Now that many areas in the world have begun easing up their pandemic restrictions, more offices have considered shifting back to face-to-face work arrangements or pursuing hybrid ones. Regardless, it means that offices are due to welcome staff back into their quarters-and that staff members have the opportunity to dress up for work again.
Since COVID-19 ushered in the era of work-from-home (WFH), you may have gotten used to wearing a "work" uniform of hoodies, tees, sweatpants, and slippers. You'll likely miss the comfort of being able to wear clothes that make you feel perfectly at ease. But now that you can anticipate being out in public again for work, how can you strike a balance in your outfit? What can you wear to combine the safety and comfort of your WFH ensemble with the professional look of your old office clothes?
A good strategy for getting back into the rhythm of face-to-face work is to wear business-casual-inspired clothing with a premium feel. If you're not required by your office to wear hard corporate attire all the time, there's no need for you to switch back into a regular ensemble of suits, ties, statement jewelry, or leather shoes. To look sharp and retain the comfortable vibe of your WFH staples at the same time, go for business casual clothing essentials that are easy to dress up or dress down, depending on the occasion. Here's a roundup of six adaptable clothing items that you can include in your post-pandemic, back-to-office wardrobe.
Antimicrobial face masks
Even if you've gotten vaccinated and are continuing to observe proper health precautions, it's still a good idea to wear a face mask whenever you leave your house. Face coverings will protect you and your officemates from the spread of airborne diseases caused by dispersed respiratory droplets, including COVID-19. Consider shopping for antimicrobial face masks that go around the neck, as these cause less strain on the ear and may be more comfortable to wear. Keep one on your person whenever you leave for work, and leave an extra one at your desk, in your bag, or the glove compartment of your car.
Plain pullovers made out of quality material
If old sweatshirts were your favorite thing to wear on days that you didn't need to videoconference, you can incorporate elevated versions of these into your new workwear ensembles. A smart-looking pullover made out of good-quality fabric can either stand on its own, be worn over a collared shirt, or dressed up with necklaces or chains. To look both cool and composed when wearing these, choose colors that are sumptuous to the eye. You can't go wrong with shades like navy blue, maroon, olive green, or beige pink.
Casual business blazers or bomber jackets
On days that you have someone to impress-but don't want to look overdressed-try wearing a buttonless blazer or a bomber jacket over a crisp polo shirt. Either of these can take you through a regular department meeting, a pitch with an up-and-coming business, or afterhours at the bar or bistro with your colleagues. If you'll feel stiff or out of place in a more formal-looking jacket, the buttonless blazer or bomber jacket will be a good compromise.
Dark jeans
When building your post-pandemic office wardrobe, make sure you've got at least one good pair of dark denim pants. This adaptable fabric will look good with both long-sleeved and short-sleeved button-downs and with both short-hem and tunic-length tops. Dark-colored jeans may also work surprisingly well for you if you're looking for subtle ways to power dress. If you find a cut and color that can flatter your lower body, you'll appear taller and achieve a slightly more imposing figure-thus conveying the message that you're someone to respect.
Versatile slip-on shoes
Going back to the office may also mean that you'll spend more time on your feet. Lessen the strain that you'll feel on your legs at the end of a long face-to-face workday by investing in comfy shoes. Ditch the stiff and tight leather shoes that pinch at either your toes or ankles, and retire the strappy sandals or wedges that cut into your skin. Opt for a versatile pair of canvas or faux leather slip-ons that are preppy-looking enough for an ordinary day at the office, and your feet will thank you for it.
A smartwatch
If you haven't already upgraded to wearing a smartwatch for your WFH endeavors, consider buying one for your return to the office. There are a lot of affordable, stylish, and high-tech smartwatch options in the market that you can choose from. It will do more for you than look good on your wrist and help you blend into a modern-day office environment. Your smartwatch's features can help you keep in the pink of health by monitoring vitals like your blood oxygen, body temperature, and activity levels. On busy workdays, it can also allow you to keep track of calls, text messages, and emails as long as you've synced your watch to your other work devices.
Some last tips on dressing for the new normal
On top of wearing protective, useful, and comfortable pieces when you head back to the office, make sure that your clothes are clean, neat, and well-pressed. Dress properly for the type of engagement that you have scheduled, and prepare extra items when necessary.
And there you have it! Even if you aren't gussied up in formal corporate attire, it's still possible to maintain a veneer of respectability and professionalism when you're face to face with your colleagues and clients. Make the best out of your comeback to the office, and dress like you mean business!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
6 Men's Office Fashion Tips How to Dress Well on "Dress Down" Day at WorkP.S. We want to hear from you! How did you adjust to coming back to the office? Did you renew your wardrobe? What steps did you take to readjust? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via email or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
