- Because clothes make the man (or woman), as "they" say...
One of the great things about working from home is that you can roll out of bed, throw on a robe, and start your day. But when you work in an office with other people, you need more than a robe. You have to be fashionable – yet you also want to retain the right to be comfortable.
Tips for Being Stylish and Comfortable at Work
It’s important to look good and be comfortable in the office.
Style is one of the driving factors in confidence. The more stylish you believe you are, the more confidence you have when you enter a room.
Comfort plays a key role in productivity. The more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to perform at a high level for longer periods of time.
By combining style and comfort, you stand the best chance of being successful in the workplace.
Stick With Cotton…
According to consumer surveys, 81 percent of people say cotton is their favorite material to wear. In fact, 61 percent of people love it so much that they will pay more for cotton over a synthetic blend or artificial fiber. Put simply, it looks great and is extremely comfortable.
There’s no need to go crazy with different materials and other options when cotton works so well. Make it a priority to fill your wardrobe with mostly cotton and you’ll feel comfortable in almost anything you wear.
…But Give Stretchy Fabrics a Shot
While we recommend cotton as the primary material in your wardrobe, there’s something to be said for office-appropriate clothing that has stretchy fabrics. (No, we’re not talking about leggings.)
“For extra comfort, consider choosing pieces made from blended fabrics that contain a certain amount of synthetic fibers,” stylist Sophia Anderson writes. “Pieces with 1-3% of synthetic fibers can deliver comfort without making the entire look appear too much like activewear. Jersey knit and Ponte fabrics are also soft, stretchy, and durable enough to suit various body types.”
Try wearing stretchy fabrics as your core layers and cotton fabric for your outer layers. This allows you to feel comfortable and still have a professional appearance.
Be Smart With Footwear
Footwear plays a significant role in how you feel. If you have an uncomfortable pair of shoes, prepare to be miserable. At worst, your feet will develop blisters and bruises when you wear these shoes. At best, you’ll feel rigid and won’t be able to relax.
Shoes are an investment. Yes, style and appearance matter. But comfort is everything with a shoe. If you can find a shoe that’s comfortable, stylish, and functional in your workplace – that’s a huge win.
For many professionals, having a good boot that’s stylish enough to wear with a pair of slacks or jeans is important. The leather Breaker Boot from Patina is a great choice. This full-grain leather is made from premium U.S. cowhides and is artisan stitched with 183 detailed steps. The company is led by third-generation family-owned bootmakers. They are known as some of the best boots in the industry.
Don’t work somewhere that would allow boots? Make sure your dress shoes offer plenty of arch support. If you need to place inserts in the shoe to make them more comfortable, do it.
Buy More of What You Love
Is there a particular pair of slacks that you love? Or maybe a blouse that you know you look good in? Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. It’s perfectly acceptable to buy the same clothing item in multiple colors.
Accessorize as a Way of Dressing Up
When it comes to being comfortable, simple is best. The simpler your outfits, the more relaxed you’ll feel. But if you want to add a little extra pizazz to a simple outfit, accessories will do the trick. For example, a beautiful statement necklace can bring a simple black and white outfit to life, or a colorful pocket square can breathe life into an otherwise monochromatic suit.
Be Your True Self
We often feel the need to put on a certain face at work so we appear a certain way. And while there’s certainly something to be said for appearing professional and “put together,” don’t confuse professional with rigid and uncomfortable.
As this article shows, it’s possible to put forth your best image and still feel totally comfortable at ease in the office.