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.