Creating A Workhorse Work-From-Home Wardrobe
If, like the rest of us, you’ve suddenly found yourself as a de facto member of the “work-from-home” workforce—welcome! There are about a billion pressing concerns inherent in our current situation, but when practically speaking, you’ve probably already had to make an actionable decision—at least once this week—about what to wear during your WFH workdays. (And if being stuck inside the house inspired a Kondo-style closet cleanout, you may be more eager than ever to add a few new styles to your wardrobe.)
HEALER is here to help. Having been a 100% remote work-from-home writer for the past five-plus years, I feel uniquely qualified (if somewhat apologetic!) to offer a little insight for the current cultural moment—at least as far as getting dressed is concerned. (If anyone has more actionable advice—say, about health precautions—feel free to reach out! We’d love to have you do a guest post.) Working from home full-time presents a unique array of challenges for everyone (spoiler alert: it’s not the Snow Day mentality you were imagining). But if you’ve got your temporary desk setup, an arsenal of good coffee brewing, and a mutual agreement not to murder your spouse, you’re in good shape—here’s what we suggest for your WFH wardrobe, while conditions persist.
The perfect throw-on-and-go shift dress: Elizabeth Suzann Georgia Dress
Hey—you thought the point of working from home was not having to get dressed up, didn’t you? Well, look again. This easy-as-a-tee shift dress is a true closet cornerstone. The midweight linen feels surprisingly substantial, and only gets softer and softer with each wash until it’s comfy enough to sleep in (ask me how I know). But really, the design genius is in the details. The perfectly contoured sleeves have that crisp-cuffed look built in (no annoying re-rolling), and the length is such that you can wear this as a tunic over pants, or pair with tights for a dressier moment (assuming we’re allowed back out of our houses at some point). On a video conference screen, it reads as a chic top—maybe something from Acne or Marni. The quality is just beyond. But if you’re feeling like you need to be a bit more fancy (no shame), it comes in silk with a subtle sheen, too.
WEAR IT WITH: Hess & Co. Stay Necklace
The ultimate work-appropriate-but-feels-like-pajamas pant: Elizabeth Suzann Andy Trouser
You’ll fall in love with these (coordinating!) soft pants for their lounge-around-the-house comfort—high-waisted rigid denim is not friends with your couch—but their true genius comes when you’re back in the office IRL. These iconic trousers look like just that—trousers—but they’re beyond comfortable, with their soft linen weave and stretchy waistband. Wear them to job interviews, big presentations, whatever. Only you will know that you pulled them off the floor in a crumpled heap five minutes before running out the door. (It’s linen—a few wrinkles only make it look better, tbh.)
The housebound-but-make-it-fashion slipper: Freda Salvador James Shearling Slipper
Okay. This one is controversial. As a dyed-in-the-wool work-from-home-er, I have to say: I do better work when I’m wearing shoes. It’s true. I can’t explain it, but something about the mild discomfort and innate ready-for-public-consumption vibe of wearing shoes puts me in an upright-sitting mindframe that produces better work. But wearing shoes when you’re home all day is a bummer. My solution? Fancy slippers. This slip-on style from source-of-all-things-good Freda Salvador are just one step below, say, a Gucci shearling loafer, so I feel confident that you’ll be able to access the part of your lizard-brain that produces quality output with them.
The essential oh-shit-I-need-to-open-the-door-for-the-UPS-guy cardi: Naadam Cardigan Dress
One major WFH perk: long-ass cardigans. This little number from Naadam is long—LONG. But it’s made of a clever silk-cashmere blend that helps it keep its shape and also offers surprisingly good temperature-regulating properties (read: it’ll keep you warm, but not make you sweat). Forgot to get dressed today? Been sitting around in a cami and boxers until the doorbell rang? Button it up for an instant bodycon. You’re welcome. Hey, you could actually go get a drink in that.
WEAR IT WITH: Atelier Batac Watermelon Bag
The what-is-WFH-even-good-for linen bathrobe: Handwoven Mavis Robe
It just wouldn’t be working from home if you weren’t allowed to swan around in a bougie bathrobe. This cult-favorite by Oddbird Co. is a classic for a reason: its light linen blend gets unbelievably soft the more you launder it, and yes, you can wear it as a duster coat when you go out for dinner. (I get compliments on mine all the time. Just remember to wash it occasionally.) With a wide-brim hat, a slip dress, and a pair of boots, it’s perfect for music festivals and gallery openings alike. (Remember social events? Sigh, me too.)
The hey-I’d-like-to-go-outside-at-some-point shoe: Sabahs
To those of you who have not yet been indoctrinated into Sabah life—today is a good day. Sabahs are traditionally make Turkish leather slip-ons that get crazy soft and mold to your feet the more you wear them—and fair warning, you’re gonna wear them a lot. They’re a favorite for travelers as much as for the fashion set because they’re easy to slip off and pop in a bin at airport security, and the range of colors and styles is pretty clutch. Put another way? You’ll be wearing these well after quarantine has worn off.
An easy my-brain-doesn’t-know-what-day-it-is jumpsuit: Eileen Fisher Tencel-Linen Jumpsuit
Even if you’ve been a jumpsuit hater all your life, now is the time to come over to the dark side. There’s no better feeling on earth than putting on a sleek monogarment and feeling like a million bucks with zero point zero percent effort. Accessorize and go. Or stay. Depending what the CDD suggests.
WEAR IT WITH: Dominique Ranieri Copper Windchime Earrings
A proverbial jeans-and-a-nice-top cami: CAMI NYC Raine Top
A simple silk charmeuse cami is your lifeline to nights out, even on days you’re stuck staying home. Tuck it into those Elizabeth Suzann pants and feel polished and pulled-together. Dress it down with jeans or pile on accessories to get your groove back. Done & done.
WEAR IT WITH: Dominique Ranieri Brass Moonrise Earrings