Guys, meet your new WFH wardrobe
If you’re working from home like just about everyone else these days, you’re probably discovering that one of the biggest challenges is keeping structure in your day.
Your new routine includes raiding the fridge every hour on the hour, you haven’t shaved in two weeks and you’ve been living in sweats. Yes, working from home requires restraint.
You might think that getting dressed is pointless, since chances are you’re only going to be seen from the waist up for a video conference or weekly team check-in, but don’t let social isolation prevent you from making the effort to add some focus to your workday.
Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, co-founders of New York and Chicago wardrobe styling firm Visual Therapy, offer tips on pulling yourself together with a cool but casual WFH wardrobe.
Q: What do you wear when you work from home?
Joe: When I am ready to begin work, I always change into a comfortable but presentable “uniform.” For me right now, it has been a long-sleeve knit, typically crew neck. I also steer clear of wearing sweatpants because while I am working, I like to feel dressed. I put on either a rubber sole slip-on or a cool pair of sneakers. Wearing only socks or going shoeless affects your way of being — you become sluggish.
Q: Why should a guy care what he wears when he works from home?
Joe: A guy should care what he wears while working from home because it definitely affects your level of productivity, your posture and your delivery. Do it for yourself and give yourself some structure to your workday.
Q: What are wardrobe essentials for working from home?
Joe: Knit tops such as a button-up polo or a nice button-down shirt in white or blue. Try to avoid small or tight patterns that will look distorted on a video chat. Have comfortable pants such as cotton chinos in basic colors — you can repeat obviously. There are a lot of options in the athletic leisure category such as an easy pant with stretch. Just avoid sweats or workout clothes.
Jesse: Keep it simple, but always have a work “capsule” ready. Put aside a few pieces that are comfortable and presentable for a video chat.
Sometimes it’s worth it to step it up for dinner and have a stay-at-home date night. Putting on something that makes you feel good can dramatically change your mood.