How to Dress While Working from Home to Stay Productive, Look Good on a Webcam AND Still (almost) Feel Like You're in Sweatpants
I’m taking a brief pause from my three-word profiles of amazing individuals to share some tips on what to wear while working from home, since many of us are doing this in these crazy, disruptive times of COVID-19:
If you have important video conference meetings, including ones where you are presenting to management/clients, stick to business casual. I know the desire to wear more casual clothes (our sweatpants!) is strong, but by keeping things on the more formal side, you will feel more confident, productive and trustworthy—key traits that help to close a deal/lead to promotions.
On the topic of video conferences, good lighting is key! Our webcams do not always show us in our best light, and good lighting can help us to appear more energetic and portray our facial expressions more accurately, which can help to convince, influence and build trust. Lighting up your face from the front--not from the back, side or relying solely on overhead lighting--will help the most.
If you have less important meetings or none at all, feel free to dress casually but still dress in clothes that help you look good and feel good. These clothes can also take you from your work day to a friend’s small dinner party or a date if you are able to leave your house.
I have included some outfit inspiration below. Notice that all of the selections are stylish but are also simple and comfortable to wear (this is especially important if your kids are at home with schools increasingly being canceled!).
Wishing you good health and a positive outlook—we will get through this.
Clockwise from top left: Vanessa Bruno Anastasia Blazer; Banana Republic Ladybug Stud Earrings; Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Dress; Banana Republic Mule Slide in Dark Gold Leather; Beams Plus Shawl-Collar Birdseye Cotton and Linen-Blend Cardigan; Burberry Cotton-Blend Poplin Shirt; Mr P. Slim-Fit Tapered Checked Stretch Wool and Cotton-Blend Trousers; Massimo Dutti Black Leather CNY Trainers; Men's Heritage Series Calendoplan watch; Joseph Viviane Oversize Sweater; Slate & Willow Accessories Crystal Fan Pearl Earrings; Slate & Willow Snakeskin Tank Top; M.i.h. Jeans Marrakesh Crop Jeans; Leather Pointy-Toe Flat Mule in Snake Print Leather; Acne Studios Niale Wool-Blend Sweater; David Yurman Tiger's Eye Sterling Silver Beaded Bracelet; Sid Mashburn Slim-Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans; Loewe Leather and Suede-Trimmed Nylon Sneakers