Style guide: how to dress for the office after two years of working from home

If the idea of ​​taking your comfortable hoodies and choosing a new outfit to go out of the house every morning is an intimidating prospect, you are not alone.

For most of the pandemic, I wore a pair of woolen pants with spandex in the colder months, swapping for a loose white dress in the summer, which my brother-in-law dubbed a “ghost dress” – comparing its flowing shape to that of a large sheet. with a hole cut for my head.

Now, many people are readjusting to go back to the office – a prospect that may come with several challenges, but perhaps none greater than a looming concern: what to wear?

This guide – with input from four fashion experts – should help you get back into the right mindset to dress for work.

The green tip: “buy” your wardrobe

Despite the tendency to go on a shopping spree, we need to think about the impact of our consumption habits on the planet, so consider this sustainable alternative: take your hand out of your pocket and go deep into your own wardrobe.

“It’s a first step,” said Los Angeles-based stylist Cassandra Dittmer, who suggests figuring out what you have, what you love, what needs fixing, and what you might want to pass on. “I hope (you) discover some hidden gems.”

“At the end of the process, you should either feel a deeper connection to your wardrobe or find the gaps that need to be filled. In addition to realizing that you already have a great base to work with every day and that you can easily assemble your clothes.”

I did this last month and rediscovered an old pair of pants that I’m wearing again after dyeing them black.

Bonus tip: If you live in a country with both hot and cold seasons, put away your summer clothes when autumn arrives. You’ll be surprised at the aura of novelty they take on when you retrieve them from storage months later.

Dittmer, who has built his style business around eco-conscious values, suggests you can go further and “document how you look and take pictures of the clothes you love and feel good about.” “Keep it in a folder on your phone, it will be a quick and useful point of reference when you’re scrambling to pack for a work trip or get ready in the morning.”

The basics: polished comfort

There is a way to dress comfortably without looking like a slouch, and now, with the return to the office, is a great time to try out a stylish yet casual look.

Joanna Dai, who quit her job in finance to start her own eponymous fashion brand, noticed a trend away from overly formal office fashion conventions like suits and pencil skirts.

“In the new normal, looks have gotten more casual in the office,” says Joanna, noting that as companies recognize the importance of well-being at work, many have adopted more relaxed dress codes that allow for jeans and sneakers.

Adopting more casual clothing while looking professional starts with understanding the importance of quality materials, fit and color.

“Never underestimate the power of a good fit,” Dittmer said. “I’m not talking about something expensive, but making sure that well-fitting pants can make you feel really well dressed. Most laundromats offer very affordable tailoring services.”

The model and founder of fashion brand Henning, Lauren Chan , agreed that a good seamstress is important, adding: “Here’s a secret: clothes aren’t made to fit you. They’re made to fit into a predetermined body, which — spoiler alert — no one has. Buy clothes that fit you at your widest part (for me, it’s my waist) and sew the rest inside.”

When it comes to materials, most linens, while beautiful, wrinkle easily and won’t be your friend for an eight-hour day sitting at a table.

Polyester, on the other hand, is pretty tough, but it’s a synthetic fabric that’s terrible for the planet and doesn’t breathe – putting you at risk of unsightly sweat stains. Check labels for organic and sustainable cotton or new fabrics made with a high percentage of recycled materials.

Joanna Dai places a lot of emphasis on what she calls “high-functioning” eco-friendly materials, such as micromodal (made from tree cellulose in a closed-loop, carbon-neutral process) or recycled polyamide (made from plastic waste like nets fishing gear and mats).

Many of the items in their lines are made from tough stretchy materials, machine washable and great for people with busy schedules who don’t have time to iron or make regular trips to the laundromat.

Hi Arnold, style director of the menswear e-commerce Mr Porter, suggests opting for unlined suits. “Go for unlined and deconstructed suits and jackets with a breathable fabric,” he said, “as they will give you a smart look with a comfortable fit.”

And he advises: if you want to relax your suit even more, don’t bother with a formal shirt. “A long-sleeved merino wool polo is the perfect companion, breaking up the outfit without losing that professional look.” Merino wool also naturally regulates temperature.

Personally, I also love an oversized jacket and slouchy suits, and there are plenty of options out there with a range of prices. Always keep your jacket unbuttoned and wear a good quality cotton shirt underneath. Combine with boots or sneakers.

A tip for beginners

If you’ve landed a new position or your first job during the pandemic, you might be walking into your office without any prior reference to what people used to wear before Covid.

First, ask – it’s entirely reasonable to ask your colleagues or manager what the vibe of the place is. And if you’re still not sure, remember this good advice: “Be yourself, dress for the occasion, and make sure you feel comfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable in your outfit, it can reflect on how you present yourself and your productivity.”

The golden rule: create your own look

Get ready by laying out a few basic pieces that can form the foundation of your work wardrobe. A great pair of black pants, a blazer and some quality shirts can go a long way.

Taking her own closet as an example, Joanna says: “I have a uniform or capsule collection in my wardrobe. I have skinny jeans that are great for cycling to work, but I also have a wide-leg model. And I mix it with a good blazer or two.”

Each item in this collection should be something you can imagine wearing multiple times in a week, and you should be able to style each item in at least three different outfits.

In the colder months, tight pants paired with a quality knit and boot is easy, especially if you stick with classic colors like black, navy, gray and beige, which are very easy to change. Knitwear can be swapped out for a blouse or shirt in warmer climates for a similar effect.

Skirts can also be used. A trapeze-cut skirt, just above the knee, with a white shirt with a French tuck, can be added to the routine in the warmer months. Plus, midi-length skirts go great with thick, structured cotton tees or a fine wool sweater.

The twist: accessories

Mix your “work uniform” with jewelry and accessories.

Oli Arnold points to footwear as another way to elevate a simple look. “A classic shoe is a trademark. You can’t go wrong with their practicality, while (they) can easily elevate an outfit if you go a little more casual.”

A pair of sneakers is also great if you don’t want to wear sneakers. Choose a pointed model as opposed to anything rounded. Also, a beautiful silk scarf (worn folded into a triangle and draped over the shoulders), a watch or oversized earrings can be quite impactful.

If you’re looking for a piece that’s worth the investment, I always go for a bag. A beautifully crafted bag will last forever and immediately elevate the look.

If that sounds expensive, there are options for rent and the luxury resale market is booming.

The debate: denim or not denim?

Some companies adopt a more formal culture of clothing in the workplace, such as banning jeans, but for many, jeans are absolutely acceptable.

“I really believe you can wear jeans even in more formal offices (or) at least on a Friday,” says Joanna, who added that she preferred black jeans when she still worked in a corporate environment. “If you’re not serving customers or have customers who are more casual than you are, jeans for a meeting lunch might be an option!”

Dittmer agrees. “To make it easier, start with dark straight-leg jeans that can look really polished. Jeans can go great with flashier shirts, colorful blouses and is a great way to take the classic work uniform style and branch out into more playful looks.”

Look for darker denim washes and more classic models. Gen Z scrapped skinny jeans last year, much to the dismay of many millennials, and — while I don’t live and die by trends — I think they might be right. And while we see plenty of low-waisted options on the runway as the fashion world continues to take inspiration from Y2K style, high-waisted options are the best bet for the office.

a stimulating conversation

If you’re scared to go back to the office because you’ve simply realized during the pandemic that you’re a happy introvert, consider the benefits of “dopamine dressing” – a new concept that says putting shine and color on our clothes increases our happiness.

Take the chance to express yourself and play with fashion. Wear clothes to set the mood for your day, depending on what’s on the agenda.

Renting is a great way to experiment and add some fun pieces to your wardrobe. For Dittmer, “It’s a great low-commitment, low-cost way to experiment with new styles and brands.”

It’s also a great way to inject some luxury into your life. I pay a monthly subscription to a video store called Cocoon, which allows me to select a designer bag every four weeks to be delivered to my door.

The one I’m wearing this month is about $2,000, but it cost me $130. Renting is also a great option if you need to dress up for a work event. More and more online styling services are popping up with lots of party wear.

Above all, remember that fashion should be fun. Don’t take it too seriously; wear clothes that make you feel confident and happy. It’s terribly corny, but a smile really is the best accessory.