Life

Fashion: We know working from home doesn't mean just lounging around but...

Getting 'properly' dressed doesn't mean you can't be comfortable too, writes Prudence Wade

Cetti Stripe Rib Sweatshirt, £55; Cetti Stripe Rib Joggers, £55; Fenton Trainers, £139, available from Hush
Cetti Stripe Rib Sweatshirt, £55; Cetti Stripe Rib Joggers, £55; Fenton Trainers, £139, available from Hush Cetti Stripe Rib Sweatshirt, £55; Cetti Stripe Rib Joggers, £55; Fenton Trainers, £139, available from Hush

MANY of us are working from home for the first time ever right now, which can come as a bit of a shock to the system.

Initially, it feels quite exciting (you don't have to wear a bra! You can stay in your pyjamas all day!). But the novelty soon wears off.

While working from home is a good opportunity to relax your normal dress code (and save on some laundry too), it's still worth putting some amount of thought into what you wear. There's no pressure here of course, but fashion can be a valuable tool for bringing a bit of sunshine into your day – which is something we all need right now.

In recent weeks, Instagram has shown just how chic loungewear can be. If you want to be bang on trend with your working from home outfits, follow these key rules...

Do actually get dressed, though. This might sound obvious, but it's important. If you stay in your pyjamas all day, your work and home life will slowly seep into one, and that has the potential to get depressing. Getting dressed in the morning signals your working day is about to start.

We're not saying you should slip on a pair of skinny jeans at 9am, as wearing denim, or anything with a tight waistband when working from home really isn't necessary. Luckily, many chic loungewear outfits are just as comfortable as your favourite PJs...

KEEP IT NEUTRAL

To keep your loungewear looking chic and elegant, focus on shades like beige, grey, cream or stone. It might sound trivial, but a relaxed colour palette can do much to help keep your mood calm and stress-free.

Grey Sweater, £8; Grey Jogger, £8, all Primark

KLEY Khaki Pyjama Sweat Top, £21 (was £30), Debenhams

KLEY Khaki Satin Trim Jogger Trousers, £21 (were £30), Debenhams

Roll Neck Co-ordinating Set in Pink, £20 (was £25); Lace-Up Leopard Print Detail Trainers, £8 (were £10), all from Studio

INVEST IN A MATCHING SET

A matching set is the ultimate working from home look. This isn't a time for loud patterns or colours though. Instead, pick one block colour and wear it throughout your whole outfit. Choose comfortable fabrics – this is a good opportunity to wear your softest, most luxurious clothes in jersey, cotton and wool.

Crinkle T-Shirt in Rust, £22.99, M&Co

Crinkle Wide Leg Trousers in Rust, £26.99, M&Co

Cetti Stripe Rib Sweatshirt, £55; Cetti Stripe Rib Joggers, £55; Fenton Trainers, £139, available from Hush

MIX FITTED AND LOOSE

If you're not wearing a matching set, follow the golden rule of mixing fitted with loose. If everything in your outfit is baggy you risk looking, and feeling, like you haven't changed out of your pyjamas, but adding a more streamlined element to your outfit will make everything look infinitely more put-together.

Black Leggings, £15, Pretty Little Thing

Pointelle Jumper in Green, £9.50 (was £18), JD Williams

Oversized Tracksuit Bottoms in White, £60, Roxy

Flower Pocket White T-Shirt, £25, Oliver Bonas

PYJAMAS AREN'T ALWAYS IN BAD TASTE

You should absolutely change out of your pyjamas to start work, but who's to say you shouldn't change into another set? Putting on a pretty pair you didn't sleep in is totally fine!

Satin Floral Print Pyjama Set, £30, available from M&S

Birdy Print Shirt and Short Set, £59.50, Oliver Bonas