Five Essential Work from Home Tops

When COVID came, there was a period where no one knew how to dress.  And for a brief time, during our national depression, anything was acceptable.  Pajamas, workout clothes, tie-dye sweat suits…we were all just in survival mode.  But just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you can’t still look professional, even if you’re dressed casually.

I own some essential work from home pieces that carried me through the Zoom years.  Many of them were purchased at Old Navy and LOFT, because on Zoom, no one can see a label.  Here are a few styles to carry your through your WFH and Hybrid days.

Essential No. One // A Chambray Shirt // The collar keeps it professional.  The fabric keeps it casual and comfortable.  This one from LOFT is listed as “oversized,” but I found it to be just generously proportioned, so you will likely need to size down.  It also comes in a slightly darker hue (also in petite).  Looking for a soft, cozy chambray?  This shirt from Anthropologie is on sale.  For the cool girl brand, try this inclusively sized shirt from Faherty.

Essential No. Two // The Bold Top // Unless you’re attending court or some equally staid occasion, the fastest way to stand out on a Zoom call is in a bold color and/or print.  This floral top from Ann Taylor is perfection.  Like the print but prefer a muted color palette?  AT also offers this black-and-ivory leaf print blouse.  I also like the mid-century geo print on this top.

For some choices that give you color sans print, we can hit our red and cobalt standbys.  I also think dark green is an amazing color for zoom.  And do not sleep on lavender.  This light purple hue is tricky to get right for work, but on Zoom, you can just let the blouse be itself without worrying about the other separates.

Essential No. Three // The Sweater Set // Twin sets are back, baby.  A sweater set looks so chic on a Zoom call.  It’s also such an easy choice, the matching is already done for you.  This set from MM LaFleur has a more modern look to it in a cropped shape with a sleeveless tank underneath.  Gap also makes a set in this more modern style.

For an easy classic, I recommend the J.Crew Jackie set.  You can save a little coin by picking up the Factory version of the set, which comes in several colors including an incredible heather blue.

Essential No. Four // The Striped Tee // This Everlane striped Breton Tee is a classic.  I love the width of the stripes.  The boatneck style is also nice.  Amour Vert makes a similar style in a thinner stripe.  Both are great for dressing up my favorite Athleta pants (now $40 off).  Also, come winter time, a striped jersey turtleneck is also a great option.  Prefer short sleeves?  H&M has you covered.

Want to mix the glories of a stripe with a collared blouse?  This wrap-front option from LOFT is summery, relaxed perfection.

Essential No. Five // A Tie Neck Blouse // This Ann Taylor top looks structured and professional on a web call.  With the right earrings, everyone will think you got dressed up that day, even if you’re just wearing jeans or leggings on bottom.  You can also just toss on a blazer for work or a white denim jacket for a more relaxed workplace.

I also love this high-neck blouse from Yoox in an interesting color palette.  This slightly puff-sleeve blouse from Target also caught my eye.  And I also adore this wine-colored blouse from Nordstrom and this inclusively sized bright yellow blouse from NY&Co.  The bow just gives you something extra to add visual interest, which is so necessary when all your wearing is the blouse.