I’ve been working from residence full time for nearly two years now. As I sort that, doing the calculations in my head, it nonetheless virtually doesn’t really feel actual. As somebody who considers themself a little bit of a homebody, working from residence was at all times the eventual dream—however I by no means imagined that dream would manifest whereas I used to be nonetheless in my 20s.
Once I graduated school and entered the workforce, working from residence wasn’t a standard observe however moderately a luxurious usually afforded to these at director stage and above. However as everyone knows, the pandemic modified the whole lot—or, at the very least, it modified so much of issues, together with, for me, my dressing habits.
I’m a kind of ladies who has at all times liked clothes. Regardless that my very own private fashion leans towards informal as a basic rule, I at all times relished dressing for the workplace. When the pandemic struck, I—like most individuals—discovered myself overcome by a basic sense of hysteria. Pair that with the truth that I had simply discovered I used to be pregnant, and my newfound routine of by no means leaving the home (like, in any respect) and my private fashion took a really steep plummet. I reached for leggings and worn-out T-shirts way more than the pre-pandemic model of myself would have permitted of. And as somebody who has at all times liked trend, my proclivity for consolation garments was, in actual fact, removed from comforting. It was taking a small (however vital) toll on my psychological well-being.
Quick ahead one yr. New child, new totally distant job, and a brand new alternative to hit “refresh” on my every day dressing habits. The pandemic was nonetheless overtaking the information cycle and I nonetheless didn’t match into all of my pre-pregnancy garments (which, please enable me to make clear, is completely OK), however I used to be decided to grab the chance of a contemporary begin and rediscover a number of the pleasure the pandemic had slowly been stealing away. I refocused, ordered some new garments, and began dressing for work once more.
I started carrying clothes in the summertime and layering blouses with sweaters within the fall. Sweatpants had been traded in for denims, and tights with skirts changed leggings. I began displaying up for Zoom conferences with enjoyable hair equipment and even began throwing on items of bijou. And with these small modifications, I started to really feel extra like myself once more.
One more yr later, I discover myself extra comfy within the job that’s not new and able to becoming into extra of my wardrobe (together with these worn-out T-shirts). In different phrases, I really feel my early pandemic habits calling to me. And but, I’m decided to stay resolute in my not too long ago adopted behavior of dressing for WFH. Why? As a result of on the finish of the day, dressing for work (even when “work” is a slew of Zoom conferences performed from a house workplace) simply feels good. And at this level within the pandemic, feeling good every single day is totally important.
On prime of the feel-good vibes, I’ve additionally discovered that dressing for work helps me really feel higher ready for the day forward. Are you an absolute boss even should you’re carrying a loungewear set? After all you’re. However is it simpler to really imagine that you simply’re an absolute boss if you’re carrying some structured pants and a shirt? In my private expertise, sure.
Getting dressed for the day additionally makes it so I’m extra keen to make use of my lunch hour and break durations productively. I’m more likely to willingly go away the home to run to the put up workplace or hit the grocery retailer if I’m carrying garments that make me really feel assured and put collectively. Slightly than sitting in my workplace chair and scrolling by Instagram for the upteenth time, I’ll remind myself of the good outfit I curated that day—isn’t it extra enjoyable if I get to put on it out and about? The suitable garments can get me excited to throw on my favourite boots, seize my present purse of selection, and truly go away the confines of my residence.
Dressing to earn a living from home can imply various things for various folks. I do know for me, it tends to imply stylish sweaters, business-casual tops, and equipment that may assist gown up my higher half for Zoom conferences. Whereas it wasn’t a straightforward observe to adapt to at first, it’s now a every day behavior I stay up for and one which helps me energy by the work day.
I get it—trend is a type of expression. And typically, that expression feels futile when there isn’t any one to see or share your outfits with. However don’t neglect that it’s additionally a type of identification. Gown freely and creatively. Gown such as you don’t work out of your sofa. Gown like everyone seems to be watching. However, most significantly, gown for you as a result of if you gown for WFH, you’re not simply displaying up for the residence workplace, you’re additionally displaying up for your self. And life is far too quick to stifle your internal fashionista.
Supply: The Every Girl
