Mastering the New Work Wardrobe: Harmonizing Comfy and Chic

When I made the leap or rather jump…..maybe more of a fall….into being a Freelance Videographer from being a Visual Manager that went into office or stores everyday, I hit the pajama wear hard. So many years of having to have a fashion forward put together look was lost and the comfort of sweats and oversized cozy clothing beckoned. If I went out to film or meet a potential client I’d put on the façade of a put together person by wearing a chic outfit but that was the extent of it. I’d feel amazing those days, when I got back home I was more motivated and productive. Could have been the high of human connection my newfound hermit work life wasn’t use to. But I think a lot had to do with getting ready and dressed.

After a few months of the pajama life I started to realize I missed getting ready everyday. I missed choosing an outfit as a sort of creative outlet, I missed that feeling of looking in the mirror and feeling that tinge of excitement when you put together a really good look. So one day I decided I’d get ready first thing when I woke up like I use to for my day job. Did the make up, the hair and put together a chic look. I felt ready to take on the day, so I did. I was more motivated and more confident. Because It’s hard to sell someone on how important a beautiful video for their website will help their image when you’re sitting in a hand me down t-shirt from your husband that has holes in the armpits and a pair of camo printed sweatpants that have faded to an unrecognizable point. Hair all frizzy and frazzled. Not a good look. So you can see why I may have felt a little better offering my services when I decided to clean up nice.

So as time went on I mastered a few tricks for the work-from-home wardrobe. The secret lies in harmonizing two seemingly contradictory elements – comfort and professionalism. The first step in this fashion journey is curating a foundation of essentials.

1.) Find pieces that make it easy

If you are starting from nothing find these 3 things: Pair of black pants with an elastic waistband, preferably made out of cotton. An oversized cotton button up shirt (can be styled in multiple different ways). And either an oversized blazer made of cotton or Lycocell. These pieces are classic an go a long way and can easily be outfit repeated with little tweaks to the shirt or added accessories. Doesn’t necessarily have to be these 3 things but just anything within your comfort that are comfortable and have easy effortless style that you get excited to wear. I had a very casual vibe so my go to was nice jeans, a crisp t-shirt and either a blazer or cardigan.

2.) Start small

If you’re on video calls a lot than you’ve probably mastered the business on top, pajamas on the bottom. If you’re not their yet then that is a great place to start. Maybe it’ll make the transition a little easier if you keep those comfy sweat pants and pair them with a nice shirt. Goodness knows that’s a look in it’s self. I speak to contrast all the time, so the casual with sophisticated works. Especially if you venture out and pair that with some loafers or chelsea boots. Done and done.

3.) Find your Function

A work-from-home wardrobe needs to be more than just visually appealing - it needs to be functional. So it needs to work for you and your daily lifestyle still.

I wasn’t working remote for a company that was going to see me on zoom calls each day. I was working for myself, editing and sending out emails. With some days out filming and interacting with casual brands like coffee shops and other small businesses. So my outfits could remain quite casual. However I chose to still have elevated style in each look because it made me feel more comfortable in my skin.

It doesn’t have to be so literal. It can even go the other way. Maybe you’re someone who makes a lot of sales calls and wants to feel fierce and confident so you wear a 3 piece suit everyday. Even though nobody else will see that beautiful ensemble, you feel fantastic for yourself. Maybe it’s a combo like I mentioned, pajama chic. As long as you feel better for it, then there you go, that’s a fit for your function.

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If you’re living your best life in your pajamas and feel your best self in them…then you continue doing you. I suggest only making this change if you’re looking to feel a little more confident, motivated and productive. Because it will definitely help you feel like the best version of yourself. And when you feel like the best version of yourself, you’ll give the best version of yourself.