My 3 WFH Essentials
The 3 wardrobe must-haves to feel good, even in the midst of a global pandemic
Via Unsplash
Ever since the world caught fire back in spring, working from home is the new normal, for good or for bad.
If you’re anything like me, you’re not too keen on office life. Recycled air, exhausting pleasantries, and endless snacking to pass the time.
For me, working from home is a blessing and a curse. I love getting to work at my own pace, avoid office politics, and do what I really love. The downside is staying focused, motivated, and keeping aimless Instagram scrolling to a minimum.
I find getting properly dressed and groomed every day is key to maintaining my sense of sanity and normalcy. The simple act of washing my face, tossing on some skincare, and throwing on an outfit makes all the difference in the quality of my work.
Here are My 3 WFH Essentials to help me power through the chaos.
WFH Essential #1: The Oversized Button-Down
The oversize button-down is the perfect marriage of easy, breezy meets still looking respectable when you’re taking a Zoom call with your team.
The key here is to ensure the proportions don’t get too skewed. I’m all about an oversized moment but making sure the shirt still flatters your body is paramount to taking this piece from the confines of your home to the bar down the street for 5 PM happy hour.
Why I Love It:
The relaxed fit works with nearly any body type and provides ease of motion when pivoting from task to task without feeling too stiff and restricted.
The oversized silhouette doubles as an overshirt. Are you feeling a little self-conscious wearing only a t-shirt due to the 10 lbs of Ben & Jerry’s weight you acquired in quarantine? Tossing on an oversized shirt provides an easy veil to mask all your lumps and bumps while still looking cool and effortless.
It makes you look more professional when hopping on a video call vs. the typical t-shirt.
My Picks
Good:
With a slight drop shoulder and hearty ripstop fabric, this boxy Uniqlo shirt only gets better with each wash. I own it in Olive. ($29.90)
Better:
This crisp white option from COS is 100% organic and features interesting side button plackets and pockets(!); perfect for stowing away that mid-day snack between Zoom calls. ($125)
Best:
The lightweight cotton material and exaggerated silhouette of this Acne Studios oversized button-down makes for the perfect luxe WFH staple. ($390)
WFH Essential #2: The Stretch Chino
Who doesn’t love a bit a stretch when it comes to pants? Think of the stretch chino as the older, more successful cousin of the jogger. Unlike the latter, a good quality stretch chino won’t bunch when you’re sitting for long periods of time and provides a bit a structure and compression which, hey, who doesn’t want that when you’re stress-eating that second sleeve of crackers mid-afternoon. I’m FINE. EVERYTHING’S FINE.
Why I Love It:
Avoid the subconscious psychological guilt of wearing sweatpants for the eighth day in a row. Elevating even just one piece of your daily WFH look will be sure to put you in a better headspace.
A bit of elastin provides a forgiving stretch and makes sitting for long hours bearable.
My Picks
Good:
Vertical and horizontal stretch makes this pair of Uniqlo pants the perfect “bumming around the house” option of the bunch. The ankle-length inseam will also ensure you don’t look like you’ve borrowed them from your dad’s closet. ($39.90)
Better:
Bonobos make a damn good pant. Their best-selling Stretch Washed Chino offers 21 colorways, sizes from 28”-40”, 5 different fits, 6 different lengths, and even the ability to customize the pocket liner. ($98)
Best:
Besides being ethically sourced and manufactured, these Buck Mason stretch pants made in a 10 oz. canvas is cut like your favorite pair of slim fit denim with the softness and stretch of a high-quality chino. ($125)
WFH Essential #3: The House Mule
Easy on, easy off. What’s not to love?
Why I Love It:
As much as I love free-footing it around my NYC apartment, there’s something grounding about having my gnarly flat feet supported by a solid sole.
A well-designed house shoe with a quality leather sole can easily be worn to the bodega if you’re in a pinch (though I don’t suggest it).
My Picks
Good:
I’m a ride or die for Muji. These minimal slip-ons offer a straightforward house shoe without the fuss.
Better:
My boyfriend gifted me this pair from Herring a few years ago. They’re a cost-effective dupe for the Derek Rose option (below) yet look and feel just as luxurious. ($99)
Best:
If you’re a nightwear snob, you’re definitely familiar with Derek Rose. These ultra-luxe leather mule slippers are constructed like a beautiful pair of loafers- leather sole and all. ($225)