Working from home has become an everyday reality for many of us, and it seems it will stay so for a while longer. While some are content staying in sweats and old t-shirts, it’s been scientifically proven that dressing up improves our mental wellbeing, focus, and results.
And let’s not forget about the endless zoom calls we need to look decent for!
While women seem to have a handle on all this work-from-home style, some men still struggle. Am I supposed to put on a suit and tie? Should I pair dress shirts with sweats?
Here are 8 work-from-home style tips for men.
Sweats to jeans
First things first, no matter how comfy the sweats are, they really don’t inspire work and don’t look good, especially when worn every single day for months. NYT suggests swapping them for jeans as they are a great middle-of-the-road option between sweats that make you feel sloppy and super structured slacks or chinos.
Blazer to cardigan
If you’re on the other side of the spectrum and seem to overdress, you can easily achieve a similar smart-casual look by replacing your blazer with a cardigan. Choose a soft and light knit that you can keep unbuttoned or unzipped for more comfort.
And since we’re going for a more relaxed look, instead of pairing it with a shirt, choose comfortable, high-quality t-shirts pack like the ones from Fresh Clean Tees subscription service. If it gets warm, just remove the carding, and you still look good.
Forget the tie
Yes, in many offices, a professional look is not finished without a nice tie, but you should embrace the more casual style while working from home.
Even if you have business calls, simply wear a dress shirt without a tie. Trust us, most other men will do the same!
Wear polo shirts
Another great middle ground between relaxed yet somewhat professional is a polo shirt. It’s a classic! Polo shirts come in multiple colors, and the collar makes you feel like you’re putting in an effort (when you barely do). Oh, and they’re really comfortable! Even if you opt for a day in sweats, you can still create a decent look for an unexpected video call!
Buy nice house shoes
The ratty old slippers may remain invisible for others, but you know they’re there. A little upgrade is an easy way to keep your feet comfy yet keep the dignity of a working man! There are many options to choose from, but our favorites are soft fur-lined moccasins.
Forget the patterns and graphics
If you have many video meetings, it’s better to leave the bright colors, graphics, and crazy patterns for better days. Staring at them can be distracting. In the meantime, simple, neutral colors are calming and help focus. Stay with classic colors like black, white, beige, navy.
Yes to sweatshirts
Okay, let’s not kid ourselves. Some days you will go back to the trusty. And those who work in creative fields or don’t have many zoom calls (or any at all – lucky ones!) might make them into a uniform.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a sweatshirt for work. First, ditch the baggy hoodies, college sweatshirts, old items from 20 years ago, and other frumpy pieces.
Maintain some level of professionalism with a sweatshirt with a classic crewneck, tapered sleeves, sturdier fabrics, and stay in monochrome.
If you wear the sweatshirt with a nice pair of jeans, you can end up look pretty sharp!
…and sweatpants
According to Forbes, you can put the sweatpants on occasionally as well! In the past few years and now, during the pandemic, this athleisure item became as versatile as ever!
Many big and small brands came out with different types of sweatpants: straight-leg pants, tapered joggers, luxurious fabrics, unique colors.
The possibilities to match them with your favorite t-shirts and sweatshirts are endless. And if you have an impromptu call, you can always throw on a blazer, and no one will be the wiser.
