Thursday, August 19, 2021

Here’s Your WFH And Office Hybrid Fashion Guide For These Weird Times (And Beyond)

I mostly work from home, occasionally co-works with friends in a vaccinated environment, and even more sporadically from a limited-capacity office. So I can tell you that, sartorially speaking, I've been in an interesting spot. Like many people in a hybrid or WFH setup, I've been figuring out what to do with my day-to-day work style.

Obviously, I'm not planning on going full-on biz mode with suits or heels. I mean, who is there to impress anyway? But I always strive to be respectfully presentable. It's why I've adopted the flexible "work from home and office" outfit that can take me straight from a morning Zoom call to an afternoon check-in at the office to an evening dinner date without needing a wardrobe change. And while style points are very much top of mind, comfort is the real north star here . Think stretchy pants, big shirts, slip-on shoes, soft bralettes, and roomy totes. These are borderline lounge clothes that, in a pinch, you can run out the door and don't have to feel self-conscious in. (They will do just fine for an impromptu siesta.)

Ahead, a hybrid fashion guide for anyone trying to navigate how to wear work clothes for a vaccinated-but-still-in-a-pandemic world. It's a total work-in-progress, but hey, that's the name of the game with this whole covid situation.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Stretchy Pants For Work (& Lounging)


Elastic-waist pants are a blessing. Wearing them requires minimum effort, they stretch with your body, and they come in so many trendy silhouettes and fabrics. The top and shoe you pair it with can determine if it's for the office or an errands-and-yoga day.

PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE plissé wide-leg trousers, $, available at Farfetch


Simon Miller rib cyrene pant, $, available at Simon Miller


Splits59 Raquel High Waist Crop Flare, $, available at Splits59


Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D KNIT RIBBED FRONT SLIT LONG PANTS, $, available at Uniqlo

Slipper-Style Work Shoes


All hail the mule! Worn like indoor slippers, but absolutely meant for outside-world skimming.


Madewell The Gemma Mule, $, available at Madewell


Everlane The Woven Leather Mule, $, available at Everlane


Freda Salvador Freda Salvador Stitched Mules, $, available at Anthropologie


Aerosoles Grandprix Mule, $, available at Nordstrom

Buttery-Feel Dresses


Dresses made from any blend of cotton, modal, spandex, linen, or cashmere will have a super soft and super stretchy hand feel. Plus, they drape and contour comfortably while still looking polished.
These are fabrics that almost feel like a second skin.

Skims SOFT LOUNGE LONG SLIP DRESS, $, available at Skims


Cuyana Gathered Front Tee Dress, $, available at Cuyana


Naadam Ribbed Lightweight Maxi Dress, $, available at Naadam


Young Fabulous & Broke X REVOLVE Dax Midi Dress, $, available at Revolve

Cloud-Like Puffer Bags


No need for heavy-duty structured leather bags yet. Instead, grab a soft multi-purpose tote that's quilted and pillowy, or crinkly and crushable — one that you don't mind getting beat up. Just get one large enough to accommodate your WFH laptop should you need it on the go.

Baggu Cloud Bag, $, available at Baggu


Lululemon Quilted Embrace Backpack 13L, $, available at Lululemon


Free People Organic Veg Dyed Solid Tote, $, available at Free People


Carrotez Quilted Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon

Very Baggy Button-Ups


The most "work-appropriate" top has got to be the button-up. But wearing one doesn't have to be a chore. Grab a size larger than you'd normally get, and let it float and flutter on your body. Whether you wear it tucked in is up to you.

Zara OVERSIZED SATIN EFFECT SHIRT, $, available at Zara


H&M Oversized Shirt, $, available at H&M


Good American tabbed poplin shirt, $, available at Good American


American Eagle Striped Oversized Oxford Button-Up Shirt, $, available at American Eagle

Soft Bralettes For All Bust Sizes


While some people have fully pivoted towards the anti-bra movement, others definitely still need support. Luckily, there are plenty of comfy, no-wire bras on the market now, with intimates brands offering cute cuts in a wide range of extended sizes.

HONEYLOVE Crossover Bra, $, available at Honeylove


Parade Triangle Bralette Re:Play, $, available at Parade


ThirdLove WonderRib™ Scoop Bralette, $, available at ThirdLove


Lively The All-You Busty Bralette, $, available at Lively

Bed-To-Desk Jumpsuits


This may be cheating, but then again, no one's stopping us from wearing actual pajama jumpsuits to work. Besides, these slinky, stretchy onesies are streetwear-ready — if you want some coverage, layer a tee underneath or throw on a cardigan before you head out.

LOFT Luxe Knit Pocket Pajama Romper, $, available at LOFT


Universal Thread Sleeveless Cropped Jumpsuit, $, available at Target


Athleta Nighttime Bliss Sleep V Neck Romper, $, available at Athleta


Lunya Organic Pima Romper, $, available at Lunya

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

WFH Outfit Ennui? Try An Oversized Blazer

11 Work Shoes For Your Back-To-Office Situation

How To Make Your Office Desk Feel Like Home

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