While working from home was uncommon before the pandemic, it has become the norm for many people since 2020. It’s not only a means of social distancing from colleagues but it offers more flexibility for workers in terms of reduced commutes and greater work-life balance.

When working from home, there are two options when it comes to getting dressed - comfortable and cosy or dressing for success. In this article, discover the psychology of work-from-home wardrobes and the benefits of each approach, as well as how to effectively combine both.

Being an efficient home office worker can also be attributed to the space you are in, with a light-filled and inviting space much more conducive to working than a cramped and dingy one. If it’s time to upgrade your home office, you’ll find a diverse range of options at Rentola United Kingdom. This online platform lists rental properties in Birmingham and beyond with room for a home office and a wardrobe that inspires your productivity.

Comfortable and cosy vs dressing for success

When you work from home, there is little incentive to dress as you would if you were going into the office. Unless you’re doing a lot of Zoom calls, nobody is going to see what you are wearing and it’s unlikely that bosses are checking in to see how much effort workers are putting into their appearances that day.

For many people, this means tracksuit pants and T-shirts are the preferred garments of choice, as they are loose-fitting, casual and incredibly comfortable. For others, they may spend a few hours at the desk in the morning before even getting changed out of their pyjamas and dressing gown, without it negatively impacting their work.

Not having to get dressed up for work can free up a lot of time, allowing employees to sleep in a little longer or use the time they would usually spend in front of the mirror to do some morning exercise or meditation. It’s an opportunity to create a new routine, with an activity that inspires productivity and improves wellbeing, putting you in a positive mindset for the day ahead.

That being said, some people who work from home prefer to maintain their daily routine and dress just as they would if they were going into the office. It’s about getting motivated for the day ahead and transforming into “work mode”, with your physical appearance influencing your mindset. Getting dressed up may be an important part of expressing your individual sense of style in a way that track pants and T-shirts just can’t.

By maintaining a regular “office routine”, some people feel that it brings a degree of normality and creates a separation between home and work life. Research shows that many people feel more confident when in business attire than they do in slouchy leggings and sweaters. By dressing as you normally would in the office, it may help to enhance your self-esteem, particularly when you’re not getting positive feedback from face-to-face interactions with colleagues.

The best of both worlds

It’s highly likely that most people who work from home experiment a little with both approaches. Some days they might dress up a little and other days they may fail to get dressed at all! Responding to the mood you are in and the tasks you have on your work calendar that day is the best way to approach it.

If you have online meetings scheduled, you can compromise by dressing up a little on top and keeping the bottom half comfy and casual. There’s no need to squeeze your feet into high heels or dress shoes, with slippers or Ugg boots doing the job.

*Warm insulated footwear is becoming increasingly popular for people working from home. Especially during the winter months!*

Stylists suggest that working from home is also a great opportunity to experiment with your look and push the boundaries a little. It’s a chance to test different outfits in terms of comfort and how they make you feel, without having to wear them for an entire day if they don’t feel “right”. Take the opportunity to look into your closet and throw on a dress you haven’t worn for years or play around with new creative combinations.

The ideal work-from-home outfit combines fashion and function. It’s something that makes you feel good while also being comfortable enough to withstand the 9 to 5. Stretchy fabrics tick all the right boxes while cinched-in waists should be left on the hanger.

A top work-from-home tip is to remember that what feels great one day might not the next. There will be days when you feel like putting in the effort to get dressed up and others when it seems like there’s little point in doing so. If motivation is lacking, getting dressed up can make a person feel more professional and put together. But on the flip side, a soft pair of sweats and a cosy sweater could be calling!