The Little Secrets That Help Me Dress Well and Feel Good at Home
When I first started working from home, I truly believed pajamas and sweatshirts would be my everyday uniform. That phase lasted for a while—until my energy and focus began to slip. I realized that what I wore at home mattered as much as what I wore to the office. It wasn’t about impressing anyone but about showing up for myself, feeling awake, and creating a little structure in a space where the boundaries between work and rest blurred quickly.
The process wasn’t instant. I started with small changes: trading the baggiest tee for a favorite knit top, or swapping my sleep shorts for leggings with a little shape. Some days, it felt silly to care about clothes when no one was watching, but I noticed I spoke with more confidence on calls, finished tasks a little faster, and just felt more like myself. Comfort and polish could live together, if I paid attention to the details.
With that in mind, these are the tried-and-true tips that brought joy and comfort to my work-from-home wardrobe—simple tricks that anyone can use for a brighter, more focused day.
Choose Soft, Structured Tops That Look Great on Camera
On any video call, your top is your handshake. I learned quickly that a well-fitted knit, a simple blouse, or a soft button-up made a world of difference. Cotton tees with a slightly structured cut, wrap tops in jersey, or light sweaters all feel gentle on skin but photograph well and frame your face nicely. Even a simple collar can help you look more awake, especially during those early morning meetings.
When I’m in a hurry, I keep two or three “camera-ready” tops on the back of my chair. These are my favorites for a reason: they flatter, they’re stain-resistant, and they don’t wrinkle easily. A light pastel or a soft jewel tone brings out a healthy glow on camera, and prints that are subtle—think tiny dots or delicate stripes—add just enough interest without being distracting.
Quick tip: Try rotating your tops every few days, even if nobody else will notice. It keeps laundry simple and gives you a reason to look forward to dressing up, if only for yourself.
Find Bottoms That Feel Like Loungewear, But Look Like Real Pants
Some days, leggings are a lifesaver. But after too many weeks in the same old pair, I craved a little more polish. My go-to bottoms now are wide-leg jersey pants or ponte-knit trousers—both move easily and never pinch at the waist, but look pulled together if I stand up during a meeting. Pull-on culottes or high-rise yoga pants with a tailored silhouette can also double as “real clothes” for a trip outside.
The best part is these styles hold up through all-day wear. They don’t sag or stretch out, and they breathe well, which means I can run from a spreadsheet to the kitchen without feeling sloppy. I keep a pair of stretchy jeans with a soft waistband for days when I want to feel a little more “dressed”—they’re comfortable for hours at the desk and work for a quick walk around the block.
Bonus: If you work near a window or need to dash out for a quick errand, structured loungewear bottoms mean you never have to panic about who might see you. You’re always ready to step outside with confidence.
Layer for Comfort and Quick Changes
Temperatures at home can change in an instant, especially if you’re moving between rooms or the weather can’t make up its mind. Having a lightweight cardigan, kimono, or wrap nearby has saved me more times than I can count. A neutral cardigan in oatmeal, gray, or soft blush works with nearly everything and provides an extra layer for surprise calls or sudden chills.
Some mornings I start with a longline hoodie or a slouchy knit. As the day warms up, it’s easy to slip it off and keep my outfit feeling fresh. I’ve found that layering not only adds warmth but also brings a sense of intention to my look, as if I’ve put in just a little more effort than the bare minimum.
Tip: Hang your favorite cardigan or shawl right by your work chair. If you get a delivery, need to greet someone at the door, or have a last-minute video call, you can pull your look together in seconds—no stress, no scramble.
Upgrade Your Loungewear Sets
Matching lounge sets changed everything for me. Suddenly, comfort didn’t mean frumpy, and I actually felt a little excited to get dressed each morning. Look for soft fabrics like modal, bamboo, or brushed cotton—these feel luxurious but are easy to wash and wear. I gravitate toward muted colors or soft pastels, which look refined on camera but are soothing to wear all day.
A ribbed texture or a subtle pattern (think small checks or a gentle stripe) adds personality without making you feel overdone. Some sets come with drawstring waists, cropped tops, or flared pants, so you can pick what feels best on your body. I love knowing I could run out for groceries and not worry about looking like I just rolled out of bed.
Simple trick: Have at least two loungewear sets you truly love. Rotate them to avoid laundry pileups and keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
Don’t Skip Basic Grooming—It Changes Everything
Even on days with zero calls, I brush my hair, wash my face, and swipe on lip balm before I sit down to work. This tiny ritual clears away the sleepiness and tells my brain it’s time to focus. Some mornings, I’ll pull my hair into a low ponytail with a silk scrunchie or add a headband to hide frizz and flyaways—simple fixes, but they help me feel polished in seconds.
On busy days, a little dry shampoo and tinted moisturizer are my lifesavers. They add just enough glow so I feel awake, even if I’ve barely slept. Taking five minutes for yourself isn’t about perfection—it’s about honoring your own needs, even in the most casual of settings.
Fast fix: Keep a small beauty pouch at your desk with mini essentials like a brush, hand cream, and a tinted lip balm. You’ll thank yourself the next time an unexpected call pops up.
Add One Simple Accessory
Accessories are like a magic wand for home outfits. If I’m feeling flat, slipping on a pair of stud earrings, a dainty necklace, or a soft scarf can shift my whole mood. These small details signal that I care about myself, not just about getting through the day. Some mornings, I’ll even reach for a statement headband or a bright scrunchie for a playful touch.
Layered necklaces or stackable rings add a gentle sparkle that translates well on camera without being over the top. On especially lazy days, tying a silk scarf around my ponytail makes everything feel more intentional and put together.
Easy habit: Pick out your accessory the night before and lay it by your workspace. It’s one less decision in the morning, and you’ll always have something special to reach for.
Keep House Shoes or Flats Nearby
Shoes might seem pointless if you’re not leaving the house, but the right pair can transform how you feel. Supportive slippers or cushioned ballet flats give my posture a gentle lift and help my brain register that the workday has started. I found that wearing real shoes—even just around the house—nudges me into productivity mode.
On days when motivation drags, sliding on my favorite house shoes is like flipping a switch. They’re perfect for a dash outside or answering the door, and I never worry about chilly toes or stubbed feet. If you prefer something lighter, foldable flats are easy to slip on and look neat if you have to leave quickly.
Tip: Look for styles with memory foam or soft lining. Your feet will thank you after hours at your desk, and you’ll be less likely to slump back into bed.
Plan Outfits the Night Before
The decision of what to wear can feel overwhelming, especially on days packed with back-to-back meetings or tasks. I started laying out my outfit the night before—just like I did when I went to an office. It takes three minutes but saves endless time and energy the next morning. I pick out a top, bottoms, my go-to cardigan, and an accessory so I can wake up and get dressed on autopilot.
If you have kids or live with someone else, planning ahead also avoids traffic jams in the bathroom or at the closet. It’s a small act of self-kindness that helps mornings run smoother and gives you a sense of control before the day even begins.
Bonus: On especially busy days, jot down a quick list of meetings or calls and choose outfits accordingly. No more last-minute panics when a video link appears in your inbox.
Keep a “Meeting Emergency Kit” at Your Desk
Video calls have a way of popping up when you least expect them. I learned to keep a small emergency kit within arm’s reach. Mine includes blotting paper, a neutral lipstick, breath mints, and a hair tie. When I get that surprise meeting notification, I can freshen up in thirty seconds and feel instantly more prepared.
This kit has saved me countless times, especially after lunch or on long afternoons when my face starts to look tired. A quick swipe of lip color, a tidy ponytail, and a dab of hand cream are tiny ways to signal I’m ready—even when the day feels chaotic.
Tip: Store your emergency kit in a cute pouch by your computer, so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. You’ll reach for it more often and thank yourself later.
Make Getting Dressed a Small Ritual
Making a ritual out of getting dressed changed my mornings for the better. I turn on my favorite playlist, sip my coffee, and spend a few mindful minutes changing out of sleepwear. This doesn’t mean I’m putting on office attire, but it’s a gentle way to set the tone for the day and honor my routine.
The ritual doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as lighting a candle while I brush my hair or folding my lounge set neatly before slipping it on. These tiny moments mark the shift from “home” to “work” and help me feel present and focused, even before I open my laptop.
Bonus: If you share your space, involve family or roommates in your ritual. It turns dressing into a small act of connection and a way to start the day together, even if everyone is heading to a different screen.
