With COVID-19 ravaging the world with the stay-at-home and social distancing policies, more people are now working from home. One of its perks is that you don’t have to wear those uncomfortable formal or casual business attire. You enjoy a dress-code-free work. But, it doesn’t mean that you should just open your laptop and work in your PJs.
Here are ways to still look stylish and business-ready even if you’re working from your bed:
Comfy Doesn’t Mean Shabby
Sweats and PJs are comfy. There’s no denying that. Plus, you may not be meeting anyone the entire day, so what’s wrong with wearing your favorite comfy pair?
The truth is, it may affect your productivity. When you look professional, you also feel professional. It’ll show in your work results.
No one’s stopping you from dressing comfortably and casually when working from home. However, it’s important that you also look appropriate. In short, you should wear comfortable but stylishly pulled together attire and look well-groomed, not like a shabby mess.
2. Have A Work-At-Home Wardrobe
When you set aside a small amount of budget for your work-at-home wardrobe, you won’t have to settle for your cartoon-printed PJs and hoodies. It encourages you to dress aptly. Reserve this new wardrobe for remote working only, making it feel special.
3. Color Your Wardrobe
Two years ago, you’d see lots of colors entering the office. At home, though, it can get lonely and drab. It’s quite easy to feel a bit bored and dreary with all the dull colors.
So, lift your spirit up and be more creative and productive with a multi-color printed dressing gown or fun-patterned hoodies.
4. Focus More on the Waist Up
For any remote work, Zoom and Skype video conferencing and meeting will always be a part of your day. Expect to show up on someone’s computer screen every now and then.
Not wearing shoes and being in jeans is fine. After all, workmates won’t see these unless you stand up to get your report in the other room. So, focus more from the waist, up and make it look a little special.
Think about necklines, colors, and styles that are flattering on camera. Avoid tops with a lot of detail, too much color, or too big of an accessory on days when meeting your team. You don’t want them to get distracted looking at your dangling earrings or having a hard time distinguishing you from your wallpaper.
5. Don’t Forget The Hair and Face
Working at home means you don’t have to get up early and prepare. But, it doesn’t mean that you just start typing or join a Zoom call with your woke-up-like-this face and hair.
Remember, when you look good, you also feel good. It makes a difference in how you interact with other people, even if it’s just over the computer or phone. Sure, you can just throw your hair up in a ponytail or style it up with a few hand brushing, but, after days and days of this, you’ll feel and look like someone you don’t know.
A little powder, maybe some blush, mascara, and lipstick for the gals are all you need to freshen up and look great. For the hair, if you think it’s a hassle to style, then consider a new haircut for your remote work lifestyle.
6. A Pair of Chic Shoes on Standby
Working at home, you probably don’t need your dress shoes. But, what if you need to step out?
You don’t want to ruin your credibility and professionalism by showing up to meet a potential client in a pair of your dirty sneakers. So, keep a pair of classy low-heeled shoes or chic flats by your desk to slip on at a minute’s notice.
7. Style Beyond Your Attire
Dressing stylishly while you work at home is great. But, style isn’t just about your dress. It also extends to your home style.
While you can look and feel professional, a messy, disorganized room can still hamper your productivity.
So, clean up your working environment. Then, surround yourself with beautiful and stylish things like modern accessories, a beautiful piece of art, or a calming view to reflect on during the day.
Conclusion
You don’t have to wake up too early or have a stressful morning commute to the office anymore. Still, that’s no excuse to stay in your sweatpants or PJs all day long. A shoddy attire equates to a shoddy attitude and work results. So, follow the above tips to make you look stylish and up your work-at-home game.
