What to Wear to Work From Home (That is NOT Activewear or Loungewear)
I am 100% guilty of wearing primarily activewear and loungewear in my work from home outfits. I say that as I’m currently wearing my ReNew teddy bomber and a pair of fleece lounge pants after a day of working from home, ha! Take one look at my Stylebook calendar and you will only see real clothes worn on the weekend for the rare occasions I actually leave the house.
That said, I know most of you are not like me in that you’re still wearing your regular clothes to work from home. I browsed my closet (via Stylebook, of course) and picked out all of the items from my regular closet that are put-together but also comfy enough for WFH. What have you been wearing to work from home? Did I miss anything that you wear? Also, please let me know if you’re also firmly in the activewear/loungewear camp because I can’t seem to get out of it, haha! It’ll be a shock when I have to go back in the office. 🤣
What to wear to work from home
Basic tees, loose blouses, flannel shirts, soft sweaters
In general, I don’t like wearing any tops that are snug, but now that I’m WFH, I’m even more drawn to every loose top. Now’s the time to wear basic tees (especially graphic tees if you can’t wear them into the office normally—they’re so cute with blazers!) and billowy blouses. I also like wearing only soft things against my body right now, so I’m all in on flannel shirts and sweaters. When it comes to materials, I opt for cotton and cashmere sweaters (ha!) because I’ve developed a sensitivity to wool and worry that alpaca will be too itchy.
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for tops: Madewell, Everlane, & Other Stories, Uniqlo, Aliya Wanek
Cardigans, sweater blazers, jersey blazers
A third piece always pulls an outfit together—especially when WFH! I rotate through my collection of cardigans nonstop as it is now, and I’ve been pulling out my blazers for Zoom meetings/presentations. When it comes to blazers, though, I won’t wear anything stiff or stuffy. It’s all about the stretchy jersey blazers and the sweater blazers! They easily layer under any of the tees above (or a slim sweater if you need extra coziness!).
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for third pieces: Old Navy, J.Crew, Nordstrom, Madewell, Gap
Tee dresses, swingy dresses, (faux) wrap dresses
Dresses are the most wonderful one-and-done outfit, and in the summer I loved wearing my tee dresses! Now they’re perfect layered with cardigans or sweater blazers. Other comfy options include loose swingy dresses, shift dresses, and wrap (or faux wrap) dresses. And, of course, sweater dresses are a popular and excellent option now that we’re heading into fall and winter. I look for easy, loose silhouettes in stretchy and breathable fabrics (no synthetic if possible).
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for dresses: Amour Vert, Everlane, Madewell, Old Navy, Gap
Pull-on shorts, elastic waist skirts
You may not be wearing many shorts or skirts now that it’s the end of October, but I included them here just in case you live in the southern half of the country or in the Southern Hemisphere (or if you’re looking at this post in the future when it’s spring and/or summer again—woo!). I took full advantage of the fact that I was home all summer and basically lived in pull-on shorts. They’re something I can’t normally wear at the office, so may as well! If you don’t want to wear what are basically loungewear, there are lots of other short and skirt options that feel like loungewear but don’t look like it.
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for shorts/skirts: Target, J.Crew Factory, J.Crew, LOFT
Ponte pants, wide leg pants, paperbag pants, stretchy jeans
When it comes to WFH outfits, pants are, of course, optional. I’ve been wearing almost exclusively sweatpants and leggings, but for those of you that want to feel more pulled together, the best WFH styles are forgiving in the legs and in the waistband. Ponte pants are an obvious choice (I’ve had my pair for jeans). Trendy wide leg pants are perfect for this new work environment, especially if they have an elastic waist. Paperbag pants are also great—loose around the hips AND legs! If you prefer jeans, look for styles with a lot of stretch; Madewell has my favorite. The Roadtripper jeans are the stretchiest, but I find any of their styles comfortable thanks to their Magic Pockets! (And if you only wear jeans with no stretch…you do you, sis!)
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for pants/jeans: Madewell, Everlane, J.Crew Factory, J.Crew
Statement necklaces and earrings, lightweight scarves
Are you in Zoom meetings regularly (with the camera on)? Pull out the statement earrings and fun necklaces! Lightweight scarves are nice in the cooler months, especially if you want to keep your heating costs down but still stay warm.
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for accessories: AUrate, Madewell, J.Crew, Romy Studio, ABLE
Slippers, sherpa slides
And last but certainly not least, the most important element of the WFH outfit: slippers! (Or cozy socks!) I’ve had mine from L.L.Bean for a couple of years now, and after wearing them basically every day for months now, the lining is quite smooshed down. I’m kind of drawn to the faux fur/sherpa sandal/slide situation that’s been trending recently, too...!
My favorite brands/retailers to shop for slippers: L.L.Bean, LOFT, Madewell, Nordstrom, J.Crew