Great comfortable work from home outfits like the one above I pulled from my closet; stretchy jeans that feel almost like leggings, a soft black t-shirt and soft cardigan that almost feels like a robe. The secret is in the “third piece” a cardigan that pulls the look together and elevates it.
When I first started working from home twenty years ago now, I rolled out in my PJs, got a cup of coffee and hopped on my laptop. It was great until a client called around noon time. This clearly wasn’t optimal.
I also noticed I was less productive in my PJs. I’d run a few loads of laundry, get hooked on social media, watch a little TV and chat with friends here and there. At the end of the day I’d look up and discover I hadn’t gotten much done. Not good when you are running your own business.
I didn’t do that sort of thing when I worked in an office, for one, I didn’t watch TV and I had a set routine with assignments and deadlines. The clothes I wore not only sent a message to others, but also to me. My pantsuits (and dresses) meant business, no mistake about it.
But I wasn’t going to wear a dress and heels at home; I needed to find outfits that could bridge the gap between the multiple hats I was wearing. Mom, CEO, chief cook and bottle washer. I needed something that I could easily nip out to a meeting in, yet something that I could also pop over to my daughter’s school, or push the vacuum cleaner around in.
So, to those of you who find yourself working from home, and possibly taking care of family members at the same time, I have some ideas for you.
- Decide what time you want to go to bed and get up, and stick to it. One of the things I learned the hard way was that it’s hard to toggle back and forth with bedtimes and getting up time. To this day, I do best with an early wakeup and structure.
- Even if you wear an abbreviated make up look, do your hair, put a little make up on and wear something cute.
- Set up a work area, and, trust me, it’s best if you have a desk or table to work at. My neck and shoulders got majorly tweaked from working hunched over my computer on the couch. Plus there is something to sitting up straight. The blood flows to the brain easier or something…well probably not. Just try it and see what you think.
- For maximum productivity, maintain a schedule, set deadlines and work just like you do at the office.
Now, here are some outfit ideas for comfortable, yet presentable work at home outfits.
I’m really loving these neutral colors and the new, super comfortable straight leg mom jeans.
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