Obviously, I’m not planning on going full-on biz mode with suits or heels. I mean, who is there to impress anyway? But I always strive to be respectfully presentable. It’s why I’ve adopted the flexible “work from home and office” outfit that can take me straight from a morning Zoom call to an afternoon check-in at the office to an evening dinner date without needing a wardrobe change. And while style points are very much top of mind, comfort is the real north star here . Think stretchy pants, big shirts, slip-on shoes, soft bralettes, and roomy totes. These are borderline lounge clothes that, in a pinch, you can run out the door and don’t have to feel self-conscious in. (They will do just fine for an impromptu siesta.)
Ahead, a hybrid fashion guide for anyone trying to navigate how to wear work clothes for a vaccinated-but-still-in-a-pandemic world. It’s a total work-in-progress, but hey, that’s the name of the game with this whole covid situation.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Stretchy Pants For Work (& Lounging)
Elastic-waist pants are a blessing. Wearing them requires minimum effort, they stretch with your body, and they come in so many trendy silhouettes and fabrics. The top and shoe you pair it with can determine if it’s for the office or an errands-and-yoga day.
PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE plissé wide-leg trousers, $, available at
Simon Miller rib cyrene pant, $, available at
Splits59 Raquel High Waist Crop Flare, $, available at
Uniqlo x Mame Kurogouchi 3D KNIT RIBBED FRONT SLIT LONG PANTS, $, available at
Slipper-Style Work Shoes
All hail the mule! Worn like indoor slippers, but absolutely meant for outside-world skimming.
Madewell The Gemma Mule, $, available at
Everlane The Woven Leather Mule, $, available at
Freda Salvador Freda Salvador Stitched Mules, $, available at
Aerosoles Grandprix Mule, $, available at
Buttery-Feel Dresses
Dresses made from any blend of cotton, modal, spandex, linen, or cashmere will have a super soft and super stretchy hand feel. Plus, they drape and contour comfortably while still looking polished.
These are fabrics that almost feel like a second skin.
Skims SOFT LOUNGE LONG SLIP DRESS, $, available at
Cuyana Gathered Front Tee Dress, $, available at
Naadam Ribbed Lightweight Maxi Dress, $, available at
Young Fabulous & Broke X REVOLVE Dax Midi Dress, $, available at
Cloud-Like Puffer Bags
No need for heavy-duty structured leather bags yet. Instead, grab a soft multi-purpose tote that’s quilted and pillowy, or crinkly and crushable — one that you don’t mind getting beat up. Just get one large enough to accommodate your WFH laptop should you need it on the go.
Baggu Cloud Bag, $, available at
Lululemon Quilted Embrace Backpack 13L, $, available at
Free People Organic Veg Dyed Solid Tote, $, available at
Carrotez Quilted Tote Bag, $, available at Amazon
Very Baggy Button-Ups
The most “work-appropriate” top has got to be the button-up. But wearing one doesn’t have to be a chore. Grab a size larger than you’d normally get, and let it float and flutter on your body. Whether you wear it tucked in is up to you.
Zara OVERSIZED SATIN EFFECT SHIRT, $, available at
H&M Oversized Shirt, $, available at
Good American tabbed poplin shirt, $, available at Good American
American Eagle Striped Oversized Oxford Button-Up Shirt, $, available at
Soft Bralettes For All Bust Sizes
While some people have fully pivoted towards the anti-bra movement, others definitely still need support. Luckily, there are plenty of comfy, no-wire bras on the market now, with intimates brands offering cute cuts in a wide range of extended sizes.
HONEYLOVE Crossover Bra, $, available at
Parade Triangle Bralette Re:Play, $, available at
ThirdLove WonderRib™ Scoop Bralette, $, available at
Lively The All-You Busty Bralette, $, available at
Bed-To-Desk Jumpsuits
This may be cheating, but then again, no one’s stopping us from wearing actual pajama jumpsuits to work. Besides, these slinky, stretchy onesies are streetwear-ready — if you want some coverage, layer a tee underneath or throw on a cardigan before you head out.
LOFT Luxe Knit Pocket Pajama Romper, $, available at
Universal Thread Sleeveless Cropped Jumpsuit, $, available at
Athleta Nighttime Bliss Sleep V Neck Romper, $, available at
Lunya Organic Pima Romper, $, available at
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