Two Ways: Work from Home Outfits, No. One

Jul 6, 2020

Does anyone else open up their Instagram feed and see an Alice in Wonderland fantasy world of what influencers think working from home looks like?

Most WFH outfit posts fall into two categories: tie-dye jumpsuits and bed head or gorgeous summer dresses with perfect makeup and hair.  It’s a little bit grating.

I’ve picked up some temp work while I search for something permanent, and I’m struggling to get out of loungewear and into real-ish clothes every day.  I don’t need to be full 9-to-5, but I need to have enough makeup on that clearly effort was made.  And since I’m sitting for long stretches, I’d like to be comfortable.

I can’t be the only one having this problem, right?  The influencers I usually turn to for inspiration have to create beautiful photos to sell clothes.  I don’t.  I get to live in a reality where my desk and kitchen are messy, my prettiest dresses are gathering dust, and I’m getting through but just barely and survival takes real effort.  (And I don’t even have children, so to you working Moms out there, may the Force be with you.)  Yet, I need the people on the other end of this Zoom call to see a woman who got dressed today, put on a little bit of makeup, and has her work done.

So let’s bring back Two Ways for some much needed Work from Home content.  The posts will be a mix of WFH outfits, and how WFH pieces can be worn to real offices later.  Let’s get started.

Dress Daily Ritual Bateau Neck Midi Dress

If you were to go through my closet unfolded laundry pile, you would find at least four Daily Ritual dresses.  They are my salvation right now.  And this one with an elegant bateau neckline and a lovely light blue heather is sublime.  It’s light and easy, but feels and looks more expensive than it is.

Left Treasure & Bond Dobby Shirt // Gab + Cos Disc Hoops // Prive Riveaux Alchemist Blue Light Glasses // Renah Jae Dome Ring // Veja Esplar Low Top Sneakers

For the first outfit, you’re tying the black shirt over the dress with a front knot similar to this look from Kathleen Barnes.  Just undo the buttons on the bottom of the shirt, and tie the front panels together.  Easy.

This look gives you the structure of the button up and a bit of arm coverage on your Zoom call, but comes right off if it’s a bit hot outside.  The earrings and sneaker pull the black and blue together.  It’s truly one of my favorite color combinations, just simple and easy.

This blouse is from Treasure and Bond and is made of a soft viscose fabric.  If you want something similarly drapey in cotton, they also have you covered.  Plus-size?  This black blouse is already tied up in the front.

Add a comfortable sneaker, some chic earrings, a stylish dome ring, and the perfect blue-light glasses to reduce eye strain, and you’re done.

Right BR Italian Linen Cardigan // Prive Riveaux Alchemist Blue Light Glasses // Stella & Dot Rebel Necklace // Birdie’s Starling Summer Edition

This chunky cardigan is also made from a light linen to keep it summery.  My office is pretty cold, so a cardigan is a must for me.  If your outfits need to be more professional, you could layer on this ASTR navy boyfriend blazer instead (you will not believe the price on this jacket).

Again, these glasses are the best.  I love them.  They’re very oversized, which usually isn’t my look, but they keep my afternoon headaches at bay and I am here for that.  If you’d like a different style, these Book Club glasses in the ‘cola’ color look pretty nice on almost everyone.

This Stella & Dot necklace is my favorite.  I lost mine in Montana last year and I finally bought a new one this weekend.  Had to happen.  Every time I put on a jersey dress, I was looking for something to lift it, and this necklace is it.

Lastly, Birdie’s made their Starling flats (so comfortable) in a huarache-like weave for summer.  They give you slipper comfort in a shoe that can be worn outside.  If you need a similarly comfy loafer, these Coach shoes are amazing but sold out in most sizes.  I recommend trying Poshmark.

{this post contains affiliate links that may generate commission for the author}

How To Wear It, Style, Three Ways

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  1. Ral says:

    Great post! I really like the idea of the blouse over the dress. Could be a weekend outfit ensemble for me too. Hope you’re doing okay Abra.

  2. espie says:

    This. So needed some outfit inspiration this week. It’s super hot here and my getting dressed motivation is at about zero. Thanks Abra!

  3. Sara says:

    I’ve worn the Rebel Pendant for years on your recommendation. It really is the absolute best. I love that it has Joan from Mad Men pen necklace vibes. And while many necklaces react with my skin, this one never causes any issues even on the sweatiest days!

    The one thing I’ll note is at fundraisers if I don’t hold it while I’m scooting in my chair it’ll DING super loudly right on my plate. I’ve learned to be prepared for this.

    • Mo says:

      Also, to be prepared for people to ask you if you keep drugs in it ala Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character in Cruel Intentions.

      That said, I have gotten a million complements on it.

      • Sara says:

        Haha I’ve never gotten that question! I need cooler friends apparently.

      • Kit says:

        I was also influenced to by the pendent and love it (I have it in both rose gold and silver). People have also jokingly asked me if it had drugs in it, but I never made the Cruel Intentions connection! Makes way more sense to me now.

  4. LCP says:

    Yes! This is the sweet spot of almost but not quite office or loungewear!

    But I have to stop clicking daily ritual links bc I always spend 20 minutes figuring out every slight color/size permutation of their only good items are out of stock – pure online shopping torture :/

  5. Orla says:

    I love you Abra. Thank you for always being REAL!
    The link to the Alchemist glasses does not work.

  6. A.J. says:

    I love that dress but Daily Ritual can be frustrating in that almost every size/color is unavailable. I’ve run into that with other DR items too. :/ The smallest size I could find was M and only in a couple colors.

  7. MOnica T says:

    I love the idea of tying a button up on a loose dress like this! I have an hourglass shape and normally these kinds of dresses are not flattering on me since I have to buy the size for my broad shoulders and wide hips, and belts look too va-va-voom for my comfort or leave bunches of fabric with nowhere to go. This is a perfect way to tomboy-chic it up! Great post!

  8. JanE says:

    Oh, good, it’s not just me having this problem with Instagram. Your post is spot on for summer WFH ideas, thanks!!

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