Are you feeling lazy working from home in your pajamas all day? Want to get dressed and feel put together but still comfy? I’ve been there. That’s why I’ve created this work-from-home free capsule wardrobe planner with key pieces you may already have in your closet.
In this post, I will share ideas for 12 interchangeable sets or versatile pieces that will have you getting that work done and not feeling completely embarrassed if you have to jump on a last-minute video call.
There are so many benefits to having your own capsule wardrobe. You can have fewer clothes but core pieces that you’ll wear again and again to create different looks. This cuts down on decision fatigue when getting dressed and can also give you the ability to purchase high-quality pieces that will last for years. When you know what your unique style is and have your everyday essentials that match, getting dressed becomes so much easier.
When developing a work-from-home capsule wardrobe here are some things to consider to find the right pieces for you:
- Fit and style- Do the clothes feel like you and fit well?
- Color palette- Are the choices interchangeable?
- Fabric- Is it quality that will last and feel good as you work?
- Style- what are the different styles you like?
A Word of Caution And Encouragement
This post is not about feeling inadequate in any way or overwhelmed. It’s not about getting you to spend money you don’t have to look like someone else either. A capsule wardrobe can actually save you a lot of money and help keep you from jumping on every new fashion trend. If you have a sustainable brand you love you can buy a high-quality piece occasionally and seasonal pieces when needed rather than focusing on fast fashion items you will only wear a couple of times.
Having a small collection of favorite pieces that you actually wear is so much better than a closet full of items and nothing to wear. A full closet makes it take too much time to choose.
Focus on better quality items that will give you a lot of wear and that you love and don’t knock buying secondhand. You can get great pieces from thrift and resell shops that look brand new. Develop your own fashion sense and wear the things that make you feel good when working from home. Think basics with your own statement pieces. It really can change how you feel which can change your life.
What’s Your Outfit Formula?
What makes your daily outfit easy to put together is knowing your outfit formula. Figuring out your outfit formula is a great first step. I prefer a simple classic style, think casual Audrey Hepburn. So my classic style aesthetic outfit formula is a t-shirt or button down, a nice blazer, and slacks or jeans.
I can change up the colors or patterns and add accessories but that is my formula. Think about it, a white button-down shirt with a pair of jeans and flats is super easy to put on but still looks chic. I like a pop of color so that’s how I add more fun and make the outfit more cheerful while sticking to classic styles and clean lines. The classic style may not be for you but think about some words that describe your style and look for inspiration on Pinterest. See if you can come up with an outfit formula that will work for you and make putting yourself together easy.
You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe. Shop your closet and look for your favorite clothes. Start taking pictures of your favorite outfits and see if there is a formula behind them. Getting new items can be fun and you can thrift them to save money.
Check your current wardrobe to see what you have to work with. As you look online for inspiration and discover your style you may find different ways to wear the clothes you already have. When wardrobe planning you can type in items that you have on Pinterest or Google and ask for outfit ideas to see how others are wearing the pieces.
A Note About Color
Neutral colors and items with a neutral print lend themselves well to a capsule wardrobe because they are so interchangeable. All your tops can go with all your pants. Neutral colors fit well with my classic style but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun with color. As I mentioned I like pops of color. I prefer brights. I have a bright yellow blazer that is a personal favorite that still goes with many of my tops and pants. It has a print with more colors in the cuffs so I have multiple shirts that go with it the print- greens, blues, and pinks. So think about that when you are gathering your capsule wardrobe essentials.
Have your base color but build out your wardrobe however you want. You will get more use out of your clothes if you can pair them with multiples but prints inside sleeves and fun details can make it easier and less boring. If you like boho colors, go for it. Brights, pastels, or nuetrals. Just try to find creative ways that you can coordinate multiple pieces. I love a white shirt under multiple colors of blazers and with different slacks.
Now let’s get into the main capsule pieces and then we’ll talk a little about shoes, accessories, and ad-ons not included. There is no magic number for your capsule but I think these 12 pieces are a good start and may be all you need for working from home.
Dresses x 2
A dress may not sound like the first thing you would pick when going for comfort to work at home. But they are surprisingly easy. If you get a couple of dresses in a comfy fabric they can be a wonderful way to go. You just throw them on and your outfit is done. They can make you feel more feminine and ready to conquer the day. They are one of the easiest ways to feel put together.
Jeans x 2
You cannot go wrong with a good pair of jeans. I recommend having a classic dark blue pair and also a black pair. They go with so many different tops and blazers and are great for wearing in between dress days. Also when the house is chillier. You can pick some colors ones too when you feel that need for an extra POP!
T-Shirts x 3
I’m not talking about the oversized, stained t-shirt that you slept in here. I’m talking about thick, quality v-neck t-shirts in 3 different colors to give you variety. If you like pastels go for that. Brights more your thing? Brights can make you feel happy and are a great option for your tees. If you like boho or minimal colors then stick with the basics.
Whatever colors you choose, make sure they are interchangeable with the rest of your work-from-home wardrobe so you can make a variety of outfits.
If T-shirts aren’t your thing consider a body suit. They look great under sweaters and blazers too.
Blazers x 2
Blazers are fantastic to keep on the back of your office chair for when it feels more chilly and can take even a simple comfy outfit up a notch. They go great with dresses and over T-shirts with jeans. Again you can choose the colors that you like but make sure they go with your dresses and your t-shirts so you can create different outfits for different days of the week.
Linen Set x 1
Linene sets can be a little pricey but they are worth considering on the list because it is a natural breathable fabric that can keep you cool and chic while working from home. Many more budget-friendly options are a mix of linen and cotton. Like throwing on a dress, throwing on a matching linen set is a fast easy way to get dressed.
Loungewear Set x 1
There are going to be those days where even the cute dress cannot entice you. You will just want to stay in loungewear all day. You know what? That’s ok. But make it clean and make it cute. Choose a set that is a nice color that makes you feel good. One that you could even dress up a little with accessories or cute shoes if you need to go out.
There are great loungewear sets that have details that make them more stylish than throwing on a pair of PE sweats.
Maxi Cardigan x 1
A long cardigan sweater feels so cozy, is easy to throw on, and looks chic even over loungewear. Choose a color that goes with everything and this is a piece that you will wear again and again.
The clothes you choose for your capsule wardrobe will depend on your work-from-home lifestyle and day. If you are doing a lot of cleaning in between computer work, keep that in mind when choosing clothes. If you have varied weather and need sweaters instead of T-shirts consider that too.
Where To Plan Your Capsule Wardrobe
There are many ways to keep up with a capsule wardrobe. You can use an outfit planner app, virtual closet, or digital wardrobe app or software. A board in your project management software like a notion template or a printable template.
You can grab my free wardrobe planner here for help creating your capsule.
It’s a printable PDF you can use to create outfit combinations, prepare for different seasons, keep up with sizes for online retailers and stores, keep track of your own measurements, and more.
There is a shopping list too. It’s a great way to start a wish list if you do want new clothes when you have extra money. There is a place to keep track of your style inspirations. And don’t forget about social media for inspiration. Pinterest is a great place to create an inspiration board.
Also, check out our sister shop for digital products that help busy moms thrive!
More Ways to Feel Put Together With Your Work-From-Home Capsule Wardrobe
- Spray on perfume or some essential oils
- Perfect your 5 minutes or less makeup routine
- Add on a pair of stylish blue-blocking glasses
- Add some sandals or warm slippers depending on the weather
- Put on your signature watch or wear your FitBit to remind you to move
- Add a scarf or hair accessories
You can check out capsule wardrobes on Pinterest for more inspiration.
I hope this post will simply inspire you to get out of your pajamas and ready for the day and feel great!
Sometimes even when we work from home we need to get out. All of these pieces can be styled up or down if you need to run out for an errand or have a break at your local coffee shop. Working from home can be lonely and it’s easy to get in a rut.
Getting dressed is a way to honor yourself. Having your versatile basics ready can help you create the perfect capsule wardrobe for you. Spend less time getting dressed and more time feeling empowered and ready for your day! Who knew your own wardrobe could do that!
Maybe you’ve seen the Mr. Mom scene where Jack has completely let himself go after being at home with the kids all the time. He grows a beard, wears old clothes, and shoves everything under the bed between watching daytime soap operas.
Then there is the Rocky Montage where he pulls himself back together. He cleans up himself, and the house, starts an exercise class, and starts getting dressed for the day even burning his old flannel.
Getting out of the PJs, stained shirts, or old flannels could just be the catalyst for other good things.
I hope this post will be a great starting point for you to simplify your wardrobe and life.
What do you think? Are you team PJs or Team Getting Dressed? What’s your favorite work-from-home capsule wardrobe item? Don’t forget to download your free planner.
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