Returning to the Office this Year? Here's What to Wear
What to Wear When Returning to the Office After Remote Work
Transitioning back to the office and navigating what to wear can be daunting. This is an opportunity to shift from casual, at-home outfits to professional attire that maintains comfort and personal style. Understandably, some workers may feel overwhelmed at the thought of ditching joggers in favor of slacks, so let's explore tips for building a wardrobe that eases you back into the work scene while accurately reflecting your personality and professional goals.
1. Understanding the Office Dress Code
Before selecting your outfit, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your workplace’s dress code:
- Formal: Requires business suits, shirts, and ties for men, and tailored dresses or suits for women.
- Business Casual: Typically allows for slacks, smart casual skirts, and blouses or tailored shirts, instead of a traditional suit. Casual dresses can also work here, but no leggings!
- Casual: Many workplaces are moving toward a relaxed dress code; in this case, clean jeans and a nice top or sweater likely suffice. Remember that casual does not mean sloppy, sexy, or unkept.
2. Prioritize Comfort Without Sacrificing Style
After months or years in comfy clothes, you’ll want to prioritize comfort as you ease back into "office" mode. Your body may reject binding waistlines and heels at first. Choosing styles with stretch, breathable fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes will allow for movement while letting your individual style shine through. Look for:
- Tailored Pants: Soft, stretchy fabrics in fitted styles can feel as comfortable as leggings.
- Comfortable Shoes: Check to see which shoes make you feel confident and put together. Many brands are producing professional shoes that are also comfortable. Make sure that shoes worn to the office are in good repair and that they don't make a loud noise when walking.
- Soft Fabrics: Scuba knit, ponte, cotton, modal, and wool mixed with materials like polyester are lovely options, as they're perfect for looking professional with added comfort. Look for a pant with details like a zipper closure, pockets, and seams or pintucks. Those details separate a business pant from a casual pant.
- Choose the right undergarments: Don't opt for binding options or pieces that do not fit. Smoothing well fitting pieces are not only comfortable, they give you a more professional image. Save the push up bras and such for date night.
3. Embrace Smart Layers
Layering can help ease the transition between outdoor temperatures and the often cooler office environment. Consider:
- Lightweight Blazers or Cardigans: Add a stylish element to your attire. Look for a blazer or jacket in a fabric with a little stretch for comfort.
4. Experiment With Color and Patterns
Injecting a bit of color can brighten your look and mood after months of neutral loungewear. Choose colors and patterns that resonate with you while still feeling appropriate for the setting:
- Patterns: Blouses with subtle prints or textured fabrics can elevate your outfit and give you more options.
- Colors: Build your wardrobe around a color palette. Consider having a color analysis to give you a good blueprint for rebuilding your workwear closet. You will feel more confident when you know you are wearing your best colors. YourColorStyle.com has great color analysis options, as well as tools like color fans and styling services to help you on this journey. Working with a color palette can make shopping easier, will save you money, and will give you a cohesive closet that makes getting dressed fast and easy.
5. Accessories Matter
Accessories can elevate even the simplest outfit. Here are a few tips:
- Jewelry: Opt for pieces that reflect your style, whether delicate or bold, to add personality to your look. Avoid noisy pieces for the office.
- Bags: A stylish tote or a structured handbag can complete your outfit while being functional for carrying work essentials. A great tote allows you to walk through the office with polish and poise, instead of looking like a bag lady.
6. Prioritize Personal Grooming
After spending much of the work week at home, returning to the office is a great opportunity to refine not just your clothing, but grooming habits as well. Consider:
- Makeup: If you typically wear makeup, consider completing your look in a way that gives you confidence and honors routines that are appropriate for the workplace. If you need a makeup update, visit yourcolorstyle.com and check out their Makeup Analysis. It's customized application tips and personalized product recommendations based on your skin type, coloring, and preferences. Get a fresh haircut that you can easily maintain and that will look great all day long.
- Nails: Neatly manicured nails, whether polished or natural, add a small but vital detail that contributes to a complete look. The "soap nail" trend is a perfect choice.
- Hair: Get a fresh haircut that you can easily maintain and that will look great all day long. Men, keep a freshly shaven face and neatly trimmed sideburns.
Ultimately, when transitioning back to the office, wear clothing that makes you feel empowered while accurately reflecting your identity and professional ethos. With a renewed perspective on our post-pandemic workplace, why not up your style game and try looks you may not have worn in previous years? Embrace this opportunity—find your personal style and how you will dress for success.
Gail Scott
Style & Beauty Director
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