What to Wear to Work From Home...

[fashionista-ta]

As we're in the midst of the plague, I realized we didn't have this thread! So let's begin ...

I've been WFH for the past two years, and for some months prior to that, 3 days a week. I also WFH in 2008-2009. Here's what I've learned ...

• Pajamas are not workwear, even when no one can see you.
• I don't have patience for putting on layers when I control the thermostat. I like knits--cashmere sweaters for the winter, silk/linen and the like for summer. I now have a collection of single-layer pieces that are camera-friendly.
• Solid black and white tops aren't very interesting on camera. I like a bold color, polka dot, or animal print or interesting detail like buttons or embroidery.
• Pants should be comfortable, comfortable enough to sleep in. I favor black or grey that go with everything. I have some grey ones that are elastic-waist trousers made from sweatshirt material (no elastic at the ankle). These should be nice enough to run errands. Loungewear is a good place to look for things that are super comfortable. I can always find something that looks like real clothes.
• I like to have lightweight socks for warmer weather, and also thin enough to fit under shoes for when I need to run an errand.
• Birkenstocks, ballet flats, and the like that slip on and off easily for a quick run to the cleaners, post office, grocery store, groomer, etc.

What's working for you? If you're WFH for the first time, what have you needed to buy, or what are you missing?

 

[softgrey]

this is a good idea for a thread!

thanks ta-ta...

I have nothing to add though...



well- maybe I'd say that adding a scarf can make even your loungewear look put together...
and can easily hide an unflattering camera angle...

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ That's true ... I bought my snow leopard scarf for the purpose of dressing up a favorite purple sweatshirt.

Right now I'm also finding barrettes very helpful, since I can't get a haircut and need to control the over-long hair around my face somehow, preferably without a clip. I'm glad I stocked up a few months back! (Nordstrom has a nice selection.)

 

[castorpollux]

ordered a pair of these online to attempt trimming my hair (it's now Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall long) at home 'cuz I can't have it cut anywhere else....

thesuperiorshave.com

 

[softgrey]

ordered a pair of these online to attempt trimming my hair (it's now Brad Pitt in Legends of the Fall long) at home 'cuz I can't have it cut anywhere else....



thesuperiorshave.com

good luck with that~!!!
LOL

I've been cutting my hair for years now...
my suggestion would be to go very very slowly cutting just a bit at a time...
you can always keep going shorter and there's less chance of error...

it takes longer but the results are much better!!!
sometimes I leave it a bit long and then go back the next day and trim some more...
that's when I get the best outcome...

 

[fashionista-ta]

I have no confidence in my ability to cut my hair The only thing I ever do is even out the bottom edge of a brand new haircut, and I resent having to do that! I don't get cheap haircuts, and they shouldn't require any fixing IMO. I have never attempted layers or anything like that. My hair grows super fast, so I am in the same position (minus the Brad Pitt hotness), but I'm just going to have to tough it out. Wearing my hair back in a barrette takes me back to childhood As I said to my manager, at least it's not pigtails! ops:

 

[Fewormany]

I'm growing my hair as well, with some extra product it's pretty doable so far. Depending on how long this situation will hold on I might vier into manbun territory. I don't trust my fine motor skills (or anyone else except my hairdresser) enough to run the risk of ruining my haircut.

When it comes WFH outfits I get a lot of wear out of a pair of loose fitting pleated navy trousers, comfortable like loungewear without looking sloppy. Other than that I don't dress differently. When the warmer weather arrives (like past weekend) I will be wearing shorts to "work" though.

 

[eugenius]

@castorpollux , I see a FlowBee in your future.

Anyways, I still need to run to the local coffee-shop for our AM coffee. As such, I'll take off my pajamas & head out in casual wear (jeans, hoodie, beat-up tennis shoes, etc). That'll be my WFH uniform for the day. Certainly not the usual business-casual fare, and also not what I wore to sleep last night.

Our neighbor downstairs, she'll be in pj's all day, but still do her make-up, even though theres' no video component while working remotely. That is dedication right there!

 

[fashionista-ta]

eugenius, have you tried making your coffee at home? I'm totally happy with my (Bodum) French press results, but I'm about to go to the grocery store and replenishing my coffee bean supply is one of the reasons ... I ground my last bean yesterday.

I'm still putting on a full face of makeup for videoconferencing, but not any other time. But I think that slightly pre-dates the plague.

Today I'm videoconferencing and running errands, wearing black sweats. I will probably wear this part of my outfit to bed tonight.

 

[eugenius]

eugenius, have you tried making your coffee at home? I'm totally happy with my (Bodum) French press results, but I'm about to go to the grocery store and replenishing my coffee bean supply is one of the reasons ... I ground my last bean yesterday.

I do. I have the smaller Bodum French press at my desk at work, and the larger one here at the house. The larger one broke, and, much to my dismay, the local Crate & Barrel is closed for now. So I'll risk my life, and waste my money, just to venture out to the local coffee-shop, where they also serve doughnuts.

This response has absolutely nothing to do with the given topic, so apologies for being THAT TFSer that hijacks and derails a thread.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Well, I think we all know that coffee's an important accessory It's a fine balance, I know, between physical and mental health right now. Groceries yesterday, walk in the neighborhood today ... I'm realizing that the exercise is pretty essential.

Today I wore a grey cashmere sweater with black Eileen Fisher knit lantern pants. They're so comfortable, while having an interesting silhouette. Definitely one of my better buys, and I think they were on sale too ...

 

[Patou]

Hello everyone...
I can share with you my experience from France. I'm working at home currently. Indeed, in this context, pajamas and jogging were my best look at the beginning (haha). But... I decided to wear stylish clothing even in-home office.

I'm a Talent Acquisition Specialist, so my day is composed by a lot of interviews with candidates through Skype or Zoom. Thanks to that, I'm trying to be presentable. Some skirts with live colors, jeans, a little scarf, and accessores (pieces of jewelry).

I'm a baldy boy, so I cut my hair by myself... and the result was good. This haircut is really simple to do but before the lockdown, I'd never try to do that alone. I have the habit to go to the hairdresser every month.

So, thanks to these actions, I'm feeling more confident during the day and always fashionable.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ My boss's boss shaves his own head every day ... I keep telling him he's in an ideal position when it comes to hair ... no bad hair days, and he needs no assistance.

The other day my manager complimented my lipstick, and said I was the only one keeping up with it Since I have always WFH, in that respect nothing has changed, so my routine is very similar to before ... except for my hair which I have to pin back right now. Salons are opening here either today or soon, but I'm not sure. (We of course have not met the federal guidelines for reopening.) Has anyone seen an adhesive mask that doesn't need to go behind your ears or head? That's what I need ...

 

[Patou]

^ My boss's boss shaves his own head every day ... I keep telling him he's in an ideal position when it comes to hair ... no bad hair days, and he needs no assistance.

The other day my manager complimented my lipstick, and said I was the only one keeping up with it Since I have always WFH, in that respect nothing has changed, so my routine is very similar to before ... except for my hair which I have to pin back right now. Salons are opening here either today or soon, but I'm not sure. (We of course have not met the federal guidelines for reopening.) Has anyone seen an adhesive mask that doesn't need to go behind your ears or head? That's what I need ...

I know the feeling of your boss. Bald boy, we have the chance to not care about haircuts. Haha.

Oh I didn't think about adhesive mask. It would be simple to wear but... It can hurt the skin when you want to take off, I think.

 

[fashionista-ta]

^ Inventors, on your marks! I have sensitive skin, so I want it to be painless, yet stay on while my hair gets cut! If they can make them for the chest (admittedly I haven't tried those), surely they can make them for the face ...

 

[Patou]

Yeah in this case, don't try to cut your hair by yourself if you have sensitive skin. Better for you...
Oh, I agree with you... I didn't have this vision but it's maybe a good insight

 

[softgrey]

^ Inventors, on your marks! I have sensitive skin, so I want it to be painless, yet stay on while my hair gets cut! If they can make them for the chest (admittedly I haven't tried those), surely they can make them for the face ...

you can make it yourself if you just use the sticky strips for wigs and low cut dresses...

super adhesive and painless to remove...



topstick has long been a staple in every stylist and editor's kit...
industry trick to keep clothes in place for shoots...
Topstick Toupee Tape | Alcone Company

 

[amycooper]

I agree with you. Pajamas are not a workwear. There were times I used to be on pajamas whole day, and it is not the case anymore. I have changed my WFH dress code to make me feel that I am working at an office. I simply stick to jeans and t-shirts on normal working days. I put on an overcoat over my dress if I have to attend any video conversations.

 

[fashionista-ta]

Just acquired a third pair of Birkenstocks, and if they had a better selection, I'd no doubt have more I continue to think they're the perfect WFH/pandemic shoe. I tried a pair of big buckle black Arizonas with a leather insole, and they didn't work with my arch (the result was what I will delicately call a squelching sound). Sadly had to return these. The latest are lilac nubuck Mayaris (the only style I own, all with suede insoles). I think my feet are more calloused than usual, but could also be healthier than ever now? (I'm no fan of painful shoes, so I have no bunions, hammer toes, etc.)

 

[castorpollux]

bought a steelcase gesture to upgrade my telecommuting experience....

steelcase.com