What to Wear While Working From Home: Practical Style Tips for the Modern Professional
Master work-from-home style with comfortable, polished outfits for productivity and video calls.
What to Wear to Work From Home: A Comprehensive Guide
With the rise of remote work, many professionals are left wondering: What should I wear while working from home? Striking the perfect balance between comfort, personal style, and professional readiness is key in today’s flexible workplace. In this guide, we’ll cover practical wardrobe recommendations, specific advice for video conferencing, style variations for different situations, and reader-inspired tips for building your ideal work-from-home (WFH) wardrobe.
Why Does Work-From-Home Attire Matter?
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a remote employee, or part of a hybrid team, your clothing choices can directly impact your productivity and mindset. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that maintaining a regular routine — including getting dressed for the day — can put you in a professional frame of mind even when home.
- Boosts productivity: Changing out of pajamas signals it’s time for work.
- Supports video professionalism: Ready to jump on video calls with confidence and ease.
- Maintains boundaries: Distinguishes personal time from work hours.
- Improves self-care: Looking after your appearance can have a positive impact on self-esteem.
Choosing Your WFH Wardrobe: Key Considerations
- Comfort first: Prioritize items that allow free movement and keep you comfortable for long stretches.
- Easy maintenance: Opt for machine-washable fabrics and low-fuss garments.
- Layering options: Have cardigans, light sweaters, or jackets nearby for temperature shifts or video call polish.
- Versatility: Select items that transition easily from work mode to errands or casual activities.
- Personal style: Be true to what you love — if bold prints or classic neutrals make you happy, incorporate them.
What Do People Actually Wear While Working From Home?
Personal accounts and reader surveys show WFH attire runs the gamut. Choices often depend on the day’s tasks, scheduled meetings, and individual comfort preferences. Here’s what professionals are typically reaching for:
Option 1: Smart Casual (Most Common on Solo WFH Days)
- Dark wash jeans or slim ponte pants for a polished base.
- Knit tops, t-shirts, or simple blouses layered with a cardigan, knit jacket, or sweater.
- Comfortable shoes (like slippers or supportive flats), though many go barefoot at home.
This ‘smart casual’ look makes it easy to step out for errands or take a spontaneous video call with minimal adjustments.
Option 2: Athleisure and Loungewear
- Yoga pants or leggings paired with a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
- Comfy dresses (like casual sheath styles) with tights and boots for days when running errands or heading to a coffee shop is on the agenda.
- Activewear for those scheduling a mid-day gym session or walk.
Many professionals admit starting their day in pajamas, especially in the early morning, before changing into gym or casual clothes post-shower.
Option 3: Video-Ready Outfits
- Blouses and collared shirts with a cardigan or comfortable blazer within reach.
- Statement glasses for a professional look that reduces makeup needs.
- Simple jewelry (like studs or a delicate necklace) for polish.
For video conferencing, focus on what’s visible: the upper half should be tidy and professional, while comfortable basics (even pajama pants!) may suffice off camera.
Recommended WFH Wardrobe Staples (with Brand Suggestions)
Over the years, certain items and brands have become favorites among remote professionals.
- Women’s T-shirts: Caslon, Madewell, Amazon Essentials, Fishers Finery, New Day, Rag & Bone, Frame, Splendid, Michael Stars, Three Dots, James Perse, Velvet
- Jeans: J.Crew, Veronica Beard, Wit & Wisdom, Levi’s, Paige, Madewell, Topshop
- Dress options: Ponte knit sheath dresses (e.g., Old Navy), easy pullover styles
- Pants: Ponte pants, relaxed denim, and pull-on skinny jeans
- Layering pieces: Sweaters, cardigans, casual blazers (keep one handy for calls)
How to Dress for Specific WFH Scenarios
| Situation | Recommended Attire | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Solo work days (no meetings) | Smart casual, athleisure, or loungewear | Maximize comfort; transition out of sleepwear for focus |
| Frequent video calls | Polished tops, cardigans, blazers; makeup or statement glasses | Keep a blazer/collar top ready; tidy hair and neutral backgrounds |
| Working in public (cafes, errands) | Comfy dresses, tights, boots, or elevated jeans | Layer for variable temps; maintain easy movement |
| Supervising kids/household multitasking | Stretchy, washable fabrics; unfussy fits | Quick-change layers; child- and stain-friendly |
Creating Your Ultimate Work-From-Home Wardrobe
Many remote workers have curated a ‘capsule’ collection of go-to garments:
- 3-4 favorite pairs of pants: mix of jeans, ponte, and leggings
- Versatile cardigans and lightweight sweaters
- Essential tees and tops: choose colors and prints to suit your style
- Camisoles and base layers for warmth
- 1-2 video call toppers: blazers, collared shirts, or shawl cardigans
- Slippers or house shoes for home; sneakers or booties for errands
Tips for Planning Your WFH Closet
- Pick a base color for maximum mixing and matching (black, navy, or gray are popular)
- Focus on quality over quantity for your most-worn pieces
- Avoid high-maintenance, dry-clean-only garments for everyday use
- Keep an emergency ‘polished’ top at the ready for last-minute calls
- Consider seasonal swaps — rotate in cozy knits or lighter tops as needed
Special Considerations for Video Conferencing
Video meetings are a defining feature of remote work. Clothes must project competence and professionalism — at least from the waist up. Here are some video-friendly style tips:
- Stick with solid colors or subtle prints for tops to avoid camera distractions
- V-neck or collared shirts frame the face attractively
- Add interest with personality glasses, simple earrings, or a neutral necklace
- Keep a blazer, cardigan, or polished pullover draped nearby for on-the-spot professionalism
- Neat hair, minimal makeup, and tidy background set the scene
Balancing Routine and Flexibility: Real Reader Tips
Every remote worker develops their own rhythm. Here’s how regular professionals adapt:
- Morning pajamas routine: Start early tasks in PJs, then change post-breakfast or after the gym
- ‘Uniform’ days: Some stick to the same basic outfit daily to simplify decision-making
- Coffee shop workdays: Elevate the look slightly to strike a balance between comfort and public appropriateness
- Multitasking with kids: Easy-wash, stretch-friendly clothes worn throughout the day for maximum movement
Common Pitfalls and Comfort Zones
Some wardrobe picks are less suited for home work life. Top lessons:
- Button-down shirts: Even tailored styles can be fussy, needing constant adjusting or ironing
- Pencil skirts and dressy pants: Often left unworn — comfort and practicality win out
- Dry-clean only pieces: Minimize maintenance for daily attire; reserve for special occasions
- Heels: Flats, slippers, or sneakers are overwhelmingly preferred
Quick Dos and Don’ts for WFH Style
- Do switch out of pajamas each morning — it boosts focus and signals the start of the workday
- Don’t worry about dressing formally unless your work culture or role demands it
- Do have one or two ‘meeting-ready’ tops close by, even if you keep comfy pants or leggings on
- Don’t neglect personal grooming; a neat look helps even without makeup
- Do incorporate your personal style — bright colors, patterns, and statement jewelry can lift your spirits
- Don’t feel pressured to buy new clothes; start with what you have and fill gaps as needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I motivate myself to get dressed for work at home?
A: Set a simple morning routine where changing out of sleepwear signals the beginning of your workday. Keeping comfortable yet distinct work clothes helps create the psychological switch needed for productivity.
Q: Do I really need to dress up for video meetings?
A: It’s not necessary to go fully formal, but wearing a neat, clean top (blouse, sweater, or blazer) with groomed hair is recommended. It conveys professionalism even in a relaxed home setting.
Q: What’s the best fabric for WFH clothes?
A: Look for soft, breathable, and stretchy fabrics like cotton blends, modal, ponte knit, and performance materials. These deliver comfort and resist wrinkles without fuss.
Q: How can I create a WFH wardrobe on a budget?
A: Evaluate what you already own and supplement with a few versatile, high-quality basics. Seek out sales, outlet deals, and affordable lines from trusted brands for t-shirts, cardigans, and jeans.
Q: Are there any wardrobe items to avoid for home work?
A: Avoid high-maintenance, uncomfortable, or overly stiff pieces such as tailored pencil skirts, high heels, or dry-clean-only blouses for daily wear.
Final Thoughts: Dressing Well — Even at Home
The key to what to wear to work from home lies in balancing comfort, confidence, and appropriateness for your day’s demands. Your WFH wardrobe should reflect your style, suit your lifestyle, and let you transition fluidly between roles, from remote professional to household manager to gym-goer. With the right pieces on hand, you’ll always feel ready for whatever your workday brings — at home or beyond.
References
- https://corporette.com/what-to-wear-to-work-from-home/
- https://corporette.com/workhorses-for-work/
- https://corporette.com/business-casual-for-women/
- https://corporette.com/personal-style-while-working-from-home/
- https://corporette.com/the-minimalists-guide-to-dressing-for-work/
- https://corporette.com/how-are-workwear-rules-changing/
- https://corporette.com/working-late-professional-clothes/
- https://corporette.com/modernizing-your-work-wardrobe-need-to-edit-more/
