If you’re working from home, it may be tempting to wake up just right before your shift and wear pajamas the whole day. However, these practices can prevent you from entering a more focused and productive state of mind. Research has shown that clothes can have a direct effect on your mindset and overall mood. Wearing pajamas might be convenient, but it’s likely to condition your mind into thinking it’s time for bed—even when it’s not. Thus, you may end up feeling sleepy or groggy during work hours.

On the other hand, wearing stylish clothes can signal your mind that it’s time for business. They can also boost your confidence at work. After all, elevating your day-to-day look with some cute ‘fits can be an instant mood-booster. Additionally, donning nice threads ensures that you’re ready for any video conference that comes your way. While some companies may not mind what their employees wear at home, you certainly don’t want to look unprofessional and unkempt when you interact with colleagues or clients.

While some occasions may call for you to put on a crisp button-down and a blazer, there usually isn’t a need to wear a full corporate ensemble while working remotely. Your professional attire should still allow you to be comfortable while you work from home. They should also be simple to put on and layer with other garments. This way, you can pull off chic outfit combos even on busy days. It might seem tricky to strike a balance between comfort and style, but it’s actually quite easy with the right closet pieces and some know-how.

To help you get started, below are some tips for looking your best and staying cozy while you work from home:

Maximize Your Leggings

Most women often have a pair or two of leggings in their closet because it offers both style and comfort to the wearer. Firstly, they’re not as bulky as jeans thanks to their lightweight material. Unlike most trousers—which are quite constrictive—leggings are made from highly stretchable fabrics that allow you to move freely. They also come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you’ll always find a pair that’ll suit your preferences. Black leggings, in particular, are classic wardrobe pieces. They match well with almost any top and offer a stunning silhouette. You can dress them up with an oversized button-down and a layered chain necklace. Or you can keep it casual yet polished with a white t-shirt and maxi cardigan.

Try Paperbag Pants

Aside from leggings, paperbag pants are another work-from-home staple. There’s a reason why these bottoms have grown in popularity, with their internet searches rising by twenty-one percent in 2021. Their loose fit makes them as comfortable as pajamas, but they’re a far more stylish option.

Paperbag pants get their name due to their unique shape, as they’re cinched at the top but wide at the bottom. This creates an hourglass silhouette that looks good on almost anyone. Much like leggings, these pants can be paired with a myriad of tops. For a simple yet playful look, pair yours with a fitted graphic t-shirt. If you want a more sophisticated outfit, you can switch the shirt out for a long-sleeved turtleneck.

Choose Chic Blouses and Collared Tops

While there’s nothing wrong with wearing the same hoodies and sweatshirts to your meetings, it can look and feel monotonous. Hence, it’s good to have a selection of chic blouses and collared tops in your work-from-home wardrobe. Pleated and wrap tops offer a feminine and polished look that’s perfect for all your video conferencing needs. You also don’t have to stick to plain and neutral colors when choosing your blouses. Feel free to play around with different patterns and prints to add a touch of fun to your wardrobe.

As for collared tops, you can’t go wrong with button-down shirts. They’re not only comfortable, but also come in all kinds of colors, sizes, and fabrics, so you’ll never run out of options. For instance, an oxford shirt is a closet staple that always looks professional and elegant. Usually made from soft yet durable cotton material, you can pair this shirt with an assortment of bottoms like chinos and leggings.

Keep Things Simple with Dresses and Jumpsuits

If you’re pressed for time, then dresses and jumpsuits are your best friends. These one-piece outfits are great for days when you don’t want to put in too much effort to get dressed but still want to look your best. With a few dresses and jumpsuits, you can instantly achieve stylish looks that’ll leave a good impression on your co-workers and clients during video calls.

Dresses

A short or long-sleeved maxi dress looks and feels fantastic. It’s breezy, stylish, and very easy to move around in, so you can switch from doing work to house tasks with little trouble. Pair your dress with a cardigan during the colder months and some slip-on sandals during the warmer months. A t-shirt dress also works great for a casual yet put-together look. They’ve got plenty of room in them, so you’re sure to feel cozy while sitting in front of your computer the whole day. Need to take a quick trip to the grocery store after work? Pair your shirt dress with some white sneakers, grab your purse, and you’re good to go.

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are another great work-from-home piece, as they combine your top and bottom into a single garment. They’re both comfortable and highly sophisticated, making them perfect for formal meetings or pitches. Jumpsuits also come in different designs and styles to suit your needs. You can don short-sleeved ones during summer and long-sleeved ones during winter. Pair your jumpsuit with a blazer for an added touch of professionalism or dress it down with a simple cardigan.

Select Quality Knitwear

Knitwear pieces are chic, cozy, and highly practical in colder weather. When autumn and winter arrive, you’ll want to make sure you stay toasty while working from home. Keeping this in mind, be sure to select knitwear made from quality materials. The last thing you want is to wear clothing that feels itchy and stuffy when you’re trying to focus on work. Be sure to choose knitwear made from soft and natural fibers like cashmere, cotton, or mohair. On that note, you should definitely have a few cardigans in your closet, as they’re versatile pieces that can be worn with almost anything. Meanwhile, cable-knit sweater vests can add a smart and preppy touch to button-down tops and t-shirts.

Add Some Extra Flair with Jewelry and Hair Accessories

Wearing accessories is the easiest way to modify and enhance your work-from-home outfits. Jewelry can make eye-catching additions to your outfit that are sure to give you an extra touch of glamor during video conferences. Want to stay comfy in a t-shirt without looking like you just rolled out of bed? Add a bold statement necklace for a composed look. Match a jumpsuit with pearl earrings for an understated yet cosmopolitan vibe. Hair accessories are also great for adding some extra sparkle to your outfit. For example, jeweled hair pins, statement headbands, and colorful scrunchies can keep your hair neat and complement your remote work ensemble.

Put On Comfy Footwear

You don’t need to wear shoes when you’re working from home, but they can complete an outfit and help you feel fully dressed. Again, there’s no need for uncomfortable high-heels—unless you really want to wear them. Instead, opt for comfy shoes that are easy to put on, such as slides, sneakers, ballet flats, mules, and wedges.

Simple outfit changes can go a long way when it comes to elevating your work-from-home wardrobe. Remember, the type of clothes you wear can easily influence your mental state and mood. Wearing the right garments can not only help you feel good about yourself, but also inspire you to bring your A-game to work, even when you’re far from the office.