Want to Feel More Productive While WFH? These Put-Together Outfits Will Inspire You to Tackle Your To-Do List
Photo: Tayla Santos
As we enter yet another month of working from home, it’s certainly no secret that signing online for a virtual Zoom meeting doesn’t exactly require the same sartorial standards as, say, getting ready for a day at the office or dressing up for an important meeting with a potential investor. While it's definitely convenient to wake up, toss your Zoom sweater on over your sweatpants, and open your laptop from the comfort of your couch, if you’re anything like us, you’re starting to feel like your productivity levels are dropping. But there’s a surprisingly easy way to regain your motivation while WFH: getting dressed as if you're going to work.
Studies have shown that what you wear while working actually matters. Researchers who study "enclothed cognition" say that your clothing choices can affect your productivity, your thinking, and even your negotiating skills. That’s why we’ve partnered with Paige, a lifestyle collection for men and women, and DJ and creative Pamela Tick, style blogger Tayla Santos, and fashion and lifestyle influencer Pau Dictado to share put-together yet comfortable outfits (because comfort is still key) that will inspire you to tackle your to-do list while working from home. Keep scrolling to find out how you can dress for success while working from your living room.
Pamela Tick | DJ & Creative
How would you describe your personal style?
I never entirely know how to answer this question because my style has a strong foundation but is ever-evolving. It is also dependent on daily factors that make my outfits functional!
It’s fair to say I gravitate towards minimal looks with bold pieces, usually, these pieces are leather or suede, denim, cashmere, etc. On the other hand, I can get playful sometimes too with a simple maxi skirt or long dress to bring out my fun free spirit personality.
How has this time in quarantine influenced your style?
I have noticed a difference in the days I choose to throw on sweatpants versus the days I create a real outfit to wear. Sweats sometimes feel like an excuse to be lazy. Perfect for Sunday, but come the weekdays, I like to feel inspired and ready to work by getting dressed. The outfit I choose in the morning usually enhances my mood for the rest of the day. There is power in dressing up!
How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?
I fall somewhere in between dressing for comfort and style which is exactly why these Paige jeans speak to me. A happy medium! The vintage fit wears with time and molds to my body the more I wear them. These last few months have been an adjustment for all, which is why it feels important to not forget the little things that make you feel good.
Tayla Santos | Style Blogger
How would you describe your personal style?
I would say I have a neutral and minimal style. I like to keep it simple and casual whenever possible! This means I prefer a good fitting pair of denim and a hoodie paired with sneakers and a cute coat over any outfit featuring louder statement pieces. It’s the timeless and classy looks that never go out of style and you can’t go wrong with!
How has this time in quarantine influenced your style?
I’ve been wearing so much more athleisure! I’m all about the matching set lately. Love being comfortable while still super stylish and now it’s almost my mission to incorporate a hoodie, into any look haha. I like to refer to my “three C’s,” casual, chic, and comfortable!
I love wearing a WFH outfit that I can easily swap the slippers for some boots or sneakers, add a jacket and be out the door for a quick Starbucks drive-through coffee break!
How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?
It’s actually funny you ask this! My journey as an “influencer” started during this pandemic. On March 6th, I quit my full-time job as a teacher’s aid and told myself I was going to pursue blogging full time. Three days later, on March 9th, we went into lockdown. I was freaking out. Now I had no other option than to make this work! I went into full hustle mode and don’t regret a second of it! I’ve been posting every day since and grew my audience by over 20,000 followers in eight months! This has been a great journey and I can confidently say I love what I do.
As for how it’s affected my style, I would say the pandemic and lockdown has played a major role in shaping my style into what it is today. I remember (maybe two to three years ago) I used to try so hard to put together the perfect outfit. Now, knowing I at most will be grabbing a coffee through the Starbucks drive-through, I’ve turned to simpler outfits. I feel so much more confident and myself in casual and simple outfits. I love keeping it minimal, chic, and put together by maintaining a neutral color palette. It’s all about the fit of the outfit. For example, the Paige jeans I’m wearing here hug the body perfectly with luxurious comfort and super stretch fibers. It’s just a plus that it comes in tons of authentic washes to add some texture to my minimal outfits.
What is your foolproof outfit formula for boosting your productivity and staying comfortable and stylish while working from home?
I am the biggest believer in getting up and getting ready for the day as if you actually had to go into the office. When I’m dressed and ready, I feel more productive and ready to attack that day’s to-do list. There’s a totally different vibe when working at your desk in a comfy pair of denim. I say grab your favorite pair of denim, add some fuzzy socks, your most comfy hoodie and you’re good to go! If it’s a little warmer where you are, swap the hoodie out for a crisp white tee tucked into your denim, layer some cute gold necklaces, and you’re ready to slay the day!
How does getting dressed for the day in comfortable yet stylish clothing make you feel more motivated and ready to take on your to-do list?
You know when you put together that perfect “all day outfit?” The kind of outfit you’re kind of sad that you have to take off at the end of the day? That’s how you feel when you’re rocking the most comfortable and timeless pair of denim. What’s better than having a pair of denim that you can wear all day working at home, styled comfortably to elevate the look with over the knee boot heels and a long coat for an evening look!
Pau Dictado | Fashion & Lifesytle Influencer
How would you describe your personal style?
Edgy and effortless.
How has this time in quarantine influenced your style?
My priority has shifted to more comfortable wear and investing in high-quality pieces that will be a staple in my closet. Since I rarely go out and I’m mostly working from home, I don’t feel the need to shop as much. But when I do, I want high-quality pieces I can really feel good in!
How have you adjusted to this new remote work life and what influences your styling choices each day? Do you dress for comfort or style or somewhere in between?
I dress for both comfort and style. Comfort has definitely become my top priority, but I believe I don’t have to sacrifice my style while doing so! What I love most about my Paige jeans is that it’s stylish without sacrificing comfort. It has a luxe coating with super gloss pigment that gives the look of leather in a silhouette that you can live in!
What is your foolproof outfit formula for boosting your productivity and staying comfortable and stylish while working from home?
My foolproof outfit would have to be a button up shirt with jeans. There’s just something about this formula that never goes out of style! Not to mention, it’s both comfortable and flattering, just like these jeans. I just love how it hugs my body in all the right areas!
How does getting dressed for the day in comfortable yet stylish clothing make you feel more motivated and ready to take on your to-do list?
When I look good, I feel good. And when I feel good, I feel like I can take on the world! Dressing up has definitely helped boost my confidence and productivity, and wearing a good pair of jeans can make a world of a difference. The WFH life can be mundane at times, so I always seek out ways to change things up and add some fun elements into my routine.