Home office outfit: What to wear to be comfortable and productive

The holiday season is over, meaning most of us will return to work, and even if some of us must get back to the office, others can accomplish their jobs elsewhere. However, choosing an outfit for a workday can also be challenging for those who work-from-home. In this article, we will help you choose the best outfit for working from home days, so you can be comfortable and productive.

Working from home is here to stay, and one of the advantages of this work model is that employees can dress more casually. Yet, it is probably not the best idea to work in your pyjamas.

So, what should we wear to strike a balance between being comfortable and professional? That is what we are going to explore here.

Look good, feel good, do good

Attire plays a subtle yet significant role in establishing productivity and professionalism. Establishing a morning routine that involves choosing a work-from-home outfit can be a powerful motivation for a productive day. Trying to look good helps create a boundary between personal time and work time.

Essentially, you need an outfit that is comfortable and does not restrict your movements, so you should find a blend of comfort and style, ensuring you are ready for whatever the day brings, whether it is a spontaneous video call or a deep work session.

Work-from-home attire rules

Blend casual with professional. You do not need to wear a pair of heels down the hall to your home office, but you also do not need to work in your pjs. Overly casual wear can psychologically keep you in relaxation mode.
Choose versatile clothes. Pick up outfits suitable for video calls and lunches, as well as for sitting and standing.
Embrace your personal style. Clothes should make you feel like yourself and working from home allows you to express your personal style.
Choose stretch. There must be room for easy movements so you can be as comfortable as possible after a few hours of sitting.
Layer strategically. Make sure you can easily add or remove layers; layers are key to comfort.
Avoid distracting patterns. Excessive colour contrasts and patterns can appear too busy and can also have a visually overwhelming effect in a webcam.
Choose high-quality, soft, and breathable fabrics. This can help you relax and avoid the stuffy feeling, getting you the right mindset for work.
Mind all body. We focus on the upper body due to video calls, but bear in mind that you may also have to stand up during meetings.
Maintain grooming standards. Make sure your appearance is proper. This is not just about looks; it is also about feeling ready and confident.
Comfort over style for footwear. Our feet are the foundation of support for our body, so make sure you put on some comfortable footwear.
Change clothes after work. This will provide more routine to your day and will help you to switch off from work.

Work-from-home outfit suggestions

Keep this in mind: try to wear something smart, but not too overdressed; be comfortable and stylish at the same time. By selecting the appropriate fabrics and cuts, you can easily create several smart-casual home office looks.

We have some outfit suggestions to help you get inspired.