How To Dress Up To Work From Home? 20 Expert Tips

Dressing up to work from home is not only necessary to be presentable during video conferences, but also to keep some good habits and for some people to work properly.

In order to find out the best tips that can help to dress up correctly for important video calls, I asked the community and got these amazing answers.

What are you wearing yourself when working from home? In my case, for my telework home outfit I put on a shirt with a  jacket,   and I'm ready - see my picture below, and share yours in comments!

Are you dressing up differently to work from home than standard office time? If yes, how differently, what changed, and which fashion advice would you give to be more comfortable or productive for telework?

Missy Titus: getting dressed signals that the work day has started

No one expects you to work from home in a suit, but they do expect you to look presentable. I know for me, getting dressed signals to my brain that the work day has started, even if I'm not going to see anyone. I recommend wearing nice, but comfortable shirts in solid colors that don't clash with your background. T-shirts are fine, but keep a slouchy blazer or cardigan nearby to throw on for meetings. On the bottom, silk joggers, elastic-waistband culottes, and comfortable  jeans   are my go-to (just in case you have to get up during a meeting, you don't want to be in PJ pants!)

Nicole D. Vick: on a Zoom call I incorporate a few key elements

Working from home allows me to dress more comfortably. The high heel shoes, blazers, and pencil skirts have been replaced with house slippers and comfortable loungewear. However, there are some occasions where stepping it up a bit is absolutely necessary. On those occasions when I will be on a Zoom call or otherwise need to be seen (from the waist up of course). I incorporate a few key elements into my look:

• A brightly colored blouse or shirt with some interest such as an interesting pattern or design, puffy sleeves, or some other interesting detail adds a nice touch to a work from home outfit.
• Some women are opting to wear their hair in protective styles during this time. (Mine is braided away to minimize manipulation and breakage). This is an opportunity to wear brightly colored headwraps or headbands, or to put on a quick and easy wig or hair piece to look put together in no time flat.
• Statement jewelry such as big bold earrings or a beautiful necklace can also elevate the look of basics such as a t-shirt or button down top.

Jessica Estorga: the key is to keep it simple and easy

As a litigation attorney I use to spend a majority of my days in  suits.   Now that courts are physically closed and I spend most days working from home, my daily grooming routine has taken a measurable cut in time. Although there is still an expectation to keep up courtroom appearances and decorum, I’ve learned to get camera ready in much less time than it would usually take me to get ready when going to court in person.

My first trick, the “touch up appearance” option in Zoom. I think the filter works well enough to make anyone look refreshed. Second, even though I almost never wore lipstick preCovid-19, I love to throw on a lip stain before I turn my camera on. Between the “touch up” and lip stain, I feel as though I look like I put in effort. Obviously, I want to be presentable in front of a Judge and court, but right now I also don’t want to invest in spending half an hour primping.

My hair is naturally frizzy and super thick. At night I’ve started braiding my hair so it emulates a wave like appearance. If it is an extra humid day, I add some product and then just go with it. Lastly, I keep a few neutral jackets and cardigans nearby that can match any top. I stray away from graphic tees and for the most part stick to some sort of workout pant (that nobody ever sees) and a plain t-shirt or tank top and just throw the jacket on.

From my perspective, the key is to keep it simple and easy. It is important to be presentable but remember we are all in the same boat and as long as you feel comfortable and confident in your appearance that is all that matters.

Jason Lee: I get up and get dresses like I'm going into the office everyday

It can be extremely tempting to dress down and rock the PJs when you don't have any meetings or video calls. However, I've found that when I do that, my productivity leaves with the work clothes. Dressing casually tends to make me work more casually, which is not ideal. So, call me a nerd, but I get up and get dressed just like I'm going into the office everyday.

Matt Scott: simple and elegant basics

My latest go-to solutions are simple and elegant basics. Think of cashmere sweaters, woven lightweight T-shirts, and stretch-fit Jeans. You don't need to be awkward living at home so go for comfy fabrics and smooth textures. Clothes may have an effect on our attitude and can also have an influence on how well we function.

The study included two sets of people conducting white coat-wearing activities. Participants of one party had been advised that their coat belonged to a doctor, in the other, a designer. The group of physicians showed an improvement in their capacity to perform a set of activities.

If we have our 'lucky' ring, our suit to shield us, that we put on when we go to fight in the boardroom, our crazy pricey piece that makes us look like a million bucks when we wear it, our fashionable shoes and knits that make us feel open, our athletic clothes that help us succeed — we have added ideals to all these things and they assist us with what we need.

When you pair your work wardrobe with being productive, otherwise you'll focus on wearing it to make you feel successful.

Dr. Vikram Tarugu: the same clothing I would wear on Saturdays at the store

As a doctor doing telemedecine at home on some days, it is really important for me to still look sharp even though I am in the comfort of my own home. Since almost everybody are still operating from home, you are sure to get a few more video conference calls than normal at the moment. A lazy home outfit can always be pleasant, but shifting into your day clothes may make you know it's time for work.

Dressing up at home doesn't automatically involve wearing the same clothing you would want to wear to the workplace, or whatever setting you would typically be employed in.

A full-on style at the workplace might sound a bit like a costume-y at home when the sloth appearance can be demotivating. A nice balance will be comfortable, clean loungewear or more trendy casual clothes. In principle, something you should at least bring to the airport.

I 'm wearing the same clothing I would wear on Saturdays -- just with my white coat on -- at the store. I'd wear something that I'd be delighted to see a customer bumping into me there. Soft slippers are perfect to walk around the house, when you move through your day. If you don't even own a set of wear-at-home slippers, take this chance to select a pair and get ready to change your life.

Loretta Breuning: red creates solidity and good contrast with the background

I wear red because it creates solidity and good contrast with the background. I keep the red top handy to throw on for meetings. Individual factors are relevant. First, I write books about happiness so I want an uplifting background. (It’s boring to see everyone with the same bookshelves!) Second, I’m an older person so I don’t need to zoom in on my wrinkles.

Sharon Haver: jeans and a nice top... that could even be a T-shirt

It's really pretty simple, being polished to help boost productivity and be ready for video and still comfy. For me, it's  jeans   and a nice top...that could even be a T-shirt but as long as the overall look is pulled together. If you have a modern haircut, cool glasses and for women, everyday makeup then you will instantly upgrade even a white T-shirt. For media interviews, student and client days I make an effort to put on a more interesting blouse or sweater and jewelry. What you never want to do is wear  pajamas   or  yoga pants   all day as it really chips away at your productivity and self-worth. Look good, feel good, do good.

Steve: dressing up to work from home is actually important for productivity

It may seem silly upfront, but dressing up to work from home is actually important for productivity. Furthermore, if you're conducting or participating in online meetings, you have no choice! If you want to be taken seriously, that is.

Over time, I've learned to find a middle ground - where I dress casually, but in a semi-chic way. I'll wear freshly-pressed pants or shorts and always with a collared shirt. The shirts I fancy the most are made from a sporty, breathable material that still have a sense of sophistication to them. I ensure that my clothes are comfortable, but also presentable.

I'm able to stay cozy all day, while maintaining a sense of professionalism at the same time.

Baron Christopher Hanson: setting up the right newsdesk studio

I have been dressing somewhat differently as I work and consult and negotiate and even give speeches from home, only traveling minimally by car to seasonal homes to self-quarantine and work remotely as well. For management consultants, airplanes are to us what a water hose is to a fireman in a blaze.

Even though I'm grounded, it's still important to dress professionally during this COVID nightmare –– and yes, even put pants on –– for any FaceTime or Zoom video calls over the Internet.

I've been far more able to exercise, jog, work outside, water the garden, and especially cook three meals a day from home during COVID workplace and travel freezes, which of course calls for a different summer wardrobe than my usual tie and blazer consulting attire. For me, it's been Vilebrequin linen shorts and swim trunks, Jimmy Buffet sandals, and Carerra sunglasses by the beach during non-video business calls.

Of course the main visual area over the Internet is your face and hair, dress shirt bust and  jacket,   any lapel pins, and especially the surroundings of books and photos behind you in any online video frame.

Dressing up to work from home is about setting up the right newsdesk studio to accentuate and support your professional wardrobe and brand. Our company engaged a professional photographer to retake our COVID-era headshots in a less formal wardrobe, and to stylize and consult on our overall video background and audio presence.

On the rugby field, I wore the very best metal-spiked ADIDAS cleats to ply my trade on the pitch and in the scrum for 16 years. At work, having polished business shoes on, even over the Internet, is a mindset that's simply ingrained in me.

I've always considered my business shoes to be a psychological working tool. Serious shoes equals serious business, and I frequently walk around my office or pace outdoors on the deck in my Allen Edmonds, not my Jimmy Buffets.

Mikkel Andreassen: Blue-jeans and fancy shoes have indeed been substituted for sweatpants and sandals

Even though working from home provides you with certain facilities that you wouldn’t have while working in an office, such as drinking as many cups of coffee as you want, taking recurrent short breaks or just spending all day wearing only your pajamas, the latter is something that psychologist advice not to do. Advice which I follow to the letter.

Studies have shown that not getting properly dressed when working from home can harm your productivity, and even worse, your mental health. That’s why not much of my routine has changed since the Covid-19 outbreak forced me to work from home.

Blue- jeans   and fancy shoes have indeed been substituted for  sweatpants   and sandals (not always, but the majority of the time) however I’ve tried to keep my life’s routine going as it always has, and I can say it has definitely helped me stay in a healthy and productive path. The reason why I encourage you to try the same if this is your case and avoid working on  pajamas   and straight out of bed.

Zach Reece: the same business casual attire helps me take my work seriously

I continue to wear the same business casual attire that I used to wear to the office, because I really think it helps me stay in a routine and take my work seriously. I wasn’t doing this when I first started working from home and I noticed that it was easier to get lazy and not maintain my productivity. There is something about wearing professional attire that puts me in a professional mindset and ready to really attack my workday.

Alina: I learned that dressing the part was actually a mood booster

When I first started working from home, I loved the idea about bumming out in my sweatpants, to be completely honest. But I quickly realized it made productivity extremely difficult.

I learned over time that dressing the part, much like I would in an office, was actually a mood booster. I don't get quite as dressed up but I do try to wear a freshly ironed shirt with a skirt and flat shoes for example.

Comfort is key, of course, so I don't let that slide, either.

Daniel Juhl Mogensen: A nice shirt or sweater and some sweatpants or denim jeans

Typical 9-5 work clothes are very different from work at home clothes.

Working at a restaurant you have to wear a specific uniform, which can be uncomfortable, and depending on where you work, get sweaty and stinky very quickly.

Office attire is formal and can be a bit bland depending on office attire regulations, but can be either comfortable or not. As a work from home dad, I wear what is comfortable, but still acceptable for if I need to make a video call with a client or run an errand. A nice shirt or sweater and some  sweatpants   or denim jeans- no shoes required. I also keep my hair tidy, and not a disheveled mess. For anyone working from home, don’t go overboard with your attire. Keep it simple and comfortable, but also make sure it’s something you’d wear to run errands or pick up your paycheck like from a typical job.

Kendra Bruning: as long as we’re all business from the waist up, anything else goes

We have only one real rule for our dress code: as long as we’re all business from the waist up, anything else goes. Going pantsless is one of the best parts of remote work. But my partner and I find that wearing business-appropriate top,  jacket,   or tie has a number of advantages. Most obviously, we can easily answer any unexpected business calls at a moment’s notice without looking like we just crawled out of bed, haven’t groomed in days, or barely survived a zombie apocalypse.

But the routine of dressing up, even if it’s only half of our bodies, also gets us in the right mindset for starting our day. My partner is more alert after a shave and a cup of coffee, and I find that putting on some makeup, doing my hair, and having a light breakfast set the mood for a productive work session. So whether I’m in  sweatpants   or just a pair of underwear and socks, I still feel like I’m prepping my mind for a busy day.

Melanie Musson: business on the top, party on the bottom work from home attire

Putting on professional attire helps me get into “work mode” even when I’m at home and not at work. But I’ve slacked a little bit in my work-from-home attire. I keep a professional appearance but have put an equal emphasis on comfort.

I can get away with  leggings   and shorts when I’m at home. So, similar to a “business in the front, party in the back” mullet, I have a business on the top, party on the bottom work from home attire.

When I have a video meeting, I look professional and I feel professional, but I’m also much more comfortable than I am at the office.

I would recommend getting dressed in the morning and fixing your hair to help you get into the working groove, but I also recommend being comfortable and taking advantage of the good side of working from home.

There are a lot of negatives about working from home, but one of the positives is the ability to be as comfortable as you’d like, so embrace that perk.

Jim Sullivan: put on something you would wear to visit with friends and family

While it isn’t mandatory, getting dressed up for working from home can really boost productivity and help sustain positive mental health.

I recommend all remote workers wake up at a reasonable time and continue a regular morning routine, like showering, shaving, brushing teeth, etc.

This can help tell your brain that you are about to start the professional part of your day and to get focused on being productive. You don’t have to wear a  suit and tie,   or even fancy dress clothes, but just put on something you would wear to visit with friends and family.

Mason Culligan: jeans and shoes to differentiate that I’m at home but working

Even though I work at home, I usually do not wear  pajamas   or undergarments like most people I know of. I like wearing  jeans   and shoes in particular to differentiate the idea that I’m at home but working. Wearing clothes I don’t usually wear when I am at home, I realized, made me develop a mindset that I am here to work and not to relax. This strategy allowed me not to disrupt the workflow and differentiate work from non-working hours.

Even though it’s just in my mind, this practice allows me to have this mindset that I’m not in the house to relax—thus isolating working hours from leisure.

Anyways, I hope I was able to contribute to your article with my tips regarding this matter. I am excited to see how your piece turns out to learn how other telecommuters are doing it differently.

Nicholas T: Carhartt pants, a T-shirt, and either hiking boots or no shoes at all

When I transitioned to working from home full-time in April, my wardrobe transitioned as well. I used to wear slacks, a button-down shirt, and fancy shoes. Now I wear Carhartt pants, a T-shirt, and either  hiking boots   or no shoes at all.

My transition was one of practicality. I wear Carhartts to do chores, work in the garden, clean the chicken coop, etc. I like to punctuate my workday with these chores to keep my body moving and my mind fresh. I'll go on a hike after work, so it only makes sense to have my  hiking boots   on.

While I used to put on a button-down shirt for virtual meetings, I've noticed that a T-shirt is now the standard working-from-home attire. Even people who would never have been seen wearing a T-shirt at an office show up wearing one on Zoom.

Michael James Nuells: our fashion should be equally as daring, stylish, and chic as women`s

Since the beginning of COVID-19 lockdowns, I`ve been busy working from home. Everything has gone virtual, which has meant no in-person meetings, auditions, filmings, etc. for the foreseeable future. As unfortunate as this has all been, there have been a few blessings that I`ve come to love - most importantly, being able to dress even more comfortably to stay as productive as I possibly can! To start, robes,  sweatsuits,   athleisure, etc. are IN & with such major statements. Sales for & new customers buying these items have increased drastically & the long-term investment factor have made them popular go-to items during our COVID pandemic. More unique styles, prints, designers, etc. for these items are showcasing everyday, which has become beautiful to witness & indulge in!

Men have been even more enthused & inclined lately to settle into their new telework fashion senses! The realization is that our fashion should be equally as daring, stylish, and chic as women`s. Our fashions are just as high & important, especially after working in our homes for the last few months. When you look great, you FEEL even greater, and this is no different for anyone with the confidence we all want to exude!