. Flowy black pants – While the top is more important for work telecons, you might have to get up for some reason. So I would still have comfy but nice pants. You do perhaps have a little more leeway with the bottoms and can opt for leggings or nice joggers. Depending on your work culture, you may also be able to wear jeans, if you are comfortable in them.
Black Lounge Pants – What says comfy more than a pair of lounge pants? These are a rayon spandex blend for comfort and stretch. It has a drawstring waist and pockets. Check out all the different colors.
3. A Cardigan – You can top a cardigan on top of a t-shirt or blouse or collared shirt. It creates an instant put together look. If you work in a warm weather environment there are summer cardigans that have lighter fabrics. You can opt for a jacket instead, if you are in a more formal job or setting such as law or you are about to give a presentation.
V-neck textured loose fitting cardigan sweater. This loose fitting textured cardigan sweater is cozy, ‘skin-friendly’ and gives an easy going yet professional vibe. Wear it unbuttoned, or button the lower part for a v-neck that is always flattering. The camel color is versatile and can be matched with many colors. The model tops it over a black tank which you may have in your closet already.
Here are some additional cardigan options that have cotton, rayon, or cashmere in them.
4. A dress – I love wearing a dress because I only have to deal with one piece of clothing. It always makes me feel so feminine and pretty.
This comfy T-Shirt dress is classy yet casual. It has short sleeve a rounded crew neck and a beautiful belt. It is a straight skirt with pockets, which a useful for work. I love the blue but check out the different colors.
Additional Tips
4. Apply fresh make-up – Before your telecons, put on a little fresh makeup. My go-to is eyeliner, mascara and lipstick. You can add foundation, blush and other makeup. The key is to not be overdone. Keep it light, and professional – you are going to work, not a dance club or local bar.
5. Brush or comb your hair. Touch up roots. Make sure it looks neat. If you get your hair colored and it has been some time between colors and your roots are showing than use a root touch up powder or spray.
6. Add minimal jewelry – modest earrings such as studs, or small hoops and simple necklaces are best. Avoid statement pieces that may look gawdy and take attention away from you and the subject you are discussing. Avoid accessories such as scarves that might look messy if not well tied and call unnecessary attention away from your beautiful face! Check out these favorite earrings of mine that are so dainty and versatile.
6. Check your appearance in the computer camera. Make sure you turn on your work camera and look at your image before you join the call. If the lighting is poor, even the nicest clothes won’t look good.
7. Take care of your self – get good sleep, eat well, exercise, etc. When you do this, it shows in your complexion. If you are exhausted it will show no matter how you dress or how much concealer you add. Make sure you incorporate simple joys into your life.
When you look professional and comfortable, you give off confidence yet remain approachable, soft, and friendly to others. That makes for great work! Stock up on some professional but comfy work from home outfits and perform your best!
