Since we’re all spending more time at home than ever before, I wanted to talk about the anatomy of a work from home outfit. This is the formula I have been using through all of quarantine, and I basically wear some variation of this outfit every day.
As the weather warms up, it’s always nice to throw on a pretty dress or something more formal to change things up and improve your mood, but the majority of the time, my goal is to look somewhat put together while remaining completely comfortable. Something about the pandemic has made my very averse to wearing jeans at home. I used to live in denim, but since this all started, the thought of wearing real pants while sitting at home without seeing anyone is not very appealing to me.
With that said, I do feel very strongly that it is important to get dressed in the morning and put on some form of clothing that still looks put together. When you wear pajamas all day, it can be difficult to focus and work productively.
Here is the anatomy of the work from home outfit that has carried me through quarantine:
Leggings with pockets:
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: I don’t know how I ever wore leggings without pockets! Having pockets in your leggings makes it easy to keep your phone nearby without having to hold it, (I love this so I can track my steps) and is a great way to keep your ID and credit card on you without having to carry a bag. I particularly love having pockets when I walk my dog or go to the grocery store because it allows me to keep what I need on me without having to touch or hold things constantly, which makes everything more hygienic. These are my absolute favorite leggings. They are well crafted, hold up well, and are very flattering on any body type.
Soft tank top:
I have several of these tank tops and you really can’t beat the price and quality. They are soft, comfortable, flattering, and come in a slew of different colors. Best of all is that they are only $8 and often go on sale! I use these as layering pieces when it’s chilly but they’re also great basic tanks that you can pair with almost anything.
Button down shirt:
This button down shirt can easily be interchanged with a sweater or really any top that you like, however something about a button down shirt makes me feel more polished while still being comfortable. If you go for a button down in a chiffon fabric that is a bit more formal, you can be business on top and party on the bottom when pairing it with your leggings and slippers!
Blue light blocking glasses:
I’ve suffered from migraines for years, and one of the things that has greatly reduced the number of migraines I get is wearing blue light blocking glasses whenever I’m on the computer. I can see a difference in the screen, but the real truth lies with the reduced number of migraines I’ve gotten since wearing blue light blocking glasses consistently. You can find them very readily on amazon, and there are a lot of brands that have created their own version of blue light blocking glasses. Additionally, if you wear prescription glasses, you can ask the optometrist to add a blue light blocking filter/coating to your prescription lenses as well. As we all spend an increased amount of time staring at screens, eye protection is an important factor to be aware of.
Cozy slippers:
I’m only five feet tall, so pre pandemic, I loved wearing heels, but there is no way that I’m putting on heels (or any real shoes) while at home. I’m all about cozy slippers, and love this style of slipper in particular. I usually get the Costco brand slippers that look very similar to these (they come out each fall). I love how they are comfortable, warm, and cozy, but also have a solid sole so that you don’t slip and slide around the house. Because of the sturdy sole, you can totally wear these shoes to run and get the mail or take the dog out for a quick potty break, but I prefer to have a pair of these restricted to indoor use so I don’t track germs from outside throughout the house.
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When it comes to building the perfect work from home outfit formula, there is no right or wrong way to do it, but I do suggest wearing clothing that makes you still feel somewhat put together. Yes, our lives have changed dramatically in light of the covid pandemic, but structure and routine have been suggested to help us cope with the drastic changes.