Home Work

I have never bought into the athleisure trend in any way shape or form – it quite simply is not my jam. If I’m caught in Lycra it’s because I’ve been too lazy to change, not because I think I look good. So, after more days of bobbing around in leggings than I care to admit, I have decided the bar needs to be raised. After all, as someone who works from home anyway, there’s been no seismic shift. I have to hold my hands up and admit that I’m actually just jumping on the comfort wear/ comfort eating bandwagon. But enough!

 So, how best to approach a working from home in lockdown outfit, when the balance is not looking like a tit. Ultimately the household stuff all needs to be done, and in my case I’m talking three kids who haven’t stopped eating or trashing the house for 10 days – but still making enough of an effort to look passable that it feels normal.

Well, day one of pulling my style self together I thought I’d hit the right note in a pleated maxi-dress; but after a friend Face-timed in, asked what I was wearing and then went silent, I was left with the impression I definitely hadn’t nailed it. On reflection the look was erring on resort wear, which is really only one step up from an elasticated waist.

The answer, I think, lies in stopping treating every day like it’s a Sunday. Bring structure back to my life and my wardrobe – but at the same time without sacrificing the good stuff to the cut and thrust of the grunt work that is inevitable when your around the home 24/7. It’s time, I have decided, to attempt to blend practicality with a bit of a style pick me up. So, I think put the suede, silk and delicates to one side, and bring out the highly durable washable fabrics. I’m looking at you polyester, you viscose and absolutely bringing in cottons, linens and wool blends.

Once the fabrics are sorted it’s worth looking at styles. If, like me you may need to be at your laptop one minute and bouncing on the trampoline the next, then you need flexibility. Pull out of your wardrobe the pants that will give you movement, and skirts that have stretch or fullness. From a professional perspective, there are Zoom meetings going on from home offices, lounges and cupboards all over the world, so a bit of emphasis on the top half is important in these cases. If you feel jeans or a comfort pant are going to hit the mark, then maximise the top with a smart blouse, jumper or top. Match slouchy trousers with a tee and jacket - perfect and on-trend. However you look at it, the chances are our wardrobes are going to be working way harder than they ever have before.