Returning to the office after answering Zoom meetings in sweatpants can be a shock. But dressing up doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort in your work outfits. Instead, you just need to shop smart and add clothes that look professional, retain your style, and are comfortable to move around in and wear.
It might seem like a lot, but it’s easier than you think.
1. Tops with built-in bras
For those days when squeezing into a bra sounds like a waking nightmare, wear tops that have built-in bras. SheBird has many professional options, as do other female professional clothing sites.
If tops aren’t your style, they also have dresses with built-in bras that are equally comfortable, giving you plenty of comfortable and stylish options for skipping that itchy wire bra you hate. They also have skirts with shorts and many other professional options to help you feel good and look great.
2. Focus on fit instead of size
Trying to find your size in a store is like playing a guessing game. There’s no standardized system for numbering clothes, which means each store and brand does its own thing.
One of the biggest clothing mistakes is focusing on size. You should focus on how clothes fit rather than the number on the tag. Grab whatever clothes you like that might suit you and take them to the dressing room to try on.
By trying them on, regardless of what size you think you are, you can find clothes that fit you rather than clothes you think should work for you based on size. Clothes that properly fit you will be more comfortable and easier to move around in.
If you’re shopping online and don’t have this option, then you should see if the brand has a sizing guide for their sizes. That way, you’ll know what sizes should fit you before you buy.
3. Stretchy dresses
When it comes to comfort, stretchy fabric is a lifesaver. So try to find these comfortable stretchy fabrics in some of your office staples, like dresses. Wearing dresses to work is a great way to look both professional and feminine, plus they’re more comfortable than other officewear if you pick the right ones.
Focus on wrap dresses, empire waistlines, and maxi dresses. While these won’t all work in all offices or jobs, all these styles offer comfortable fits in stretchy fabric, making them perfect for you.
4. Stretchy work pants
Work pants can be torture if you get an ill-fitting pair in an itchy fabric. This is why getting professional trousers with professional stretchy fabric is vital.
Now sweatpants and yoga pants aren’t office-appropriate, but you can find the fabric used for those pants in more than just those styles. You can get trousers, dress pants, and other professional pants that feel as comfortable as your favorite old sweatpants at home.
5. The classic pantsuit
If you’ve felt uncomfortable wearing a pantsuit, you probably got one too small. The key to comfort with a classic pantsuit is to look for stretchy fabrics and to go big.
Oversized pantsuits are fashionable, flowy, and highly comfortable.
6. Flats and stylish sneakers
Wearing high heels too often is bad for you. If you wear them too much, they can permanently deform your feet badly. So, while you can keep your favorite pair of pumps, you should vary the type of shoes you wear to the office.
Flats, low-heeled shoes, and stylish sneakers are all office appropriate nowadays. Mix and match with your outfits to find a style that works for both the office and you.
7. Pockets, pockets, and more pockets
One thing women want more of in clothing is pockets, and the fashion industry has finally answered. Now dresses, skirts, pants, and more feature pockets. If you find clothing you like without pockets, think long and hard about it before buying because another brand likely has the same thing but with better pockets.
Buy clothing that has the convenience of pockets that you’ve always craved. Pockets let you carry things around without using your hands, which can be very helpful with any job, including office jobs. So don’t compromise because you don’t need to.
8. Cozy knits
Knit is coming into style, and knit clothes combine style and function into one cozy piece of office clothing. If you are shivering from the cold at work, you can make knits into your signature.
There are knit dresses, chunky scarves, cardigans, and pullovers. The options for wearing knit are endless. Since they are stretchy, soft, and cozy, they’re the perfect clothes for anyone who wants to stay warm, even when the boss pushes the air conditioning down to fifty degrees.
Natural fibers are also easy to wash and good for the environment, so go wild with wool knits to keep warm.
9. Relaxed fits for formal clothes
Blazers, blouses, and other professional gear are all expected parts of a professional wardrobe. However, they certainly aren’t as comfortable as other articles of clothing on this list. But there’s an easy trick to make them more comfortable while still looking like a career woman in her prime.
Buy these clothes with a more relaxed fit. Relaxed means they aren’t tailored to squeeze your arms, giving you plenty of room to move around and breathe. There’s nothing worse than buying a top that only fits in all the wrong places.
In other words, try these on and move around a little in them before making a purchasing decision. If you’re buying online, ensure they have a refund policy that allows you to send them back if they don’t fit the way you want.
10. Trousers
Trousers are coming back, and you should hop on the trend because they are the best pants you can wear in the office.
You can buy trousers with heavier, softer fabric for winter, so you’re professionally and comfortably well-dressed.
Wrap up
Comfort is coming back in a big way, and the fashion industry is now considering casual business comfort looks for new year trends. There’s never been a better time to add comfort to your wardrobe, so find something that matches your style and comfort level for your office clothing.
Also read: Tips for Choosing Perfect Comfortable Heels!
