Picture this: it’s fall 2019. You’re standing in front of your wardrobe, expressionless, deciding what to wear to work. You grab the same old trouser-and-blouse combo you’ve been throwing on every morning, gulp some coffee and hustle to your 9-to-5. 

Now, come back to reality. Since then, your home became your office, pants were exchanged for sweatpants and your commute for a zoom log-in. Your closet? A little outdated. 

You’re not going back to the same old, same old. Not after what you’ve been through!

Nothing — not even a stuffy office dress code — will keep you from feeling your absolute best on your first day back. Even if you’re not headed back to a physical space anytime soon, there’s never been a better time to remix your WFH wardrobe. 

When you look good, you feel good…and you get sh*t done. What’s more energizing than showing up in an amazing outfit?

That means no more boring pantsuits. Emphasis on boring. You can (and should!) still wear suits, but serve them up in hot pink, leopard print, maybe even cropped. No more plain jane. 

Reach for bigger, bolder prints ahead of your next big meeting. You demand to be HEARD, so let’s get loud. Don’t be afraid to mix, match and layer patterns. Try swapping out your understated outerwear for an oversized checkerboard design. Consider adding bright, look-at-me colors into your style routine for an instant burst of energy in the morning — a lime green skirt is just as professional as a simple navy one!

Eye-catching details are a great way to push your personal style to the next level without reinventing the wheel. This is especially important for those with strict workwear guidelines to follow — who has ever heard of a dress code that bans fun?! Pick a cardigan with sculptural buttons or an asymmetrical blouse to get your creative juices flowing. If you’re still commuting via webcam, try out a puff sleeve or fun collar.

Don’t listen too closely to the voice in your head saying, “but I don’t want to go back to wearing pants.” Rather than focus on the negative, use that as your guiding inspo towards better work outfits. Fashion and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive. Joggers, comfy cardigans and yes, even bike shorts are all still viable wardrobe options — just give them an upgrade! (WFHers should definitely take this advice — the mantra when you look good, you feel good still applies even if you’re the only one seeing your full outfit). Marry cozy with chic by choosing staple pieces in luxe fabrics and soft silhouettes.

Whatever your current (and future) work scenario looks like, one thing is certain: deciding what to wear to work will never be boring, ever again.