Welcome to the week of requests, which will probably—like it always does—turn into the fortnight of requests, because you all came up with so many good ones. I’m starting out with a question that a few of you wrote in about: a commenter named Kimbersam said she was looking for work-from-home outfits “that aren’t yoga pants/jeans/band Tshirt/cashmere hoodie/fun sneakers. This has been my uniform for the past 4 years and I am actively avoiding mirrors because I can’t stand myself!” And Aaryn wrote, “I feel like I’ve lost the game since I started gigging full-time. Rarely do I feel comfortable and casual-chic enough to step out the door. Schlumpy is a real struggle.” As a person who calls her kitchen table her office, I can concur and relate: I refuse to give up comfort, but want to look at least a little put-together when I’m called upon to walk out the door. Here are some items I rely on, starting with a big, huggy sweater like this alpaca crewneck from Everlane, which is quite well-priced, especially for alpaca, and comes in a wide range of colors.
I know Kimbersam specified she didn’t want to see them, but I couldn’t exist without my cashmere hoodie (this one also comes in a few good colors).
Aside from the old going-to-the-bathroom issue, you can’t beat a jumpsuit for comfort and ease of wear.
A pair of jeans with a nice amount of stretch (that doesn’t look like it’s got a lot of stretch) is essential. I bought these a while back, and they’re on very high weekday rotation.
I’m quite intrigued by these pull-on trousers from Madewell—they look really chic and relaxed, and put-together enough to wear if you’re meeting someone for lunch.
And these silk georgette pants are like dressed-up pajama bottoms.
it’s a neat trick, how these sweatpants have such a trouser-ish cut.
I live in button-downs, usually sized up for comfort, and love them in intense colors like this.
A striped tee is a forever piece for the at-home worker: polished but still nicely casual.
This might seem a little dressed-up for a day spent at home, but I really like working in silk shirts, because they feel so good on, and make a light layer. I don’t dry clean them after each wear (instead I steam them, let them air out, then hang them back in the closet) but if that grosses you out, and the idea of your dry cleaning bill going through the roof does not appeal, maybe try one of Everlane’s washable silk pieces.
As my recent post attests: I like a popover. And this one would look pretty cute with that striped tee layered under it.
As far as footwear goes, this time of year I tend to putter around the house in Birkenstocks and socks, which is not an outdoor look. If I have to leave the house, I’ll most likely throw on a pair of clogs.
And I’m crazy for these moc clogs from Jenni Kayne, and want them bad: they’re as cozy as slippers, but are made for outdoor wear.
These slip-on sneakers are just a bit more dressed-up than the lace-up kind.
