Ever since the world encountered drastic changes with the coronavirus pandemic, our morning routines have shifted. People all around the world began working from home, which turned our living room areas or our bedrooms into our new offices. A few months ago, we had to wake up super early to get all dolled up and ready for another full day of work and running errands. Now, it’s basically waking up five minutes before the first meeting in the morning, still in our PJ’s and making our first cup of coffee. However, wearing our homewear while on a meeting with our boss on the other side of the webcam is still inappropriate, so we must put on something “nicer,” even if it is changing from a “sleep” t-shirt to a “work” shirt. 

Even if we don’t go to the office every day, that doesn’t mean that we must stay in our sweatpants and a plain t-shirt all day long. Maybe the first couple of weeks of quarantine included wearing everything from the comfy-clothes drawer, from workout clothes to mismatched pieces, but by the third or fourth week, we kind of ran out of ideas. So, in order to make dressing up in the morning easier, we are giving you four ideas on how you can feel comfortable and energized at the same time while working from home.

Keep it cozy and casual

As soon as we heard we are working remotely, we immediately thought that we would never get out of sweatpants. And, let’s be honest, most employers won’t mind if you are wearing your favorite leggings while working at home as long as you are doing your job. During those days, when you know you won’t be having any conference meetings on the webcam with your coworkers or your clients, you can definitely wear something more relaxing. This way, you will be in a more peaceful mood and get a ton of work done. Also, wearing sweats or leggings and a casual t-shirt doesn’t require much ironing; therefore, it is a time-saver. But, if you are still in the mood to spice up your comfy outfit and lift your spirit, you can do that with inspiring pieces with cool writing like I can do all things through Christ shirt. For example, such messages can really boost your mood that will last you throughout the entire day. If you opt for positive prints, it can cheer you up and make a big difference in the way you feel without spending too much time getting ready for the busy day ahead. Keep it cozy and casual.

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Skip the sweatpants and get creative

Working from home does not entail being only in your comfy clothes. You can always go a step further from sweatpants and a loose t-shirt to something more appropriate. It doesn’t have to be a pantsuit that you would typically wear to the office, but a blouse and some dressy pants will definitely do it. When we dress up like this, we maintain our daily routine and express our individual sense of style at the same time. Dressing up sets the tone of the day, and it gives us a degree of normality during troubled times. Also, since working from home doesn’t require you to follow any dress codes, you can try out some creative combinations. For example, look for that vintage dress that you used to wear on a day out with your friends or pair your favorite denim jeans with a blazer, and you got yourself a well-put-together look. This business-casual clothing will make you look charming and keep you focused at the same time.

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Play with colors

Even when you are working from home, you won’t be able to avoid those days when you don’t feel like doing anything. Maybe you haven’t realized it yet, but your mood definitely influences your look for the day. So, using color to boost your mood can really make a difference in how you feel. For example, you can put on something yellow or orange. These colors are considered as the most energetic and are associated with laughter and sunshine. Another color that you can use is green. It symbolizes health, and it is more relaxing. So, go shopping in your closet and rediscover that yellow blouse or green sweater you have been hiding in there since forever. Other ways of using color to get your adrenaline going is by adding accessories like a red headband or a vibrant scarf if you are going more neutral with your t-shirt or top. Also, working from home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wearing any makeup. A red lipstick can really brighten up your face and outfit.

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Feel motivated and stay productive with an office look

Now, if you are one of those people who can’t really get out of the office even when you are physically out, then continue the tradition, but you don’t have to go overboard with it. Even though sweatpants or a loose shirt may be your favorite outfit, you will be more motivated if you wear something closer to what you would typically wear in the office. For example, you can put on the comfortable straight-leg chinos with a plain top, and you are ready for a meeting with your coworkers. Also, if you want to feel trendier, put on some office pants and a shrunken cardigan. These outfits can be considered as the at-home fancy looks that can really make you feel productive. And here is a tip inside a tip: open your window in the room you are working from to listen to and feel connected with the outside world just like in the office.

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Final thoughts

Dressing for work from home doesn’t necessarily mean wearing the same clothes you would typically wear in the office, but something like it can really help you set the tone and make you efficient. Working in our PJs or favorite sweatpants can seem very tempting, but you must take into account that there will be days when you will have to interface visually with your coworkers and clients, so looking nice can really leave a good impression. And besides, looking good will make you feel good too and feel energized to go through the busy workdays.