A good working-from-home outfit is comfortable, but also polished enough for a video call. Choose soft fabrics, a top with a clear neckline or collar and trousers that feel good. That keeps the outfit suitable for both working and an unexpected appointment. Below you can read how to go about it, with outfits for different kinds of home working days.
Why clothing at home can make a difference
You do not have to be formally dressed at home, but changing can help to start the working day clearly. Many people notice they concentrate better if they get dressed in the morning as if they are going somewhere. A fixed routine can help to separate work and free time. You are then also ready more quickly for a video call.
For video calls: pay attention to your top half
On screen you mainly see your face, neck and shoulders. That is where the collar, neckline and colour stand out most:
- A collar or a nice neckline. A polo, blouse or top with a clear neckline looks far more polished on screen than a round T-shirt neck.
- Plain colours. Fine stripes and small checks can flicker on camera. Plain or large, calm patterns work better.
- Mid tones. Bright white can become overexposed, deep black can make your face look flat. Light blue, light grey, cream, navy and soft shades come across best.
For women: comfortable and camera-ready
A ribbed quarter-zip lyocell polo in black works well at home, especially against a light background. The rib and the quarter zip give structure on screen, while lyocell feels soft and fluid. If you want a lighter colour, a fine-knit T-shirt with a tweed look in light blue is a good choice: the two-tone knit gives texture, and light blue is flattering on camera.
Underneath, trousers that are comfortable but do not look like loungewear. A pleated flared trouser in cream has a little elastane, which makes it feel good. If you do have to pop out for a lunch appointment, you do not need to change.
For men: the knitted polo as a home working uniform
A shirt is often too stiff at home, a T-shirt too casual for a call with a client. A knitted polo sits between a shirt and a T-shirt.
- An open lyocell polo in light grey melange is soft, breathable and comes across polished on screen thanks to the open collar without buttons.
- A fluid modal polo in blue drapes smoothly and barely creases, even after a day of sitting.
- Combine with soft chinos or trousers with stretch, and feel free to wear slippers or loafers at home.
Three kinds of home working days
| Type of day | What you wear | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Day full of video calls | Polo or blouse with a collar, smart trousers | You are often on screen and want to come across as professional |
| Focus day without appointments | Fine knitwear, comfortable trousers | Comfort comes first, but you stay in work mode |
| Half a day at home, half a day out | Outfit that also works outside | No time lost changing |
Materials for the whole day
At home you sit for a long time, often on a chair that is not as good as at the office. Fabrics that move with you and do not crease are therefore extra pleasant. Lyocell and modal are soft and fluid, and feel cool when the heating is high. Fine knitwear gives warmth without pinching. Read more about lyocell and modal.
A small morning routine
- Get dressed before you start. Even if your first call is not until ten o'clock.
- Wear shoes or sturdy slippers. It helps your head get into work mode.
- Keep a cardigan at hand. It is often colder at home than at the office, especially if you are home alone and the heating is low.
- Change after work. A clear end to the day helps you relax.
Light and background
Your outfit shows to its best advantage with good light. Sit facing the window instead of with it behind you, and make sure the background is calm. A light top against a white wall can disappear, and so can a dark top against a dark cupboard. Choose your colour deliberately against your background.
Working from home in winter
In February it is often colder at home than at the office, especially if you are alone during the day and do not want to turn the heating up. Work in layers then: a thin base layer under your polo or top, and a knitted cardigan that you put on when sitting still and take off for a call. Warm socks and sturdy slippers make a big difference. A cardigan over a polo also looks just as polished on screen as a blazer, and a good deal cosier.
What to lay out next to your desk
Keep a cardigan or a smart extra top at hand for an unexpected call.
Comfortable and polished
The difference between comfortable and sloppy lies in the details. Trousers that sit snugly at the waist but feel soft are comfortable. Joggers with baggy knees are sloppy. A knitted polo that drapes smoothly is comfortable. A stained hoodie is sloppy. Choose pieces that are soft, but have a neat shape.
For soft, polished pieces, take a look at the Lounge collection and the tops for women.
Shop the look
Ophelia: ribbed quarter-zip polo, black
Lenora: fine-knit T-shirt with tweed look, light blue
Daphni: pleated flared trousers, cream
Theodore: open lyocell polo, light grey melange
Montgomery: modal polo, blue
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear on a video call?
A top with a collar or clear neckline in a plain mid tone, such as light blue, light grey or cream. Avoid fine stripes and checks, which can flicker on camera.
Is a knitted polo smart enough for a video call?
Yes. A knitted polo with a beautiful collar looks polished and professional on screen, and is far more comfortable at home than a shirt.
Why would you dress smartly at home?
Many people notice they concentrate better if they dress for the working day. It gives a clear start and end, and you are always ready for an unexpected call.
