A Work from Home Capsule Collection

May 5, 2020

Ease. That’s what I need right now.  I need to reach into my closet and pull out comfortable, stylish outfits without thinking about it. So let’s make ourselves a capsule collection, shall we?

The goal was to choose pieces that you may already own to create several days worth of outfits that are simple to put together but look good on a Zoom call.  If you need more jackets or different tops, add them.  But these pieces should give you a foundation to build on.

Shirts. Veronica Beard Lauren Tee // Treasure & Bond Dobby Shirt // NSF Rex Stripe Tee

Let’s start with the basics.  This Veronica Beard Tee has a fabulous shirt-tail hem, which is perfect for layering.  Eileen Fisher has a long sleeve version.  Or for a less expensive option, try Hanes or Daily Ritual (also in plus).

I put up this Treasure & Bond shirt last week, and it’s still got my attention.  The lightweight fabric and relaxed shape make it perfect for tossing on over jeans or leggings.

Oh, how I wish this tee was still available in every size.  For another option, try this ATM striped top or this Talbot’s UPF top that protects you from ultra-violet rays (also in petite and plus).

Bottoms. Solid Linen Joggers // AG Farrah Jeans // Lululemon Wunder Under Leggings

Linen pants are the solution for your need-comfort-but-so-over-leggings woes.  I also like these Monrow pants and these H&M pants. Looking for a wide leg linen pant?  NY & Co. makes a nice one, so does Old Navy.

My favorite denim jeans make an appearance, of course.  But if you’re looking for a comfortable jean, 7 for All Mankind makes a jegging that is so easy to wear.

Lastly, we all need a pair of good leggings right now.  Because sometimes it’s athleisure on the bottom, business on the top.

Dresses. Madewell V-Neck T-shirt Dress // Lauren Chambray Shirtdress

T-shirt dress are the foundation of my WFH wardrobe right now.  Short ones like this Madewell dress are good for warm days.  Maxi dresses like this one from Daily Ritual are my choice for cooler weather.  Plus-size?  Try this ModernSoul dress.

I was looking for a light blue shirtdress and I found this Ralph Lauren Shirtdress (also in petite).  I also like this Sail to Sable shirtdress and this blue-striped maxi dress from Gap.  I also love this navy shirtdress from Stateside; it’s a bit oversize, and totally relaxed.

Toppers. LL Bean Open Cardigan // LL Bean Classic Utility Jacket // Caslon Drape Front Jacket

I wanted a few easy jackets and sweaters that could be worn with almost anything.  A chunky cardigan, a utility jacket, and a knit jacket are all relaxed basics.

The texture on this LL Bean cardigan is fabulous, but if you want something with smoother material, try this Goodthreads cardigan.  It would look fabulous with the striped tee and leggings or with the olive pants and t-shirt.

The Drape Front Jacket is a blazer stand in that’s comfortable but looks professional.  This LOFT knit blazer and this NYDJ ponte blazer are both good choices.

Shoes. Adidas Cloudfoam Running Shoe // Universal Thread Lois Sandal // Dolce Vita Ilsa Snake Sandal

Now that warmer temperatures are here, I am all about my Universal Thread sandals.  They’re a nice sandal/flat hybrid that are super comfortable and stylish.  And at that price, they’re a must.

I also added my favorite black athletic shoe and another chic sandal.  These double-strap Joie sandals and these Soludos braided sandals are both good options.

Jewelry. Gorjana Dog Tag Necklace // Sterling Forever Hoops // Argento Vivo Studs // Callan Bracelet // Gorjana Parker Ring 

A selection of simple jewelry adds a bit of sparkle to your everyday pieces.  I’ve posted this Gorjana Dog Tag necklace so many times, it’s probably just time to break down and buy it.  I’m also totally smitten with this beaded bracelet, which also comes in silver.

***

So what are your work from home essentials right now?  I try to dress up at least two days a week (and by dress up, I mean makeup and a blazer), but other than that, I need comfort.  So if you have favorite pieces to share, leave them in the comments.

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  1. Monica T says:

    Props for dressing up, I just can’t seem to manage it! I already work in IT, in SoCal, so my casualness levels are WAY high on an average work day. 6+ weeks in to quarantine and I’m wearing tank tops and sweatshorts to the “office” at my kitchen table. Neighbor walking his dog past the house yesterday asked casually if I was still working and I couldn’t help but wonder if it looked like I probably wasn’t, HA. But it’s hot, and I like to be able to do some exercise whenever I get a moment, so this is how it is I guess.

    I picked up those Universal Thread sandals last week and I really like them, great recommendation!

  2. A says:

    General uniform: yoga pants, short sleeve or long sleeve tee, and a longsleeve sweatshirt jacket (husband keeps trying to freeze me out of the house). On days I shave my legs (1-2x a week), I typically swap a maxi skirt for the leggings. If I really just can’t that day (2x in 7 weeks), I will pull on sweatpants. Once it warms up I might switch to shorts over leggings, but given the meat locker I’m living in, seems unlikely.

  3. Cait says:

    I wear makeup and a nice top or blazer on days I have zoom meetings, so usually just twice a week (I know I’m lucky that they aren’t more frequent!). Other days, it’s a t-shirt or tank top. Leggings at all times, but as the weather warms up I’ve started adding in shorts and Old Navy linen pants.
    I’ve gotten in the habit of doing little bits of exercise throughout the day (crunches while I wait for coffee to brew, lunges on audio-only conference calls, jumping jacks while I wait for the VPN to connect, etc.) so wearing clothes I can move around in easily is a necessity!

  4. Lost says:

    I love this capsule! It’s so easy, but still looks pulled together.

  5. J says:

    Props to you for getting dressed up! I’ve been working out in the mornings, so I go from gym clothes to…more gym clothes. My workplace hates video conferences, so I have no motivation to dress up. If I do go outside of gym clothes, I’ve been wearing the Daily Ritual jersey v-neck t-shirt dress that you suggested a while ago!

    I, however, wear jewelry every day, which kind of makes me feel dressed up? I have to put on earrings and a ring. Looks weird with t-shirt and gym shorts, but it works for me!

    • Allison says:

      I do this too! Currently wearing a Bronco’s t-shirt, leggings, slippers and a ball cap with pearl earrings and a ring.

  6. Katel says:

    My office is business formal so a steady repeat of MM LaFleur pants and blouses actually feels relaxed. Makeup is pared back to mascara, blush and concealer plus lip stick for video calls.

  7. ABVV says:

    I find that the whole “enclothed cognition” thing (https://positivepsychologynews.com/news/emily-vansonnenberg/2012052122126) really helps me get in work mode, so Monday-Thursday I try to avoid leggings. That can mean anything from a t-shirt dress to jeans and casual sweater/button-up shirt, plus mascara/eyebrow gel/Dr. Jarts color-correcting cream. Practically, that turns Casual Fridays into the day for athleisure.

    I anticipate wearing a lot more casual dresses as the weather warms up, which I consider an optimal blend of comfort and polish for my current WFH situation. One of my current favorites is a Gap cotton striped midi dress that I picked up right when quarantine started. I’m 5’10” and pear-shaped, and it is both the perfect length (hem and sleeves) and has the right flare to skim my lower half without being excessively voluminous. I just wish they made it in a some brighter colors.

    https://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=540859022&cid=13658&pcid=13658&vid=1&grid=pds_63_143_1&cpos=63&cexp=1488&cid=CategoryIDs%3D13658&ctype=Listing&cpid=res20050514289832155820835#pdp-page-content

  8. Ginny says:

    Normally I am a sheath dress, blazer and heels kinda girl, but I have been leaning hard into the Eileen Fisher style side of things. After several weeks of leggings and sweaters, I’m now seriously craving linen pants, breezy tops, chunky cardigans, and soft jumpsuits. Basically anything but jeans. I have definitely put on a few pounds since this started and so stretchy waistbands are my friend.

  9. Ral says:

    Awesome post! I’ve pared down to yoga pants, T-shirt and long cardigan for casual days and yoga pants, patterned top and black blazer for Zoom calls. 10 items in rotation – makes laundry a cinch.

  10. Samantha says:

    So, my WFH style leaves a lot to be desired – t-shirts and yoga pants. It’s hard to motivate myself to wear anything more when all I do is take calls and stare at my computer monitors all day from home. Truly, no one sees me but my husband and our dog. Maybe the occasional neighbor… I ordered the LL Bean sweater in Cream and utility jacket in Juniper. The jacket color makes me happy and it’s a great color for this cool-weathered spring we are having in NC. Hoping these staples will motivate to dress up a few days a week.

  11. Anon says:

    Abra – can you provide commentary on a video compatible wardrobe for the WFH set? I have found the striped amazon tops you have recommended in the past to creat a crazy vertigo situation on VTC that is totally a non starter. So…how do we dress for zoom? My mascara game has gone from subtle to volume, and lips from sheer to vibrant pink – all in the name of “video on”. Anything else we should be considering?

    • Belle says:

      That’s a good question, let me think on that. I chose a wider stripe here to avoid some of that vertigo you speak of. But let me think about a deeper answer.

    • Pam says:

      Avoid patterns, pastels look great. Nothing that sparkles or makes a noise.
      Go heavy on makeup.

      • Amanda says:

        I zoom a bunch – keeping a lipstick at your workplace is a game changer. The “touch up my appearance” selection (under your video settings) is great too.

    • Alem Tedeneke says:

      I would also add not wearing the same colours as your background. Going for a bold coloured shirt and eyebrow. Video saps colour.

  12. Stephanie says:

    My company doesn’t do Zoom calls so no need to dress up. My day is super long now, with no boundaries, so I take breaks in the middle to do Peloton and shower. And sometimes I sit outside (So Cal) and it gets a little hot. So it’s workout clothes all day every day, with a baseball hat for sitting outside. I did replenish my stash of good leggings and tshirts though. The ratty tshirts were a bridge too far.

  13. Lauren says:

    I own that Caslon drape jacket in green and get multiple compliments every time I wear it. Such a great piece! It feels like a cardigan, looks like a jacket, can be dressed up or down. Everybody wins. I am so tempted to buy it in all the colors.

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