Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Ultimate Work-From-Home Style Guide

I got my first taste of working from home when I decided to become a freelance writer. I realized pretty quickly that my most productive days weren’t the ones where I jumped out of bed, opened my laptop, and started banging away on a story while slurping coffee in my underwear. The best days were structured ones when I’d actually dress up for work. Sure, I’d get coffee and breakfast, but then I’d jump in the shower and get dressed to start my day. No, I wasn’t putting on a suit and tie, but I was at least taking a moment to wear clothes that made me feel good. Studies show that dressing up isn’t just about impressing those around you, it’s also great for stimulating abstract thinking, which is just what we all need during these surreal times. 

man working from home
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Set Up Time to Prepare

Taking a moment to transition between waking up and work time helps you feel better, especially when you’re working from home. Preparing in the morning lets your brain know that it’s not the weekend, a holiday, or (we hope) a sick day — the other times when you’re normally at home during the day. Even putting on my shoes sends my unconscious mind the clearest message that the daily grind is about to get underway.

Recommended Videos

Keep It Real

Since you’re not at the office, don’t be afraid to skew more casual with your employment dress code, but still, make sure that you feel professional. While you may be tempted to tug on that college sweatshirt that got you through grad school, you still need to look camera ready for video conferences. Comb your hair. Groom your beard. Take the lead in this situation and be the one who shows up — even if you show up alone — looking polished, comfortable, and in charge. 

Spring Ahead

Working remotely also opens up a chance for you to get a jump on spring trends. Order in a few pieces to further build your work-to-weekend wardrobe, while doing your bit to stimulate our stressed-out economy. Here are our choices for the ultimate work-from-home style.

Our Favorite Work-From-Home Styles

Tasc Audubon Gingham Performance Sport Shirt

Tasc Audubon Gingham Performance Sport Shirt
Tasc Performance

This shirt starts with a foundation of comfort by blending cotton and bamboo for softness and a bit of stretch for movement. It’s got a trim, tailored fit, and has a look that is colorful, yet corporate. It’s also wicking and anti-odor, so you’re good if the day ends up with you chasing the kids or the dog around the apartment a bit during a coffee break.

Topman Marl Revere Front Button Sweater

Topman Marl Revere Front Button Sweater
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Don’t want to get out of your pjs? Now you don’t have to. This pajama-top style sweater is light and comfortable, perfect to throw on for your day inside. It’s neat and professional, but will also be perfect for summer, thrown on with swim shorts for that beach-to-bar weekend.

Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere Henley

Mack Weldon Tech Cashmere Henley
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The epitome of casual-yet-elegant, the Henley is one of the best-looking shirts a guy can own. It’s a step above a T-shirt, but Mack Weldon’s version — done in a super-soft modal, merino, and cashmere blend — also feels amazing. It’s sexy while home-office appropriate.

1901 Shawl Collar Fleece Cardigan

1901 Shawl Collar Fleece Cardigan
Nordstrom

When it’s time for that Zoom call, throw on this layer for a polished look. It’s got the panache of a soft blazer, and the comfort of a sweater. It’s a cardigan, but you won’t find yourself humming It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood while wearing it. It’s also easy to wear and packable for travel (once we’re all allowed to do that again). The neutral navy and white stripes pair well with denim or chinos for a faintly nautical vibe.

Rhone Commuter Jogger

Rhone Commuter Jogger
Image used with permission by copyright holder

These pants were made for jumping on a bike for your morning commute, so they’ll be just as comfortable for jumping on the couch, dining room chair, or wherever you’re setting up your home office. The four-way stretch fabric makes them feel like you’re wearing your favorite pair of broken-in sweats, but the clean detailing (including a zipper opening at the cuffed ankle) elevates the look.

Dockers Ultimate Shorts

Dockers Ultimate Shorts
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Depending on your climate — or how overheated your apartment might be — a pair of shorts is a perfectly acceptable work-from-home option. These straight fit shorts maintain that required sense of propriety. After all, they’re from Dockers, the brand that practically invented the casual office, and they’re cotton, but feature the brand’s signature stretch fabric for added comfort. They also have a hidden security pocket if you want to bust out of the house and check if the toilet paper has been restocked at the supermarket.

Happy Socks Athletic Yin Yang Sock

Happy Socks Athletic Yin Yang Sock
Happy Socks

Just turned off the TV news? Took a minute to check your stock portfolio? Kids having a meltdown? It’s time to take a moment. Sit up straight. Take in your surroundings. Breathe in. Exhale slowly. Look at your socks. There! You feel better already. We like these Happy Socks because the yin and yang pattern represents dualism: With all this bad, there’s got to be some good.

Suavs The Legacy Shoe

suavs shoes
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Trust us on this one: Wearing this shoe feels like wearing slippers. Suavs knits this shoe with a fiber made from post-consumer recycled bottles for a breathable design. The style also features sweat-wicking, microfiber terry insoles, a wide toe box, and a soft rubber toe cap for added comfort.

Derek Rose Boxer Shorts

derek rose underwear
Image used with permission by copyright holder

So no? You’re not giving in? You’ll handle your isolation on the couch in your underwear with ESPN blasting, a Red Bull in one hand, your mobile phone in the other, thank you very much? At least do it in style. Grab a pair of these luxurious batiste boxer shorts from Derek Rose with a viral pattern that’s perfect for the times.

John Jones
John Jones is a Jersey City, New Jersey-based writer who enjoys covering design in all its forms, from fashion to…
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more
The Mirabel GMT is the sleek, functional watch built for modern explorers
The Heron Mirabel GMT: Swiss Precision Meets Affordable Luxury for Travelers
The Mirabel GMT up close

Watch lovers are innately drawn to the value and precision that a Swiss timepiece possesses, and the Heron Watches Mirabel GMT brings exceptional value and prestige at an affordable entry point. Bringing together the finest materials, true GMT function, and sleek design, it is a standout in every way – and for only $690.

Swiss precision and affordable luxury 

Read more
This Salomon collab turns the XA PRO 3D into wearable art for the trails
Salomon releases new collaborative sneaker
salomon rust trail sneaker

When it comes to a trail sneaker, you’ll want to ensure it is both functional and stylish. While a chic sneaker comes in handy for everyday use, a trail-ready sneaker should be able to keep you comfortable on any adventure. While Salomon knows how to fuse both successfully, their latest collaboration with South Korean designer J EONGL I adds another level of style and practicality to it. Inspired by the passage of time, this new collaboration comes in two colorways that perfectly capture the inspiration of eroded cliffs and fossils. Both monochromatic versions feature a sculptural style and footwear technology that’ll catch anyone’s attention on the trails or city streets. 

Salomon and J EONGL I give the XA PRO 3D a bold update

Read more