You’ve finally landed the work-at-home job of your dreams! But before you swap your three-piece suits and button-down shirts for pyjama pants and casual tees, make sure you come up with a game plan for your work-from-home wardrobe.
While it’s true that working from home gives you more apparel options, working at home means you are still on the job. And sometimes what you wear or even the simple act of getting dressed can do wonders for your work-from-home productivity.
Consider following these six wardrobe tips so you know what to wear when working from home to help you shift into work mode and perform at your best.
Tips for Your Remote Work Wardrobe:
1. Getting Dressed for Work Shifts Your Brain
While one of the perks of remote work is that you can sport casual attire all day, try not to stay in your pyjamas all day. The occasional PJ day is fine, but you probably shouldn’t make them your default uniform.
Just like showering, you wouldn’t skip getting dressed if you were going into the office. So, continue the routine of getting dressed every day to help your brain get ready for a day of productive work.
And while yoga pants or sweats are perfectly acceptable work-at-home wardrobe choices, consider this: some studies have found that what you wear can affect how well you perform your tasks.
2. Comfort Is Key
Another benefit of working remotely is that you have more control over your environment (the temperature in your home office, the lighting, etc.), and you can make your space as comfortable as possible.
The same goes for your wardrobe. If wearing slippers instead of shoes all day makes you feel better, go for it! When you’re more comfortable and happier at work, you’ll likely be more productive, and that’s a win for everyone.
3. You’re on Call
In today’s increasingly digital world, it’s always best to assume that your boss, co-workers, or clients may request a video conference at a moment’s notice. In those cases, it’s always best to be properly dressed and ready rather than needing to ask for additional time to get yourself together.And, since we’re on the subject, while you can choose to only dress from the waist up when you work at home, that may not be the wisest choice.
- Bonus Points
4. Be Aware of What You Wear
Though casual dress day might be every day, just as you would be cautious about what you wear to the office (or even to the grocery store), make sure you’re just as cautious about what to wear when working from home.
Yes, you’re in your house, and you make the rules. But, you never know when someone may take offense at the slogan on your t-shirt. If you’re comfortable wearing it anywhere, then you should wear it. But, if you think it might break company dress code or be objectionable, skip it. Better safe than sorry!
5. Use Your Creativity
If you’re new to the world of remote work and previously worked in an office, you probably have a closet full of “business casual” attire collecting dust. Find ways to work these pieces into your “new work look” or your weekend wardrobe so they don’t go to waste. If those options don’t work for you, donate them!
Dress for Work-at-Home Success
Even if you’re working at home, you still need to dress the part. Keeping up appearances, especially your own, will bolster your self-esteem and improve your work ethic. After all, you have to dress to impress the most important person in the office—yourself!