How can I dress stylishly when I work from home?

[MotherBluestocking]

Opening my wardrobe every morning fills me with despair as I contemplate yet another day of jeans, flat shoes and Breton top. I just don't seem to be able to put an outfit together that will be low-maintenance for a day spent in front of the computer screen but will give me a spring in my step when I do the school run or nip out to the shops. It seems particularly bad at the moment as (a) the weather is so shite and (b) the world seems to have moved on from the skinny jeans/flats/scarf combo that has served me so well in the past. Does anyone have the answer?

[Xenia1414]

Sell everything and invest in some nice jeans or trousers plus a few cashmere jumpers eg from somewhere like Joseph. Comfy but practical and if you know they are expensive but well made it will give you that spring in your step perhaps?

[Xenia1414]

Also skinny jeans flats etc combo will always be nice to wear dong worry about fashion statements :)

[carltonscroop]

Xenia - is that really you? And not advocating formal business wear !!!!

[CMOTDibbler]

Buy things you like - it doesn't matter that you are working from home, if you'd rather wear nice jersey dresses, skirts or whatever, then wear those, just as you would if you went to work in an office

[burnishedsilver]

Have a look at the outfits put together on the hush website. Also, the white company are good for comfortable clothes that look well.

[louloubelle2]

For me, I decided that I was no longer going to save my nicest clothes for the weekend or going out. I have some lovely cashmere jumpers for example that I hardly wore as I was worried about over washing and spoiling them. Now I wear them even if they are only seen for a few minutes outside, or under a coat. I figured I'd go off them quicker than they wore out, or I'd find something else to replace them anyway!

Also, I give myself a reason to go out every day, like walk to the shops, post office, something which forces me to get out of joggers and brush my hair!

[Xenia1414]

No I'm not THAT Xenia and need to figure out how to change my name on here

[MotherBluestocking]

Thanks for the replies!
xenia I do have nice jeans and cashmere jumpers but they don't fill me with joy.
Dibbler You are absolutely right. I tend to hold back from wearing 'good' clothes around the house: I need to find things that feel 'special' but are comfortable, machine washable, and will cope with having coffee spilt on them.
Burnished Quite like Hush; White Company is just too SAHM for me.
louloubelle Absolutely agree, having a reason to go out every day is key.
What I think I need to tide me over until we get some proper summer weather is

1. A fabulous spring coat that's warm enough for the current freezing temperatures but doesn't feel wintry.
   
2. A great pair of closed toe shoes or boots that will survive grass and not be excruciating after a few hours (my shoe discomfort tolerance is quite high).
   

3.Some tops which aren't stripy.
4.Maybe a new bag (though I have 87 million, literally).
5.Some gorgeous earrings.
6.Some trousers which are comfortable but not jeans and not white.
Really really grateful for any suggestions. 5 foot 4, size 12, gigantic norks.

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

Don't feel bad. My usual work attire is pyjamas!

When I am actually dressed and want to get away from jeans, flats, top (JFT) I usually wear a slouchy jersey dress with leggings and boots or a naice sweater with printed shirt (I love a print but know they're not for everyone), jeans and boots/flats. As the weather gets warmer I have some tailored shorts and tea dresses that come out plus some smarter yet casual trousers from Gap but I've seen similar in Boden.

If I need to look smarter I put on earrings and a bracelet. I don't do scarves (not old enough thank you!). A good coat always sharpens up an outfit.

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

X-posted with you op. I'm same size and shape as you!

Roughly how old are you?

[louloubelle2]

How about linen t-shirts - I think they are a bit smarter than normal t-shirts, but serve the same purpose - and chino/utility type trousers in a khaki, beige or navy? Gap have both, v neck and round neck, and had 40% off in store yesterday, and of course there is always a discount to be had online if you sign up.

Jogging bottoms - hear me out - I have some slim tapered leg ones, they are everywhere at the moment at all prices. Find some that don't have that elasticated cuff hem sports joggers usually have, and they look normal trousers, albeit in a really comfy jersey. Wear with a slim fit t-shirt, thin knit jumper, denim or biker jacket.

[MotherBluestocking]

I'm 47 but not ready for Boden yet. Not sure we're the same shape in nork terms as I can't get away with the added bulk of a shirt under a jumper. Slouchy jersey dresses sound appealing - where does one buy them? Not afraid of a bit of print.

[MotherBluestocking]

Great suggestions louloubelle! Can definitely do linen T shirts. And I shall investigate jogging bottoms - I know the kind you mean. What about footwear though? Trainers surely too athleisure, which is not a look I ever want to cultivate.

[louloubelle2]

Well I don't mind trainers, so we may have differing styles there. Would you conside converse/vans/superga type though? Any of those good with joggers, hi or lo tops.

I'm thinking ahead to the slim chance the weather may warm up, and thinking they would also look good with birkenstock style sandals or slides. Ankle length or with a small turn up maybe

Not exactly as per these images, but the bottom half, in terms of shape of trousers vs shoe:
uk.pinterest.com/pin/ASAZwf2UwqLosiCc2XWBG4aOO6nLiuAMrFiDuLbtxXNfjssZGwS7yt0/
uk.pinterest.com/pin/485544403554278571/

[MotherBluestocking]

I do wear trainers - just worried about trainers with joggers. But perhaps non-elasticated bottoms would avoid the going-to-the-gym look.
Both the pins look good to me!

[Joneseygirl77]

Loulou I'm liking the sound of the joggers. Where did you get yours from?

Enjoying this thread as I wfh on 2-3 days per week and generally I either wear jeans and striped tips or jumpers. Or gym gear. Always dress up for days out of my home office. Also in a rut but I get so blooming cold that I defer to lots and lots of layers!
Can't wait for summer to arrive as then I can swap my boots/ Ash trainers for my flip flops.

Mother how about some espadrilles? Not sure how they'd fair on wet grass but you should be fine on dry grass!

[MotherBluestocking]

Still too cold for espadrilles. I'm after instant gratification!

[fiorentina]

I am a big fan of Cos and Other Stories, slightly more unusual tops that don't break the bank to wear with jeans or trousers. For example a few with silk backs, asymmetric hemlines or a bit of a quirky style. I wear shirts with jeans too, again slightly more styled ones, with a frill or silk. I like to feel nice and accessorise too with different necklaces, I've gone off scarves due to my overhearing them!

Shoes wise pointed flats, trainers or some platform style brogues.

[RunswickBay]

Wear dresses. I've just decided I'm sick to death of skinnies so I either wear a frock, a skirt or sometimes looser jeans and Stan smiths.