Office-Appropriate Wardrobe Essentials If You're Not Ready to Let Go of Those Cosy WFH Vibes
Unfortunately, you will have to leave your fuzzy slippers at home.
Office-Appropriate Wardrobe Essentials If You're Not Ready to Let Go of Those Cosy WFH Vibes
in partnership with
Unfortunately, you will have to leave your fuzzy slippers at home.
Look, lockdown wasn't the best of times. But that's not to say there weren't some perks — no commute, perfecting that sourdough starter and the knock-off wines had in the garden were pretty good, too. Not to mention the comfortable and inventive fashion choices we made when working from home (WFH). While many may be ready to ditch the Uggs and trackies, there are still a great many of us who have embraced the WFH aesthetic — and totally nailed it. So, even though we're back in the office (at least sometimes), we don't want to forgo all those stellar outfits.
Together with American Express, we've come up with a list of wardrobe essentials that can take you from your morning coffee, into the office and right through to the end of the day where all you want to do is flop on the couch. Take a peek at these eight comfy-but-oh-so-chic threads and level up your work wardrobe. You'll just have to leave those fuzzy slippers at home.
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Nique’s simplistic-yet-chic aesthetic sees the label readily incorporated into any wardrobe thanks to its comfort and versatility. The Black Zen Linen Wide Leg Pant epitomises this ethos, offering a lightweight pant that will comfortably sit high-waisted or on the hips, depending on the look you’re going for. In a beautiful midnight black and a breathable linen that works year-round, these unisex trousers are the perfect for when you want to toe the line between casual comfort and effortless sophistication.
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New York-born brand Rag & Bone is known for its range of durable, easygoing (but still luxe) basics. So, the label’s collections are great if you’re looking to maximise comfort without compromising on style. The Knit Lounge Set looks comfy as hell, with its loose deep v-neck top and elasticated waist shorts. But a little structure and subtle detailing in the ribbed trim elevate this outfit to give the vibe of having just rolled out of bed… and looking amazing doing so. It’s great as a set, though the neutral nature of both pieces also allows for mixing and matching with all manner of other statement pieces. Better yet, you can currently nab it for half-price.
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Sweatshirts are arguably the king of loungewear — as long as you get the right one. And Supply Store’s Stone Island Sweatshirt hits the mark dead centre. This 100-percent cotton, ribbed crewneck will feel like it’s been a staple of yours for years. While the design comes in many colours, we’re a fan of the pale green. It’s the perfect piece to throw on with a pair of your (more stylish) trackies or with some well-fitted jeans and some squeaky-clean white shoes. It also makes for a great layering piece under a jacket or coat on those chilly morning commutes.
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A bold pair of socks can be just the thing to take your outfit to the next step (pun intended). The good thing about socks? On the comfy side of things, you can’t really go wrong. The Nike Cushioned Crew Socks from luxe sneaker store Above the Clouds are a breathable polycotton blend and feature Nike’s Dri-Fit technology, cushioned bases, and reinforced heels and toes to increase durability. Best of all, they come in a range of bright hues with a tie-dye finish. So, if you like to wear a statement on your ankles, these will look great poking out beneath a strongly cuffed jean and sneaker. Or, if you really want to embrace the normcore-meets-slouch vibes, then rock them with your Birkenstocks.
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We could go on and on about this piece, but we’ll try not to gush too much. It looks like a unique vintage piece but feels fresh — and incredibly delicate due to the alpaca-nylon-wool blend. You could say it’s a great statement staple that’s got some serious versatility. You’ll be just as happy showing it off on a Zoom call (with pyjama bottoms out of frame) as you will wearing it teamed with a pair of flare trousers and ankle boots to take yourself from office chic to Friday night drinks. In a gorgeous muted coral colour, it works brilliantly on its own, or layered atop an oversized business shirt to give a more formal look. In short, this is a sweater vest that’ll get you feeling your best.
Image: Cassandra Hannagan
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Embrace the minimalist 90s trend with this one from Venroy. The Unisex Track Zip Sweater is a great choice for keeping things stylish and relaxed without making too much of a statement. It’s a standard fit, made from 100-percent cotton and is available in a variety of soft autumnal shades. It’ll keep you warm in the office, and is acceptable for casual Fridays which, let’s face it, is pretty much every day post-COVID. Or, wear it around the house if you’re still one of the lucky ones who can work from home from time to time.
Image: Kitti Gould
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OK, so you could easily build your entire WFH or office wardrobe from Assembly Label and look great. But, for our money, this was the top pick. Aplty called the Embroidered Logo Jumper, this cosy piece features a relaxed fit and is made from 100-percent cotton for cosiness, durability and ease. Against a slightly washed-out green or grey marle, the embroidery is subtle and adds a touch of nostalgic 90s flavour to a well-loved classic cut. This piece will work well with everything else in your wardrobe, so go on and get creative.
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Turtlenecks are a solid addition to any winter wardrobe; however, if you’re anywhere other than Tasmania, Canberra or Melbourne, wearing one all day might see you getting a little too warm. Thankfully, the Igor Turtle Neck Knit is the perfect weight and has a neckline just high enough to block the chill but short enough to stop you from boiling up. So, it’s a much more relaxed approach to the style — perfect for when you want a bit of cover and comfort, while maintaining an easygoing look. In a soft grey yarn, it’ll pair well with just about anything, making it a great wardrobe staple for the cooler months.
Now is the time to support the places you love. Shop small online to support the local stores that make Sydney so great. To learn about American Express and the Shop Small initiative, visit here. Then, head this way to find more must-visit spots.
Top image: Collector Store Paddington, Cassandra Hannagan
