CARDIGAN - EQUATION BOUTIQUE, RED JEANS - MOTHER DENIM, shoes - linea paolo

I was on the myTalk 107.1 Shop Girls’ radio show the other morning when hosts Ali Kaplan and her mum Harmony asked an interesting question about working remotely. “Should we wear a bra if we’re just staying home?” they mused. The question came as a surprise as I’d never considered the answer could be “no!” But clearly for some, the home office was the place to let it all hang out.

Personally, I think having a bit of form to your garments is a good thing – ever if you’re working from the kitchen table. For one, you never know when a colleague might ‘add video’ – guilting you into doing the same. Two, getting dressed up – or at least dressed – can make you feel more productive. Three, if you have kids in quarantine, you may want to host an impromptu dance party. Bras can be handy for all that jumping around. So, if you want to look Skype ready but feel comfy, here are five easy outfit ideas.

1. Easy-waist pants, tee, safari jacket, functional sandals

trousers - young, fabulous & broke, jacket - cabi, shoes - sorel

I never thought we’d be discussing ‘easy-waist pants’ in a fashion blog, but here we are! Maybe it’s the athleisure trend. Maybe it’s utility. Maybe it’s the return of MC Hammer’s ‘90s. Whatever the reason, pants have got a lot comfier this season. Elasticated, drawstring and paper-bag waists are utterly in and totally forgiving. It’s as if designers knew we’d all be house bound! Whether it’s foresight or luck, let’s take it. A tee with a casual jacket lets you switch from office teammate to kids’ playmate in a jiffy.

2. Prairie skirt, denim jacket, throwback trainers

skirt - playa lucila, jacket - cabi, shoes - adidas originals

Skirts are riding the same stretchy, flowy, comfy wave – so can be a welcome part of your work-from-home wardrobe this season. Prairie skirts embody ease with their tiers and volume and elasticated waists. But tie-waist wraps and gathered midis can be just as effortless. If all that flounce is a bit too girly, you can cut the sweetness with a denim jacket and throwback trainers.

3. Breezy blouse, slim jeans, loafers

shirt - bella dahl, jeans - paige, loafers - schuler shoes

Jeans are de rigueur for WFH days (so familiar, so casual, so easy!) But, if you want to dress up your denim just a wee bit, why not pair them with a breezy blouse? High-waist slim or skinny styles are the perfect foil for a fluid shirt and their stretchiness keeps them comfy. Loafers ground all the airiness up top with a spot of masculinity below.

4. Colored jeans, tucked-in cardigan, wedges

Work+from+home+RED+JEANS+2+EDITED+min.jpg

If you want an item that magically enlivens all your other items, try a pair of colored jeans. You could be wearing the most basic cardi, sweater or tee - et voila, everything looks special thanks to those dazzling denims. I adore red for its timelessness, but pinks, yellows and greens are all available for spring. Tucking your cardi into the season’s higher waist looks fresh. Wedges lengthen legs in those can-be-a-bit-awkward long straight cuts.

And if you’re separated from your hairdresser and stranded on a no relaxer (or color or perm etc.) island like me, then maybe those bright bottoms will distract from your less-groomed top!

5. Flowy dress, sandals

“Dress” doesn’t have to mean “dressed-up” – and certainly not this season. Spring styles are fluid rather than form-fitting, laid back rather than formal, easy rather than complicated. And speaking of ease, what could be more straightforward than only having to choose one item of clothing and getting on with your day? Add sandals – and, yes, a bra if you want(!) – and you’re fit for sitting, Skyping, Face-timing, running around with the kids and whatever else these unusual times may bring.

I hope these ideas are helpful and that you’re staying healthy and safe during these tense times. Do let us know how you’re keeping it stylish and feeling good - even if hardly anyone is seeing you!