Do I need to dress up when working from home?

The answer is YES! While mustering up the motivation to get dressed and look good can be a challenge when working from home, I’m here to say it does make a difference.

Over half of your message is transmitted through your appearance. Not to mention dressing well bolsters your confidence, credibility, and trustworthiness with your co-workers and beyond.

Even though it takes a little extra effort… it’s worth it! Just think about how different you feel when you catch yourself in the mirror after you’ve gotten ready for the day…. now think of when you haven’t. (I know I always do a double take and am like… not what I was hoping to see lol!) Or think about how productive you are when you get dressed at the start of your day.

Dressing well allows you to not only get in the right mindset but also to project all the amazing things you have going on inside, out- reinforcing your message every time you show up. (Want to learn more? Read my post on How to Dress Confidently in Your Clothes!)

How to dress comfortably yet professionally when working from home

Now that you understand why it’s so important to dress well when taking meetings at home, let’s talk about how you can create professional yet comfortable go-to outfits:

1. Invest in these Professional yet Casual Tops

Just as you would dress in Business Professional or Business Casual for a meeting at the office, you’ll want the same rules to apply to your meetings at home (since you’ll most likely be on video).

However, there are two key factors to consider:

1. You want to be comfortable, as it is a more casual environment.
2. Your top half is all that matters.

That being said, here are the perfect tops to wear at home so you look professional while still feeling like you’re in your loungewear:

Cowl Neck Tops

Cowl neck tops are a must-have in your wardrobe because they always look chic without any effort. Since the fabric drapes down in the front, creating an almost scarf like look, it naturally creates extra dimension and transforms an otherwise basic tee into an interesting silhouette.

You can find tops like these in many different fabrics including: jersey, knit, and cotton. The beauty of that? It feels like you’re wearing a t-shirt but looks like you’ve dressed up! (Want to learn more about these tops? Check out this post: Why You Need a Cowl Neck Shirt in Your Wardrobe)

Outfit Ideas for a Cowl Neck Top

Unsure how to wear a cowl neck top? It’s simple! Because of the neckline you’ll want to avoid any necklaces…. it’s just too much in one area. Instead pair your shirt with dark wash jeans, dress pants, or even a skirt. Finish off your look with any style of earrings (statement, drop, or studs) and a bracelet if you’re feeling like it too!

Mixed Media Tops

These blouses are PERFECT for when you’re working from home because they’re “business in the front, party in the back”… well actually in this case, casual in the back.

What are Mixed Media Tops?

Mixed Media tops are blouses that use two different fabrics to create one shirt. Typically one fabric is used for either the front or top half of the garment while another is used for the back or bottom half. Usually these two fabrics are a polyester material and a knit or jersey material.

So why are these tops perfect for your work from home wardrobe? Because the front half of your shirt (the one facing the camera) is a dress shirt material while the back half is stretchy, comfortable, and allows you to move around more easily. See? Business in the front + casual in the back = comfort while looking professional… PERFECTION!

Knits

The last category of tops to consider are knits. There are two style of knits that you’ll feel comfortable in all day while still showing off your style.

Pullover sweater

Pullover sweaters are a must-have basic for your work from home wardrobe. Since they’re made of a stretchy material you can easily move in them all day AND they show off your figure. Fit is the number one key to looking put-together, something a baggy tee can’t do, which is why this is so important. (Click here >> to learn How to Look Put-Together Like a Pro)

Coatigans

If you know me then you know my obsession with coatigans. If you don’t, then it’s time you learn about them!

What is a Coatigan?

A coatigan is a mix of a coat and a cardigan. It uses a medium to heavy weight knit fabric, similar to those found in a cardigan and merges it with the structure, silhouette, and length of a coat. It’s the perfect transitional piece from season to season and activity to activity.

Why do I need a coatigan in my closet?

The reason I love coatigans is because… again…. they give you the comfort of a cardigan with the chic look of a coat. It’s an easy-to-throw-on, timeless and polished look that applies to any and every style meaning everyone can try it.

How to style a coatigan?

I think this is going to be your favorite work from home look. To style a coatigan in a comfortable yet casual fashion simply follow this formula:

Coatigan + T-shirt + Simple Necklace

It’s a simple as that! When you’re done with your meeting you can take off the necklace and swap out the coatigan for your sweatshirt… however, I have a feeling you’ll be so comfortable you want have the desire to!

2. Remember that Bottoms Don’t matter

Well… only if you’re staying in your seat throughout the whole meeting! Since your video calls are typically just you sitting in front of your computer, you only need to put on dark wash jeans or dress pants if it helps you feel more put-together and confident.

Prefer to keep your elastic waistband on? Then go for it! Just make sure your top half is meeting ready!

3. Don’t forget your jewelry!

The final key to looking put-together is through the finishing touches aka your jewelry. Whether it’s a simple necklace, statement earrings, or your favorite studs, adding a piece of jewelry will cap off your look and create that “wow- she’s got it going on” image. Not to mention it’s something you can easily take off after your call for maximum comfort. (Not sure how to accessorize? Check out this post: How to Accessorize for Work)

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Loving these ideas but unsure of where to start?

Then you might need some personalized help! If this article inspired you to take that next step and get serious about using your clothes to position your expertise, then let’s chat.

I’d love to help you make every outfit in your closet a go-to outfit, so you can confidently show up at any meeting you have.

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Ready To Dress Confidently? Check These Out:

5 Ways To Break Through Workwear Boredom

“Dress For Your Day” Dress Code

How To Merge Your Work And Everyday Wardrobes

How To Show Up Stylishly As A Business Woman

How To Dress Confidently For Your Next Client Meeting