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Working from home has suddenly become a new normal for many people worldwide. While some people have welcomed the chance to work remotely, others are scrambling to feel a sense of normalcy. Your routine may feel too loose, especially if you don’t spend an hour commuting each way. Even your coffee tastes different. This transition into a new normal may make the simplest decision overwhelming… like what to wear when you work from home. If you’re wondering how to build a work-from-home wardrobe, keep reading for simple tips to make this transition smoother.
You’ve heard the old adage about “wearing too many hats” – each hat represents a different role you play in life. You wear a hat as a husband, as a father, as a son, as an employee, as a neighbor, as a Little League coach, and so on. Over time, you collect many hats. So, when you’ve got on your “work” hat at home, what do you wear with it? There are a couple schools of thought.
Some experts say it’s best to dress for success, regardless of where you’re working. While it’s tempting to wear sweatpants and a faded concert t-shirt, there may be psychological advantages to ”dressing” for work from home. Research suggests we’re more productive when we physically dress the part. It can literally help maintain our professional identity with others – but more importantly –with ourselves.
Author Mark Bacon concurs. “Putting on a shirt and tie put me in the right mind for work,” he said. “Dressing for work is about ramping up your professionalism. It's a psychological trick that works!”
Conversely, many people feel an enormous relief to leave the suit and tie in the closet when working from home. They celebrate by wearing ultra-comfortable clothes, like that faded concert t-shirt and sweatpants.
If you’re still unsure of your personal preference, you may find comfort in the middle of the two extremes. Dress like it’s casual Friday all week long.
Consider these guidelines when establishing a remote work wardrobe to help maintain a professional demeanor while telecommuting.
A daily grooming routine helps maintain a sense of normalcy and psychologically prepares you for the day.
First and foremost, do not ditch your grooming routine. It’s important to keep a daily routine like you had when you commuted to work, even if it’s slightly more relaxed. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and psychologically prepares you for the day.
Whether you’re dressing up to stay home or slipping on a clean pair of sweatpants, starting your day with a grooming routine mentally prepares you for the tasks ahead. Take a shower and groom yourself as usual, even if your dog is the only creature around you. By taking care of yourself, you project self-respect and professionalism in your work.
This approach works for Jacob Whitish, Director of Sales and Marketing at Clarity PR. “The biggest thing for me is just keeping my routine,” he said. “I get up at the same time every day as I used to; I wear the same clothes that I wore to the office; and I try to structure my work day the same as I would if I were in an office.”
When selecting clothes for your remote work wardrobe, consider your interactions with people each day.
If you are subject to regular or last-minute video conferences, you’ll want to be prepared. Look for accessories or garments to keep nearby to wear at the last minute to create a polished look in front of the camera. Whether it’s a tie, a suit jacket, a scarf or even a pair of clear-lensed glasses, you’ll want to project professionalism during your video conference. If your virtual meeting requires a full body shot, be sure to wear appropriate bottoms that are complimentary in style and color.
If there is ever a time to get creative or try out new combinations of colors or separates, now’s your chance! Pick one day a week to dress for success with some of the combinations you’ve seen portrayed on your favorite court-room drama or fashion section in GQ Magazine. Pair a new sweater vest with a few different button front shirts. Or play around with a scarf… dudes in magazines look chic, maybe it’s your new look! Try parting your hair on the opposite side. Get crazy!
Don’t allow your sweat to be a distraction in your productivity. If you sweat excessively, you know what it’s like to “feel” people gawking at your sweaty armpits during a presentation. You know how uncomfortable it can be to sit through long meetings with a swampy seat. This type of distraction while video conferencing or working through a deadline is completely avoidable with Ejis sweat proof undershirts and boxer briefs. Our tried-and-true sweat proof basics work for you regardless of where you’re working and what you’re wearing (buy in our shop or on Amazon).
Wearing your “work” hat at home definitely has its fair share of benefits, like having more freedom with your apparel selections. When considering your work-from-home wardrobe, be sure to protect your clothing – and productivity – with Ejis sweat proof garments.
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