Dress code for work (home edition)

Some of us are lucky to work from home (WFH) during social distancing. As lines get blurred between office hours and personal time, we must set up a routine and follow some guidelines. Starting with a dress code.

Many companies have adopted the dress down look of casual Friday for everyday of the week. The rule: “Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have” has not been in use for a while now.  It would look funny having someone on a video call wearing a tie. Yes, suit & tie for men is “out” -at least for now.

Being comfy is critical for staying productive at home, running errands, taking care of family members, preparing meals and if possible, squeezing a pilates session or dance lesson in our day.  We must make an effort to keep active. It is good for our body, mind and spirit.

In my experience, loungewear is the new office wear.  Here are my suggestions to have a well-rounded capsule wardrobe while we WFH.

Wardrobe

This is what an affordable capsule wardrobe for our “new normal” is:

• 5 leggings
• 5 tops –high cut, low cut necklines are still a no-no
• 3 cardigans

All the above in neutral colors, easy to mix and match. My personal palette is: navy, white, gray and blush. I am thinking about throwing into the mix a light blue or mint.

Shoes

Heels are out, ladies. Flats, sneakers, thongs, slippers, even barefoot have replaced the elegant heels. No more sore feet, bunions, etc. Your feet will thank you. It’s time to take care of them. 

Hair

Maintenance is important so, only style the hair that frames your face. Then, it is easier to put the hair in a bun and do other activities. Think about those hair treatments we keep in the bathroom cabinets for whenever “we have time”. Well, now it’s the time.

Makeup and nails

Minimal makeup: mascara, lip balm and eyebrows will suffice. Short, natural and well kept nails are a best practice these days.

Jewelry

Personally, I would not bother wearing jewelry for health and practical reasons. Washing frequently our hands up to the wrists, makes wearing a watch and rings almost impossible in order to do it properly. Hand sanitizers can damage gems, so to preserve your precious jewelry, is better to keep it safe. 

Now that we have our dress code sorted out, let’s update our etiquette. Read more about the “new etiquette” here.

Self-care is a gift. Make your well-being a priority. Be and inspiration by looking and feeling your best. Make an impact on other women’s lives. Support and encourage each other more than ever.

Personal branding involves how we speak, dress and behave. Set a time aside and reflect on what is the image you want to project, work on it and share with the world! Remember to always be good to yourself. Take care.