Many people think that one of the benefits of working from home is that you get to dress a lot more casually than you would in the office (think: pajama pants and comfy t-shirts). And while it can be cozy and relaxing to get into this habit and fall back into a personal style, it can actually be far more helpful and productive to wear clothes you would wear to work. You don’t need to necessarily dress up like you’re going to a job interview every day (unless you want to!) but utilizing a “WFH Dress Code” can be helpful for the following reasons:
1. It can normalize your time working from home:
WFH can be tricky to adjust to, even after doing it for months. Dressing the same way you would at work can help make you feel like things are a little more normal and less overwhelmingly different.
2. You can do it halfway and still get the benefits:
Don’t want to get totally dressed up? That’s fine! Wearing a nice top and sweatpants can get the job done. Maybe you wear a full office outfit for the first half of the day and get changed into comfy clothes for the second half.
3. It looks professional:
Chances are, even though you’re working remotely, you are still needed in conference calls and client video chats. It’s important to still convey a professional and polished demeanor, even if you’re at home with your dog. If you’re used to wearing regular office work clothes at home, you’ll actually be more comfortable and prepared whenever you need to hop on an important Zoom call from your kitchen table.
4. Keeping a routine helps maintain a sense of control:
During times such as this, there’s a certain lack of control. That can lead to stress and depression. But there’s one thing we can easily control: our wardrobe. Getting dressed up can make you psychologically feel good. Which can lead to…
5. It may make you MORE productive:
By tricking your brain into thinking you’re in the office by dressing up for it, you have less of a chance of getting lost in the shuffle of being home and getting distracted. Dressing for your mood and picking an outfit that will inspire you to work harder and more effectively will help you in the long-run; and will make you look great to your employers.
6. It’s fun:
You know all those old cardigans in your closet you’re not sure what to do with? Now you can take them out and mix and match them with different outfits, trying to find out what works or not. Got old clothes you definitely don’t wear to work anymore? Donate them and see if you can afford to shop for some new, versatile pieces. This article even suggests you use accessories and bright colors to boost your mood!
Every person is different, but for the most part, it doesn’t hurt to dress up even when you’re working from home. This is a great way to bring back a sense of routine and normalcy to your life, perhaps even a way to brighten it!