Remote Work Dilemmas: What to Do with All Those Office Clothes?
After spending 15 years in the corporate world, I’ve transitioned to working from home. Yet, my wardrobe remains packed with clothes I can’t bear to part with. So, what now?
Every morning, my day kicks off at 6:45 a.m. when my 4-year-old bursts into my room, exclaiming “COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!” After a quick shower, I don my work-at-home outfit: cozy leggings paired with my favorite soft Banana Republic Factory T-shirt. I drop my son off at preschool, return home, and spend my day writing — often from the comfort of my bed. With minimal outside interaction, comfort is key. Yet, my closet, filled with years of stylish work attire, feels like a museum of neglected silk and twill.
Reflecting on my past corporate life from 2008 to 2022, I realize that despite the creative atmosphere, the corporate structure imposed limitations on self-expression. By the end of my corporate journey, vibrant, patterned clothing became my artistic outlet. Now, as I sit here, I’m faced with the dilemma of what to do with my collection of stunning work clothes: a pair of gingham trousers, an animal-print linen dress, a playful polka-dot jumpsuit, and a hot pink silk blouse. Should I wear them to be the most stylish mom at drop-off? Host dinner parties just to get dressed up?
Amid the chaos of the past few years — from vaccinations to global turmoil — I know this isn’t a pressing issue. But daily, I wonder how to tackle my overflowing closet. After much contemplation, I’ve devised three potential paths forward.
1. Donate or Sell the Clothes
This seems like an easy choice. Surely there are others who could benefit from professional attire. However, most of my wardrobe isn’t traditional office wear, and I often question its practicality for someone else trying to appear professional. Plus, I’m attached to these garments. I’ve invested both time and money in curating them, as well as documenting them with a handy app for outfit planning. More importantly, these clothes represent my personality, which I still want to express.
Editor’s Note: If you do decide to donate, organizations like the American Red Cross and Dress for Success accept gently used clothing donations.
2. Store Them Away for Future Use
The second option doesn’t appeal to me either. As I mentioned, I have no intention of returning to a traditional job, complete with commuting and endless meetings.
3. Incorporate Them Into My Daily Life
Thus, I’m left with the idea of actually wearing my work clothes — but in a relaxed, nonchalant way. The trick is to avoid looking like I’ve tried too hard while ensuring comfort is at the forefront. No tight waistbands or scratchy fabrics allowed.
I devise a plan with simple criteria to determine which pieces can stay and which need to go. First, can I wear this outfit to drop off my kid without feeling overdressed? Second, can I lounge in it comfortably at home? I then channel my inner Marie Kondo and donate everything that doesn’t meet these standards, filling two bags in the process.
Now, the fun begins: styling my remaining pieces. A quick online search yields several tips for dressing down work attire. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Opt for Sneakers Instead of Heels: This one’s straightforward, but it’s a great reminder. I can easily pair that stylish lace-overlay skirt with black Converse.
- Denim is Your Friend: Adding denim can tone down fancier pieces. Pair an elegant blouse with jeans, or throw a denim jacket over a dress to keep it casual.
- Mix in T-Shirts: A simple T-shirt can elevate the casualness of dress pants or a silk skirt, achieving that perfect blend of chic and comfortable.
- Keep Accessories Minimal: Stick with simple jewelry and avoid overtly dressy items. Fabrics like cotton or corduroy can also help maintain a laid-back vibe.
With these strategies in mind, I create a personal guideline: for every upscale piece I wear, I’ll balance it out with two casual items.
I decided to put my new approach to the test. One morning, I donned my Italian ocelot-print linen dress, paired it with black slip-on sneakers, threw on a denim jacket, and kept my makeup minimal. When I dropped off my son, his teacher remarked, “You look like springtime!” which was exactly the tone I wished to convey: casual yet polished, and undeniably me.
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