Hi fashion team, I’ve just been told my company will require us to work from home intermittently over the next few months. I have a corporate role, so I’m used to wearing printed midi dresses or trouser suits and smart shoes every day. I was furloughed through the pandemic so didn’t get to nail my working from home dressing like everyone else as I was in my pyjamas! I have tons of work calls, too, so can’t get away with that this time round (sadly). What should I wear instead? Help please!
Aaliyah, London
Those who worked from home at any point over the many lockdowns will likely already be au fait with a work-casual look, a dress code that literally only works while WFH. Think a shirt on top (for important Zoom calls) with sweatshirt shorts and pastel slipper socks on the bottom, since you were conducting said calls from your sofa.
Now that we’re in winter mode (I’m certain it’ll snow one of these days it’s that cold), some style adjustments need to be made. With energy bills at an all-time high, it’s really not the time to have to turn on your heating since you’ll be indoors all day, either.
The premise is the same, though – you need a capsule wardrobe that is equal parts cosy and smart so as to keep you in the work mindset but feel comfortable if you’re working from your dining room table.
As much as I’d love to stay in my pyjamas too, I doubt I’d get any work done if I did, which is why I have a few outfit combinations I turn to that are just as stylish (should I need to pop out), as they are cosy and work-friendly.
Here’s what you need to know…
Fun tracksuits
On the casual end of the spectrum is the tracksuit. They’re one step up from loungewear and are my favourite look to wear when I’m at home since comfort is key.
Sure, they make for a very relaxed look, but see the sweatshirt (which is all that will actually be seen) as the off-duty alternative to the statement knit you would wear with a silk or pleated skirt and knee-high boots to the office. Colour always looks better on screen than black or white does, so you’ll be brightening up your team Zoom a treat.
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Knit co-ords
I know your office has a smarter dress code, but some creatives might be able to get away with knitted dresses and cardigans with boots by day so will already have these in their arsenal.
A smarter version of a tracksuit but with the same cosy premise, a knit two-piece is a stylish option for off-duty style and running errands in winter, and they’re trending for the new season too.
If you’re keen to feel and look more presentable, opt for styles with a slim-fit or structure, like a crew neck knit and wide-leg trousers. H&M and Mango do the best ones on the high street, IMO.
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Sweatshirts and leggings
While working at your home desk, there’s nothing comfier than a roomy sweatshirt and super soft leggings. The combo offers a *different* level of comfort, so it’s worth having it in your radar.
If you want to smarten it up, opt for great quality black leggings (I like Zara and Commando), and wear with a neutral sweatshirt which is longline rather than oversized. I always wear simple gold hoop earrings or my favourite tortoiseshell hair accessories to glam it up a bit and feel as though I’ve made a big effort.
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Shirts and wide-leg trousers
Meetings will still go ahead, whether you’re home or IRL, so when you need to show that office-face, a smart top is a must. I wear thermals under my cotton shirts at home, and I’ll pair them with said cosy leggings or wide-leg trousers.
A jersey or knit pair, crucially with an elasticated waist, feel closer to pyjamas than they do my usual work trousers, but as it’s an outfit formula I turn to most days working IRL, it’s great for WFH.
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What to wear with your work from home outfits:
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