The novelty of working from home may be wearing off for some, but for many, it is still a reality and may remain so in the foreseeable future.
We can all enjoy the simplicity and convenience of getting out of bed and starting our workday right away, without having to deal with commuting, traffic, or parking. Not to mention the freedom from having to “get ready” by putting on business attire or styling our hair.
However, if you’re wondering, “What should I wear when working from home?”, “Who truly sees me?” and, “Do I dress to be seen from head to toe or just for the camera’s attention?”, you may begin to wonder if working in your pyjamas all day is a smart idea.
Let’s think about it a bit further.
Should your work-from-home clothing be different from what you wear to the office?
While working remotely, it may be tempting to stay in your pjs, but think about it: does it truly set your mind up to start your day and prepare you to be most productive?
When working from home, be conscious of what you wear because it can help you set the tone for the day. Even while working from home, it is critical to dress appropriately because what you wear has a significant impact on your overall motivation.
Consider ‘dressed for your day,’ like how you may think about going to work. Do you have a crucial meeting coming up? With whom will you be interacting? Your responses should influence what you wear.
Work-from-home clothing: Do’s
1. Establish a balance between professionalism and comfort.
Maintain your original business dress code while adapting it to your work-from-home style.
On days when you don’t have any meetings, you may get away with wearing a more casual outfit. We all know that sitting for most of the day necessitates a certain amount of comfort. Make certain that your attire supports this while not jeopardizing your professional appearance.
Dress as you would for in-person meetings on days when you have virtual meetings. This will help you maintain your focus and confidence. You still want to display yourself proudly because you are promoting both your personal brand and the brand of your firm.
2. Dress in clothing that makes you happy.
Consider what motivates you to put your best foot forward every day. You decide whether to add a flash of colour or keep it neutral.
Find one or two pieces of clothing that can be worn with any ensemble, such as a favourite cardigan, jeans, a neutral shirt, or pair of slacks. Putting on your go-to outfit will make you feel ready to face the day.
3. Be inventive.
Be inventive! Find ways to dress that allow you to keep your individuality while yet looking and feeling your best.
Adding accessories to your attire, such as earrings, scarves, and necklaces, is an easy way to appear smart at home.
4. Think about wearing blue light glasses.
They are not only fashionable, but they also protect your eyes from the extra screen time you have probably been experiencing while working from home.
5. Maintain good personal hygiene.
Make sure your hair is in good condition, your face is manicured, and you are the greatest version of yourself.
Work-from-home clothing: Don’ts
1. Be overly imaginative.
Don’t use too many patterns and colours that can distract others when they are virtually meeting with you.
2. Put on your pyjamas.
A decent rule of thumb is to avoid wearing something you’d sleep in, even if it won’t be shown on camera. It’s probably comfortable yet too casual for work.
3. Wear clothing with words on it.
Clothing featuring word displays, sports teams, or suggestive sayings should be avoided. It merely encourages people to read what the words say and can be a source of unwanted distraction.
4. Put on a hat.
Avoid caps or headwear that may shadow your face, are too casual, or contain words.
Suggestions for virtual meeting attire
Working from home isn’t just about what you wear; it’s also about how you present yourself overall during virtual meetings. Your personal style is more than just the things you wear.
Here are a few things to think about before joining a virtual meeting:
1. Turn on your camera.
Allow your audience to see you on camera by sitting up. Remember, posture is important!
2. Examine your lighting.
Consider how the lighting in your room affects how well others see you. Natural light is ideal; nonetheless, a proper light source should be provided. Assure that others can see your face rather than a dark image.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings.
Keep your work area as secluded as possible to reduce interruptions and interference from people or pets. Make sure the background behind you is tidy and well-organized.
4. Try adding a background.
If your background area isn’t as neat and tidy as you’d like, you can disguise it by choosing a background to place behind you. Choose a background that does not detract from your excellent taste. Maintain a professional, although simple, appearance. You want all eyes on you!