How to dress for freelance life: 5 wardrobe tips that take the homebody out of working from home
If you’re one of the almost 20% of Canadians working from home, you’ve likely faced what we like to call the “Outdoor Dilemma:” Part-timing it as an entrepreneur, mommy blogger or cam girl (just kidding) all day long and realizing at some god-forsaken hour that you need to exit the house. You’re out of groceries. The Pringles stash must be replenished. You reach one hand up to your ratty, tangled nest of hair and one hand down to your no-pants and realize this is impossible. Hungry and cold, you settle into bed without dinner, starved by your own lack of world-ready attire.
No more. I’m here to tell you: You can dress like a comfortable human while easily transitioning from “reclined in my office space/Girls viewing theatre” to “elegant coffee shop patron.” Here’s how to dress for a chic freelance life:
Layer up
Here we channel contemporary dance á la Greta Gerwig’s classmates in Frances Ha. Think drape-y, neutral-toned harem pants, a crisp white tunic blouse and some kind of large amulet necklace. Not into the vibe-y look? An Oprah-style shawl sweater can be used as a blanket/illusion in case this UPS guy shows up.
Open-Front Cardigan ($60, laura.ca)
A good robe is a solid investment
You’re not writing tweets for an over 50 women’s shoe company, you are a delicate medieval lady, weaving baskets for errant knights. You’re not a part-time coder who works as a dog walker on weekends, you are Khaleesi, mother of dragons. You’re not doing basic data entry… you get the point. A robe is a nice way to cover up but be basically nude, and prance around the house like a fancy damsel in between tea breaks. Treat yourself to a nice robe.
Serena Pima Cotton-Jersey Robe ($155, net-a-porter.com)
“Serious” bras are unnecessary, now and forever
Forget being your own boss, the true joy of working from home is not having to wear a bra. With no creepy coworkers to look down your shirt or wire pinching your skin, you’re welcome to let the girls flow as freely as your no-name brand mint tea. However, in public, a loose support bra will keep you looking like a member of high-functioning humanity while ensuring your maxin’ and relaxin’ motto afloat.
Sandy Shimmer Ribbed Bra ($22, urbanoutfitters.com)
Bun in the oven (and on your head)
Whoever is in charge (obviously this guy) has done us all a solid by rebranding the ol’ greasy bun as a “top knot” and making it both acceptable in public and fairly cool. Well done, fashion. Goodbye, shower.
Batiste dry shampoo ($9, well.ca)
Leggings. The good kind.
What you’re looking for here is incognito pyjamas—something you can wear in bed but also to a forgotten dentist appointment in a pinch. And while the head-to-toe long john look is something that should be ritualistically burned with the rest of your university paraphernalia, some quality leggings will ensure that you look like you’re on your way to the gym a.k.a. doing something important. Specifically, soft and breathable fabrics will be your long-lasting friends.
Lululemon Into Something Good Pant ($138, lululemon.ca)
Good luck guys! If you need me I’ll be in my office* working**.
*bed
**eating
 all day long and realizing at some god-forsaken hour that you need to exit the house. You’re out of groceries. The Pringles stash must be replenished. You reach one hand up to your ratty, tangled nest of hair and one hand down to your no-pants and realize this is impossible. Hungry and cold, you settle into bed without dinner, starved by your own lack of world-ready attire.
No more. I’m here to tell you: You can dress like a comfortable human while easily transitioning from “reclined in my office space/Girls viewing theatre” to “elegant coffee shop patron.” Here’s how to dress for a chic freelance life:
Layer up
Here we channel contemporary dance á la Greta Gerwig’s classmates in Frances Ha. Think drape-y, neutral-toned harem pants, a crisp white tunic blouse and some kind of large amulet necklace. Not into the vibe-y look? An Oprah-style shawl sweater can be used as a blanket/illusion in case this UPS guy shows up.
Open-Front Cardigan ($60, laura.ca)
A good robe is a solid investment
You’re not writing tweets for an over 50 women’s shoe company, you are a delicate medieval lady, weaving baskets for errant knights. You’re not a part-time coder who works as a dog walker on weekends, you are Khaleesi, mother of dragons. You’re not doing basic data entry... you get the point. A robe is a nice way to cover up but be basically nude, and prance around the house like a fancy damsel in between tea breaks. Treat yourself to a nice robe.
Serena Pima Cotton-Jersey Robe ($155, net-a-porter.com)
“Serious” bras are unnecessary, now and forever
Forget being your own boss, the true joy of working from home is not having to wear a bra. With no creepy coworkers to look down your shirt or wire pinching your skin, you’re welcome to let the girls flow as freely as your no-name brand mint tea. However, in public, a loose support bra will keep you looking like a member of high-functioning humanity while ensuring your maxin’ and relaxin’ motto afloat.
Sandy Shimmer Ribbed Bra ($22, urbanoutfitters.com)
Bun in the oven (and on your head)
Whoever is in charge (obviously this guy) has done us all a solid by rebranding the ol’ greasy bun as a “top knot” and making it both acceptable in public and fairly cool. Well done, fashion. Goodbye, shower.
Batiste dry shampoo ($9, well.ca)
Leggings. The good kind.
What you’re looking for here is incognito pyjamas---something you can wear in bed but also to a forgotten dentist appointment in a pinch. And while the head-to-toe long john look is something that should be ritualistically burned with the rest of your university paraphernalia, some quality leggings will ensure that you look like you’re on your way to the gym a.k.a. doing something important. Specifically, soft and breathable fabrics will be your long-lasting friends.
Lululemon Into Something Good Pant ($138, lululemon.ca)
Good luck guys! If you need me I’ll be in my office* working**.
*bed
**eating){kind=link}
