It can be tempting to fall into a uniform of sweatpants and pajamas while working from home for an extended time. And while there’s something to be said for relaxing your style when you don’t need to adhere to an office dress code, some folks actually prefer to get dressed up to maintain a sense of normalcy. In fact, getting dressed up can improve your overall mood and productivity.
It is understandable that while working from home you want to be comfortable, yet still look professional, especially when you are interacting with others virtually. The perfect balance is what I call, business on top and party on the bottom. And party to me equals ultimate comfort.
To achieve this look simply wear a top that you would regularly wear to the office, add some earrings and minimal makeup. To round out the look, feel free to put on some sweatpants and slippers on bottom and viola’ you are ready for your day!
For some, the business on top and party at the bottom is not an easy adjustment. Adjusting to working from home can be challenging, and some prefer to dress up to somewhat maintain their daily routine. Since your normal routine is interrupted when you work from home, it can help you feel more at ease to wear something a bit closer to what you’d normally wear at the office.
Keeping a routine can help us maintain a sense of control and degree of normality in times when we are feeling a lack of control, which can lead to stress and even anxiety. What matters more than the actual clothes we wear is that they help us feel good.
If you are working from home with children, dressing as if you are going to the office may not be an optimal option for you, however the key is to wear something that makes you feel confident yet comfortable. Working from home also allows you the opportunity to “shop your own closet” and wear something that you normally wouldn’t wear to work. For example, consider wearing a blouse with ruffles or other details and your favorite pair of jeans or leggings.
The great thing about fashion is that you can always switch up your look based on your mood. While working from home, you will likely have days where you just don’t feel like getting dressed up. And that is totally OK!
Try to maintain your normal schedule by changing into work clothes the same time you would if you were headed to the office. And change out of your work clothes when you would return home from the office. These changes shift our mental states and draws a boundary between work and home.
How To Dress To Boost Your Mood
Have you ever noticed that we often dress in colors that reflect our mood? While it might sound trivial, using color to give yourself a boost can make a world of difference in how you feel.
While you may not want or need to dress up as much as you might in an office or seeing a client, your personal mood is affected by the colors around you.
When you need to get up and moving (physically or mentally), wearing warm tones like orange, red, yellow or reddish-purples are perfect! When it’s time to slow things down for the day, cooler tones like blue-greens can be super relaxing.
How to use color to boost your mood:
- Add color with accessories: You can never go wrong with a statement necklace, especially against a more neutral color such as navy, beige or brown tones.
- Mix neutrals and bold colors: If you feel best in your favorite jeans, pair them with a colorful t-short or top. You can also add a vibrant scarf to a neutral top to add a splash of color.
- Perk up your makeup look: Red lips can brighten your face and outfit and don’t forget to wear your favorite fragrance to lift your mood.
- Don’t be afraid of prints: It’s OK to wear a printed top when on video, however, keep the pattern to a limited number of colors. I suggest no more than three. This will prevent the viewer from focusing on your clothes rather than what you have to say.
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