Photo by iStock/LightFieldStudios
In a time when so much more of our lives are spent at home and/or in front of the computer for Zoom meetings or events, it’s important to maintain a balance of comfort and style.
And trust us, it is possible! We spoke to Joanna Lovering, founder and CEO of New York-based, executive presence coaching and styling firm Copper + Rise, about the best ways to stay stylish and cozy while working (and living) from home. But Lovering also hopes remote employees will remember it’s their contributions that ultimately matter: She says, “No matter the level of formality, one thing remains the same in all Zoom meetings: YOU are the star of your little rectangle, not what you’re wearing.”
Stay Balanced
“Work-life balance is all about routines and boundaries. Working from home can blur those lines significantly, so we have to be even more proactive with them,” Lovering says. Clothing can help you define those spaces of your life more clearly. “Treat your day, when it comes to your work clothing routine, the same as when you were going into the office. Specifically, get dressed at about the same time you would have if you were going into the office. And, perhaps most importantly, change your clothes at the end of the work day. This will signal that you’re on ‘home time’ instead of ‘work time.’”
Note Your Surroundings
“Yes, I’m a fashion stylist and yes, I’m telling you to wear lounge pants,” Lovering says. “No sense in allowing those trousers to cut into your torso. Since your co-workers will only see your top half, get comfortable on the bottom.” Lovering recommends soft and moveable fabrics like cotton. And for Zoom, avoid highly saturated colors, white included. Instead, stick to neutral tones that blend in with your backdrop so they don’t distract colleagues from the conversation at hand.
Remember the Details
When we’re spending all day at home in front of the computer, the little things matter. “Statement accessories are a great way to look ‘put-together’ in our world of Zoom. Get more noticeable glasses, earrings, necklaces, or scarves to add a punch to your WFH outfits,” Lovering says. If you’re interested in makeup, Lovering also recommends “a quick, 3-minute face: brows, lashes, and lips. It’s a simple and effective makeup routine that makes you look awake without being overdone.” O