Should We Adopt a Dress Code for Remote Work?
Working RemotelyDigital Nomads
Should We Adopt a Dress Code for Remote Work?
Professional presence, but make it comfy. Let's slay your remote work dress code and elevate your home office attire for max success.
[Remote work. The ultimate dream, right? Roll out of bed, keep your PJs on, and kickstart your day.
Bad news? That all-day-pajama-party may be sabotaging your productivity.
It’s also why many experts say we should adopt a dress code for remote work.
But before you grab your stiffest suit jacket and dust off those uncomfortable work shoes, we're not talking about recreating the office cubicle experience at home.
We're talking about a flexible, intentional dress code that actually boosts your mood and brainpower to help you conquer all your remote work goals.
Let’s break it down with some science-backed reasons and expert WFH tips.
🎯 Here’s Why You Need a Remote Work Dress Code
Remote work has improved everything about our work life, including what we wear.
While no one’s asking for a three-piece suit during Zoom calls (thankfully), a flexible yet intentional remote work dress code could be your ticket to leveling up and keeping your professional presence on point.
The clothes you wear don’t just cover your body — they influence how you think, feel, and show up at work, even if it’s remote.
Think of it this way:
😴 Pajamas = Chill Mode
When you’re in your pajamas all day, your brain subconsciously associates those comfy clothes with relaxation. Remote work may seem like a vacation, but you still need your noggin firing on all cylinders to get things done.
Putting on “real clothes” for work is like flipping a mental switch. It signals to your brain that it’s time to focus.
🤝 First Impressions? Still a Thing
In the remote work world, your webcam is your boardroom. Your appearance sends subtle signals about your professionalism and competence.
A polished look helps you build trust and respect with clients, teammates, and your boss. It’s all about looking like you’re ready to crush it (even if you’re secretly wearing fuzzy slippers).
💼 Dress Like a Boss, Feel Like a Boss
Studies show that the clothes we wear influence our behavior and mindset. In this way, our work clothes become our secret power-up.
You’ve probably heard terms like:
- Enclothed Cognition. This fancy psychology term says that what you wear can turbocharge your mood, focus, and performance — like caffeine for your brain but with threads.[*]
- Power Dressing. Wearing clothes that make you feel confident, capable, and powerful boosts your self-esteem.[*]
- The “Dress for Success” Effect. This classic concept still holds true for remote work. When you look good, you feel good, and that translates into increased productivity, better strategizing, and a more professional demeanor.[*]
Dressing in work-appropriate attire — even at home, a cafe, or a coworking space — can improve focus, confidence, and performance.
So, while your lucky pajama pants are cozy, they’re probably not doing your productivity and motivation any favors.
🪞 How To Reinvent Your Professional Presence When You Work Remotely
So, how do you reinvent a professional presence that balances your work-from-anywhere versatility with traditional office attire?
Here are a few tips to get you started:
😺 Be True To Yourself
Your remote work wardrobe is your chance to design your superhero costume — but comfier.
Whether you’re all about bold, vibrant colors, sleek minimalist chic, or leaning into that moody dark academia aesthetic, the key is to do you.
Authenticity isn’t just about self-expression; studies show being true to yourself boosts engagement and productivity.[*][*]
So test different styles, colors, and fabrics until you land on looks that light you up and make you feel unstoppable. After all, the best outfit is the one that helps you bring your A-game every single day.
😎 Vibe with Your Remote Work Culture
Are your colleagues a crew of suit-wearing pros who craft full sentences in Slack, or a fun, laid-back squad where emojis, memes, and gifs rule the convo?
Your work-from-home style should harmonize with your team’s culture. You don’t have to clone their look, but you should dress like you belong at the same virtual gathering.
By mirroring your org’s vibe — whether that’s polished professionalism or creative casual — you’ll look the part and feel more connected and aligned with the team.
👔 Don’t Shame the “Zoom Mullet” Outfit
Top-half professional, bottom-half chill.
The “Zoom mullet” outfit has been called the “perfect” work-from-home attire.[*] It’s an ideal blend of on-point professionalism and comfortable athleisure.
Interested? All you have to do is invest in a few nice tops you can easily throw on for video calls and virtual team meetings. Think button-downs, stylish sweaters, shirts with collars, or a fitted top with a smart blazer.
🧣 Strengthen Your Accessories Game
Accessories are the unsung heroes of any outfit. A sleek necklace, a pair of understated earrings, a cozy scarf, or a classic watch can take your look from casual to confident in seconds.
Less is more here. Accessories should enhance, not overwhelm or distract. Keep it simple to avoid drawing too much focus on camera — your brilliant ideas are the star of the show, after all.
👖 Sweatpants 2.0: Elevate Your Bottoms
No judgment on your love for sweatpants or yoga leggings — we get it; they’re peak comfort. But leaning too hard into these cozy classics can keep your brain stuck in “chill mode,” making it harder to shift into productivity overdrive.
So instead of ditching comfort, just elevate it. Swap those lived-in lounge pants for something equally comfy but more polished.
Think: luxe joggers, sleek sweater dresses, stylish jumpsuits, or even soft, stretchy trousers that scream “chic,” not “just rolled out of bed.”
💡 Pro Tip: Save these elevated staples exclusively for work hours. This tiny act of separation keeps them feeling special and helps cement that all-important work-life boundary.
Who knew joggers could double as a productivity hack? 😉
🧴 Give Your Grooming a Glow-Up
It’s not just about clothes. A fresh face and a good hair day can immediately make you feel camera-ready and professional.
This doesn’t mean committing to an elaborate routine. Whether it’s sticking to your go-to moisturizer, styling your hair just right, or swiping on a touch of lip balm, those small steps can make a big impact.
Think of it as a daily ritual to channel your best self. This mini self-care moment doesn’t just enhance your look — it sets the tone for a calm, focused mindset, helping you tackle workday challenges like a pro.
💪 5 Work-From-Home Tips for Nailing Your Look
Work-from-home dressing doesn’t have to be complicated. Simplify the process with these tips:
🤔 Plan Your Outfits
Hate struggling with decision fatigue first thing in the morning?
Lay out your outfit the night before, or plan all your WFH fits at the start of the week. It’s like meal-prepping, but for your closet.
📷 Test Your Camera-Ready Look
Before hopping on Zoom, double-check your outfit’s lighting and angles. No one wants to realize their shirt is see-through mid-call.
⏰ Get Into a Routine
Establishing a pre-work routine allows you to set clear boundaries between your personal and professional time. Include rituals that mentally prepare you for the day ahead and prevent burnout, such as:
- Working out, walking, or stretching
- Making your favorite coffee, tea, or matcha
- Having an energizing and satiating breakfast
- Journaling or meditating
Shower, groom, get dressed, and start the day right!
🛍️ Shop Smart and Sustainable
Build your WFH wardrobe with versatile, high-quality staples. Think mix-and-match basics that keep your mornings stress-free.
🌎 Sustainability = Savvy Shopping. Investing in sustainably made pieces is a win for the planet and you. Durable fabrics mean you’ll buy less over time, and fewer items will end up clogging landfills.
👗 Thrifting Is the Ultimate Hack. The coolest WFH wardrobes? Found at thrift stores, consignment shops, and online gems like ThredUp or eBay.
Thrifting gives you unique finds for less. Who needs cookie-cutter looks when you can score one-of-a-kind pieces on a budget?
✨ Pro Tip: Stick to quality over quantity, and don’t forget to donate your pre-loved clothes to keep the sustainable shopping cycle alive.
💻 Create a Productive Workspace
Nothing you wear can compensate for a poor workspace. So designate a specific area in your home for work or go to a place you know helps you laser focus.
👉 Check out these guides on Setting Up Your Dream Home Office if you like to work from home or How To Travel While Working Remotely if you’re living the digital nomad life.
🔥 Home Office Attire: It’s Giving Boss Vibes
Curating your remote work wardrobe isn’t just about looking professional; it’s about empowering a mindset that fuels productivity and confidence.
The key is to find a dress code that works for you.
So throw on that confidence-boosting fit, slay those remote meetings, and let your pro presence shine — all while staying comfy.
🚀 Dressed for success? Let’s take your remote work life to the next level!
We Work Remotely is the #1 job board for remote professionals. Whether you’re hunting for your next gig or posting a role for your team, we’ve got everything you need to succeed.
← Back to Blog