WHAT TO WEAR: WORK FROM HOME EDITION

To say that 2020 is off to an interesting start is an understatement. In the wake of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders have been implemented across the country — and the world — forcing people who would have normally gone into the office each day to work from home instead. Coronavirus is changing the way we work, but one thing remains the same: the need to get the work done.

WHAT TO WEAR

We recommend a long-sleeved or short-sleeved T-shirt that is clean and free of holes and rips. Polo shirts are also great options; it’s amazing what a collar and a few buttons can do to elevate a look. Solid colors are best, but patterns and designs are okay as long as they are work-appropriate and won’t distract anyone you video chat with. Think of it this way: If you wouldn’t wear that tee to the office on casual Friday, you probably shouldn’t wear it on a video call.

A T-shirt or polo featuring your company name or logo is a great way to look smart while also adding some important branding to those customer calls. Many companies already provide these for staff, but they are really proving a great investment right now.

GROOMING HABITS

With salons and barbershops temporarily shut down, regular haircuts or hair coloring is not possible right now. But other than risk giving ourselves a terrible at-home haircut, there’s not much we can do about it — and that’s okay. We’re all in the same situation and no one will judge you if your hair is a little shaggier than usual. However, it’s important to maintain some personal grooming habits to appear presentable on video calls.

Gentlemen, we know you won’t like to hear this, but keep shaving. Sorry! You won’t do yourselves any favors by looking scruffy and scraggly on video calls. If you’re the type of guy known to rock a beard and keep it neat, keep doing what you’ve been doing. If your hair is starting to get a little long, try to style it so that it still looks neat and professional. Bed head isn’t a good look for anybody.

Ladies: Unless you have a hairstyle like a pixie cut that requires regular trims, letting your hair grow is probably fine for the time being. But if you’re one of the many women who color their hair, you know the reality of your roots starting to show when you’ve gone too long between dye jobs. If you’re familiar with dyeing your own hair and are comfortable touching up your roots, that’s okay. But if you’ve never done it before, step away from the boxed dye. Instead, spray on a tinted dry shampoo that will mask your roots for the time being and pull your hair into a neat ponytail or bun. Then, call your stylist and request an appointment for as soon as they are back up and running!

USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT

The bottom line is, use your best judgment. If you’re absolutely certain you won’t have any video calls for the day, go ahead and rock those pajamas with pride. We won’t judge. But if there’s a chance you might have a video conference, do your best to look put-together. We’re all in this together and nobody expects you to be dressed to the nines. But your appearance should still convey professionalism. You’re still “at” work, after all!