The days of setting the alarm every night, waking up at the exact time each day, and picking out our work #OOTD have temporarily taken a backseat. It’s no secret that we start our days just 5 minutes before conference calls, wear the same sets of pyjamas throughout the week, find solace in the most relaxed clothing, and ‘chill’ even while we’re working.
The words ‘new normal’ are no strangers anymore - they’re our collective reality. While the concept of ‘work from home’ was reserved for sick days in the pre-pandemic world, it’s a way of life in the present day scenario. Almost all of us have been introduced to it by now. We don’t see it going away anytime soon either! Amid our new routine, our amazing style too seems to be vacationing and it’s super essential to bring it back any way we can.
Well, for starters, we’ve all grown far too comfortable with not having to dress to impress, and we’re sure that our closet has started missing us immensely. (Slowly, we’re getting there too.) After all, there’s only so many throwback pictures one can post on social media, right? Not too long ago, we spent hours trying to find the perfect look to don not just to the office but also for our post-work plans with the squad or for date nights on weekdays. All of these things have now shifted over to scheduled video calls.
Even meeting (or standing up) your date now takes place through a 5-inch screen. Also, we’re used to seeing ourselves and our coworking friends in their stay-at-home attires aka worn-out t-shirts and trousers, but wouldn’t it be nice to make an attempt to look stylish once again? Besides, it does make for some good practice when our lives finally fully resume, and it gives you a new genre to master.
There’s a new style genre on the block that ensures you stay at the top of your style game while not having to let go of your precious comfort. Undoubtedly, work from home fashion is now a thing, and we’re absolutely digging it for all the right reasons. We’re not the only ones who wish to make the best of it; one look at your Instagram ‘explore’ section will definitely make you want to doll up again but in the simplest of ways. It goes beyond the pyjamas we all now live in and paves the way for more relaxed styles and pieces. Read on to discover what to wear to work when you work at home, and also stay video-call ready at all times - even when they are last-minute. But first, check out our list of basic must-haves that you’ll need for the style hacks we’re about to give you!
Apart from these basic winners, we’re sure there’s a lot more in your wardrobe that is comfy AND stylish. If you don’t, well, isn’t this the perfect opportunity for a virtual shopping spree? Don’t let the sluggishness stop you from levelling up your style game, even if there is no audience. And if you were to ask us, we’d say that the only one you really need is your mirror; and in some instances, your front camera too.
Coming back to decoding work from home fashion; what does a typical stay-at-home workday look like for you? Is it full of meetings that require you to be presentable at all times or never-ending to-do lists that make you more tired than you’ve ever been? Or, is it all about video calls with your coworkers to discuss your tasks (maybe even gossip about your bosses over a cup of freshly brewed coffee?) Whatever it is that you do while being the star employee, our style tips have you covered! Take notes, because below are some diva-approved methods to answer the persistent question - what to wear to work when you work at home
If you’re among the ones who hate having to wear a blazer or suit up for meetings just to look professional, join the club! While some professions require a particular dress code, others would love to see you experimenting with your style.
The clothes you wear can largely impact your mood and your day. That is precisely why your girlfriends may suggest a phenomenal makeover after you’ve had a bad breakup or a well-styled outfit to make the good days even better. The same applies to work from home fashion too! You don’t have to impress anyone - the aim is to feel good about yourself, thus increasing your own productivity by a lot.
Normalcy may seem like a far-fetched dream to most of us right now, but who’s to say we can’t pretend like we’re back to our old routines, even if it’s just from the comfort of our homes? Most days, you might get away with wearing pyjamas in place of real ‘pants’, but now, do it for the thrill of completing your otherwise perfect look.
With everything including the gyms and yoga centres opening up, if you still wish to refrain from being out and about or on the treadmill, we assure you that you’re not the only ones. If you’re working out from home amidst working from home, then props to you! If you’re not, that’s okay too. But moderate or no workout sessions don’t mean that your tank tops need to stay folded away in your closet.
Let’s face it; even if we’re home and have nowhere to be, working overtime isn’t the best of things. Days like these are when all we need is comfort food to get through a few more hours and clothing that feels like a hug. That’s where hoodies come in! The end of official work hours is when it’s acceptable to slip out of your formals, so why not bring out your favourite hoodies?
If you’re looking for more inspiration to up your game, then take cues from your favourite influencers and recreate their #OOTDs your way! Alternatively, if inspiration strikes you, let your phone’s self-timer be your best friend and click a couple of hundred pictures! Post them on social media, and watch as the compliments start pouring in.
P.S.: We hope you’ve made a list of different ways to say ‘thank you’ - because trust us, you’ll need it.