As a busy mom working from home, finding the right balance between comfort and professionalism can be tricky. You want to look put-together for video calls but also need clothes that let you move easily when chasing after kids or doing household chores. This guide will help you create the perfect work from home wardrobe that keeps you confident and comfortable all day.
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Why Do Your Work From Home Outfits Matter?
Since you’re at home, your outfit doesn’t matter. But what you wear can greatly affect your mood and productivity. Putting on work from home clothes that make you feel good can help you get into a professional mindset, even if you’re sitting at your kitchen table instead of an office desk. The right work from home outfits can boost your confidence during video calls, help you transition between “mom mode” and “work mode”, make you feel more put-together and productive, and allow for easy movement when juggling work and family tasks.
Key Elements of Comfy Work From Home Clothes
When choosing your home office wear, focus on these important factors: comfort, versatility, easy care, professionalism, and layering potential. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics that move with you. Pick items that can be dressed up or down easily. Choose machine-washable clothes that don’t need ironing. Opt for items that look polished on video calls. Select pieces you can add or remove as needed. Now, let’s dive into some great work from home outfit ideas that tick all these boxes!
Elevated Basics for Your Work From Home Wardrobe
A good collection of tops forms the foundation of your work from home outfits. Look for plain or subtly patterned t-shirts in high-quality cotton, soft, wrinkle-resistant blouses, and comfortable sweaters or cardigans. Choose tops in solid colors or simple patterns that look good on camera. While sweatpants are tempting, slightly more polished options for bottoms include stretchy, dark-colored leggings, yoga pants in a thicker material, soft, wide-leg trousers, or maxi skirts in jersey material.
One-piece outfits can be a busy mom’s best friend. Try t-shirt dresses, wrap dresses, or sweater dresses. These can be dressed up with accessories for meetings or worn as-is for a comfortable day of work. For those times when you need an extra layer, consider soft, open-front cardigans, blazers in comfortable, stretchy fabrics, or oversized sweaters that can double as light jackets.
Work From Home Outfit Ideas for Different Situations
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at some specific work from home outfit combinations for various scenarios you might encounter.
1. Video Call with Clients
Create a professional look that’s comfortable enough for a full day of work:
- Top: Solid-colored blouse or sweater
- Bottom: Comfortable trousers or leggings
- Accessories: Simple earrings or a necklace
This outfit projects a polished image on camera while keeping you comfortable off-screen. The solid color helps you look crisp and professional, while the comfortable bottoms allow for easy movement between calls.
2. Casual Team Check-in
Strike a balance between relaxed and put-together for informal meetings:
- Top: Nice T-shirt or casual blouse
- Bottom: Yoga pants or comfortable jeans
- Layer: Cardigan
This ensemble is perfect for those laid-back team meetings. It’s comfortable enough for a day of work but still looks intentional and pulled together on camera. The cardigan adds a touch of professionalism and keeps you warm during long video calls.
3. Day Full of Focused Work
Opt for maximum comfort without sacrificing style:
- Outfit: Comfortable maxi dress or t-shirt dress
- Layer: Light cardigan or wrap
A dress is an easy one-piece outfit that looks put together with minimal effort. It’s perfect for days when you need to concentrate on work without fussing over your clothes. The light layer adds warmth and can quickly dress up your look if you have an unexpected video call.
4. Busy Day Juggling Kids and Work
Choose an outfit that can handle the demands of both work and childcare:
- Top: Stretchy, wrinkle-resistant blouse
- Bottom: Soft, wide-leg pants or leggings
- Shoes: Comfortable slip-on
This outfit is designed for versatility and movement. The wrinkle-resistant top stays neat throughout your hectic day, while the comfortable bottoms allow you to easily transition between work tasks and mom duties. Slip-on shoes make it easy to head outside at a moment’s notice.
5. Friday Feeling
End the week on a high note with a fun, expressive outfit:
- Top: Fun, patterned blouse
- Bottom: Your favorite jeans or leggings
- Accessory: Statement necklace or earrings
Embrace the Friday spirit with a more playful look. The patterned top adds some personality to your video calls, while your favorite jeans or leggings keep you comfortable. A bold accessory brightens your look and your mood, helping you finish the week strong.
Tips for Building Your Work From Home Wardrobe
When building your work from home wardrobe, choose a color scheme by picking a few colors that work well together and sticking to them when buying new items. This makes it easier to mix and match pieces. Invest in quality basics by spending a bit more on well-made t-shirts, trousers, and dresses. They’ll last longer and look better on video calls. Consider your background if you often have video calls, thinking about how your clothes will look against your usual backdrop. Avoid wearing colors that blend in too much.
Having a “getting ready” routine, even if it’s simple, can help you switch into work mode. A morning routine of getting dressed and ready can make a big difference in your mindset. Always prioritize comfort when choosing work from home clothes. No matter how good an outfit looks, if it’s not comfortable, you won’t want to wear it.
Staying Stylish While Working From Home
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you can’t express your style. You can add flair to your work from home outfits by accessorizing. A statement necklace, pair of earrings, or colorful scarf can instantly elevate a simple outfit. Play with layers by experimenting with different combinations of cardigans, blazers, and scarves to create new looks. Have fun with your bottom half since it’s often not seen on video calls. You can wear bold patterns or colors on your lower half for a mood boost.
Incorporate your favorite colors into your outfits. Even if you stick to mostly neutral tops for video calls, you can wear your favorite bright colors in cardigans, accessories, or pants. Don’t neglect shoes – a pair of comfortable but stylish shoes can make you feel more put-together, even at home.
The Importance of Separating “Work” and “Home” Clothes
While it’s tempting to stay in pajamas all day, having designated work from home outfits can help your mindset. By changing into work clothes in the morning and then back into relaxation clothes in the evening, you create a clear boundary between work time and family time. This can be especially helpful when your office is just a few steps away from your living room.
Conclusion
Remember, the goal of your work from home wardrobe is to make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to tackle both your professional and personal responsibilities. With the right pieces, you can create work from home outfits that are perfect for busy moms juggling multiple roles throughout the day. By focusing on versatile, comfortable pieces that still look polished, you can build a work from home wardrobe that serves you well, no matter what your day brings. Whether you’re hopping on a video call, helping with homework, or squeezing in some focused work time, the right outfit can help you feel prepared and professional.
Want more tips on balancing work and family life as a busy mom? Visit Momvila for a wealth of resources, including more fashion advice, productivity tips, and strategies for making the most of your work-from-home lifestyle. At Momvila, we understand the unique challenges of being a working mom and are here to support you every step of the way.
