The other day I was cleaning out my closet, and as I sifted through the trouser pants, button-down shirts, and heels, I realized that I no longer needed these items. As a work-at-home woman, I have the luxury of a casual and comfy dress code.
But as your image is one of the main ways people perceive you, you don’t want to take this casualness to the opposite extreme of sweat pants, your husband’s old ratty t-shirts, and flannel pajama bottoms.
On the other hand, as work-at-home women, we’re busy – REAL BUSY. We have the cooking, the cleaning, the taking care of the children and pets, and did I mention running a business? So we don’t want to waste precious time on deciding what to wear, not to mention ironing and making extra trips to the dry cleaner.
As a work-at-home woman, you need to get into a “fashion routine” where you have your classic go-to pieces that can be dressed up or down. Pieces that will match and complement your other clothes. To achieve this, versatility and function will be key to your “fashion routine.”
Here’s how I create a functional yet fashionable routine for myself.
Related Content: From PJs to Pumps – What to Wear When Working From Home?
Denim
Jeans are one of those items I’m willing to splurge on; I swear if you buy a good pair, they will last forever. My current faves are a pair that I purchased from Stitch Fix called JustBlack – they are a dark navy blue wash (almost black), and they’re perfect for dressing up, yet casual enough to be worn daily.
My other fave pair is from Kut from the Kloth – perfect to wear with heels or over some boots. I like to get all of my denim in the darkest wash possible, it’s slimming, looks more refined, and they tend to last longer than lighter shades.
Capri Pants
I wear these even more than I wear my long jeans (probably because it’s always hot in Texas and I’m pretty short (5′ 3″) and shorts tend to look silly on me). I have many pairs of Capri pants, but the brands that I always wear are Citizens of Humanity, David Kahn, cabi, Loft, and again Kut from the Kloth. I have them in dark blue and white, and honestly, these are great for all occasions. Dress them down with a scoop neck tee and sandals, or dress them up with some wedges and a cute tunic.
Cardigans and Jackets
Here in Texas, you learn to layer your clothes very early on; even though it’s 100 degrees outside it’s 68 degrees inside with the air conditioning on. Not only is layering functional, but it’s also flattering and easily extends your wardrobe. I have cardigans and jackets/casual blazers in almost every color imaginable, pink, beige, white, navy, gray, and black… and I love to layer them with tank tops, camis, and blouses.
Tops
I like to stock up on tops from cabi, Loft, Banana Republic, Stitch Fix, Dillards, and Nordstrom – I also like to check out the discount store like Marshalls, TJ Maxx, and Ross Dress for Less. What I look for in my shirts are primary colors and fabrics that don’t require dry cleaning. I don’t want to have to spend extra time hand washing, ironing, or bringing clothes to the dry cleaner.
Athleisure
Athleisure is all the rage right now – sleek athletic wear that can be worn anywhere. Since I try to work out five days a week, this is my typically daily outfit. Yoga pants, a tank, and either a sweatshirt or wrap. Ultra-comfortable yet put together enough to go to the grocery store or meet a good friend for coffee. I have numerous pieces from Old Navy, Target, and Nike, but you can also splurge on fancier digs from Lulu Lemon or Athleta.
Flats
I do love how heels look, but they’re just not practical for running after kids or running errands around town. My life is all about flats, from flip-flops, sandals, and ballet flats, to boots! My go-to flip flops are my Sanuks – so comfy; I have multiple pairs.
My next go-to shoes are my ballet flats; I have numerous pairs in beige and black.
During the winter, I like to wear my UGGs, I’m always cold, and these keep my feet warm I can I wear them with yoga pants or jeans. If I’m going to dress up, I usually wear sandals or wedges; right no, my favorite wedges are from cabi and UGG — comfy, yet dressy enough to look put together.
Accessories
Along with your shoes, accessories like belts, jewelry, watches, glasses, sunglasses, hats, handbags, and scarves make all the difference in how you appear. They take your outfit from average to wow!
I love jewelry and accessories from cabi, James Avery, and Alexi and Ani. Handbags they are so many great brands to choose from, of course, in a wide variety of price points. If you’re looking for inspiration, the blog Style of Sam always has great accessories!
Conclusion
Need some fashion ideas and inspiration? Nicole, over at Mom Trends, does a weekly post called “What I Wore Wednesday.” Here it shows you what she wore and where to buy the pieces. Nicole, having worked at Ralph Lauren and being a work-at-home woman herself – knows how to combine fashion along with functionality.
What are your go-to brands and pieces for functional yet stylish fashion? Drop us a note; we’d love to hear from you! If you enjoyed this post — please share it in your favorite social media site.
LOVE this post! I would live in my Reefs if it would stop raining here :) Thanks for the What I Wore Wednesday link- what a cute idea!
Jenn – you can send some rain down this way, we’re in a major drought here in Texas. Glad you enjoyed the post.
Girl – you are right on time with this one! When I was fired from my day job and started working from home, I realized how many casual clothes I didn’t have even though I never wore suits. I probably had two pairs of jeans. I purposely had to shop for casual clothes…Ross is a life and money saver. Think about adding a couple of maxi dresses to your collection…perfect for our Texas summers.
Donna – I had the same problem when I quit my office job – too many business casual outfits, not enough casual ones.
I just saw a commercial for Old Navy and it looks like they have some cute summer dresses on sale. I like to wear dresses too, I just don’t have very many.
Great article. It is easy to go from casual to sloppy if you are not careful. I agree when you look good you tend to present yourself better. Look how great it feels to get dressed up and go out somewhere nice.
Exactly =)
Love this article! When working from home, it can be easy to get lazy with your dress code when you think no one is going to see you during the day. But as I learned in my recent AWE interview with Style Maven, Michele Benza, it’s really important to always dress for success no matter where your office is. I hadn’t really thought about it, but she says that even your voice sounds different on the phone based on your dress. Makes sense — When you feel sharp, you think, talk and act sharp. And “sharp” fortunately doesn’t always mean a suit and heels. :)
Hi Shannon, I totally agree; how you dress totally effects your mood. There have been some occasions where I’ve worn my PJ’s till mid afternoon and it made me feel sluggish and unmotivated. A quick shower and a fresh set of clothes really does brighten your outlook. Thanks for stopping by – H