Over the past couple of years, millions jobs have permanently moved from in-office to work from home (WFH). If this major shift affected your job, you likely hit a rut of wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt all day at some point. If this still sums up what you still wear most of the time, then the simple WFH style upgrades in this article will help you to look better, feel more professional and put together, and raise your personal standards – all hallmarks of the modern gentleman.
The best part? These clothing items won’t sacrifice your personal comfort.
Pants
Pants are the biggest key between feeling sloppy and gross, or professional and respectable. It’s likely no one will see your pants but you. Paying attention to a detail on you will notice is the hallmark of self respect.
Instead of sweatpants, try a sleek pair of stretchy, elastic-waisted pants that are cut like a chino. This change will instantly improve your look while maintaining comfort.
Another great alternative is a pair of jogger-style trousers made from elevated fabrics like ponte knit or twill. These combine the relaxed fit of sweatpants with a sharper silhouette, making them ideal for long hours at your desk without sacrificing appearance. Neutral shades like navy, grey, or olive work well because they pair easily with most tops and help you look more polished, even if you’re just stepping out for a quick errand.
Shirts
Ah yes, one of the details that everyone on the Zoom calls will see. The level of dressiness definitely depends on your workplace. Most are probably ok with a t-shirt, while others may prefer a button down. Either way, you’ll want to maintain the comfort and cleaned up aesthetic from the pants section above.
The simplest upgrade is from a t-shirt to a polo shirt. This article goes in-depth on the best current polo shirt options. The Banana Republic option below is perfect upgrade from a t-shirt. Not too stuffy, and still very comfortable thanks to its silky and flexible luxury-touch fabric.
Another simple upgrade is a knit or tech-fabric button down shirt. These are super comfortable for everyday wear if your workplace requires dressier attire. This type of shirt is also great for remote interviews or just looking nicer if you have a Zoom call with a higher level manager or C-level executive in your company.
If you want a balance between casual and professional, consider henley shirts or long-sleeve crewnecks in premium fabrics like merino wool or bamboo blends. These offer breathability, drape nicely on the body, and look far more intentional than a basic cotton tee. Investing in a small rotation of high-quality shirts can ensure you always have something neat and camera-ready without scrambling before meetings.
Over Layers
When it’s a bit chilly, it’s easy to reach for your old reliable hoody you’ve had since college. While these items may have their place, if you plan to take your work seriously for the day, it’s best to upgrade from your worn out favorites.
Our recommendation is either a cotton shawl-collared sweater (very comfy and easy to take on and off to adjust for the temperature) or a soft shirt jacket. These will keep you warm and looking sharp.
Sometimes a hoodie can work, depending on your occupation and personal style. You should still ditch the ratty old hoodies and opt for something clean or more upscale. Check out this all black option for a modern spin on a classic velour look.
Another overlooked option is the cardigan. Modern cardigans, especially those with a slim fit and minimal design, provide warmth without bulk and can elevate a simple t-shirt or polo instantly. Similarly, lightweight blazers made from jersey or knit fabrics can be surprisingly comfortable while giving off a highly professional vibe on video calls. Keeping one of these pieces near your desk ensures you can instantly “upgrade” your appearance if a last-minute meeting pops up.
Grooming and Accessories
Clothing upgrades alone won’t complete your WFH style. Grooming plays a big role in how polished you appear. Simple habits such as keeping your hair tidy, maintaining facial hair, or even just washing your face before a workday can make a difference in confidence and presence. Accessories, though often overlooked at home, can also elevate your look. A clean watch, subtle glasses frames, or even quality headphones can subtly signal professionalism while still being practical for your workday.
Final thoughts
These simple WFH style upgrades will help you look better at home. When you look better, you feel better, and when you feel better, you work better. You should also try to get out of the house for a walk every now and then.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin