Working From Home Chic and the importance of a new routine
Business Creative. Photo: Claire Pepper
As a journalist I am well versed in Working From Home Chic. Going from a big publishing house to the spare room does affect your wardrobe choices somewhat. These days, I’m dressing for myself and my lifestyle, not to look on-trend or to impress an editor at monthly conference. Above The Desk Dressing means business on the top half, casual on the bottom. Mostly this involves stretch trousers, posh joggers or side striped pants with a slightly fancier top. It’s a look I like to call Business Creative. Some people feel it’s important to change into professional mode when working from home and not spend the day in pyjamas or a dressing gown (the Admin Kimono) but I am pretty relaxed about this. For me, the vibe is pretty much the same for work, weekend, whatever. I don’t feel like I need a specific WFH wardrobe but I do think having a wash and wearing a bra are important. Feeling-pulled together and comfortable is all part of my daily routine.
Channel 4 News ran an interview with former special envoy and hostage Terry Waite, the other night. The humanitarian who was held captive in Lebanon for five years (mostly in solitary confinement) offered expert advice on how to cope with self-isolation, ‘Take it positively, take it as a constructive experience,’ he recommended, ‘this keeps hope alive. Live today as fully as possible.’ Very wise. Waite also pointed out the importance of a schedule to bring a sense of normality to an extraordinary situation, adding, ‘ Everybody needs some sort of framework.’ Over the last few days working from home, together but in separate rooms Mr That’s Not My Age and I have developed a simple routine. Not usually one for extra admin and micro-managing, I’m even encouraging him to draw up a timetable…
Stop touching your face. Photo: Andrew Crowley for the Telegraph
As we are only in day two of lockdown the schedule could change dramatically, but so far it looks like this:
No listening to the news in the morning, instead I read a book for half an hour and Mr TNMA cracks on with his emails. Mid-morning we take a break and meet in the kitchen – I’ve been perfecting my coffee-making skills, more of which at a later date – and then it’s break-time on the balcony. Fortunately the PM has decreed that we can go outdoors once a day to exercise. So it’s back to work till lunchtime and then straight into our early afternoon exercise session. Because London is crowded and we live in a Coronavirus hotspot and people still don’t know what six feet is, we’ve swapped walking for cycling. Off we head for a bike ride up alongside the local woods. How much has enforced staying at home increased our appreciation of being outdoors in nature?
An afternoon at the computer is followed by YouTube Yoga at 6pm. THANK YOU to the follower on Instagram who recommended Yoga With Adriene – we’re both as stiff as the Queen’s little finger and no doubt we’ll be stuck in the beginner’s class for quite some time, but we’re enjoying the calming experience. The plan is to continue YouTube Yoga once the current crisis is over ( I’ve written it down, so now it must happen). So serious are we about our newfound hobby, we’ve bought yoga mats and blocks online in time for this afternoon’s session.
‘Solitude is really quite remarkable you will discover you have abilities within you that you never knew you had,’ Terry Waite continued, ‘I would like to hope that we can come out of this realising there is more to life than amassing money.’
How are you adapting to our new normal?
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STYLE NOTES: in the top photo I’m wearing an old cashmere roll neck from Gap, the side stripe trousers are old Me + Em, the leather boots a gift from Grenson. In the second photo for the Telegraph, I’m wearing a jacket from Hugo Boss (loaned from Fenwick), a very old khaki t-shirt, Joy Joggers from Hush and my own hi-tops from Good News.
Discussion (38 Comments)
H.A.K. in Ottawa, Canada says:
The former Governor-General of Canada, Adrienne Clarkson, caused a fuss when she advised people stuck at home to make an effort to get out of their P.J.’s, to shave, etc. I am with her. Everyday, early in the morning, I get dressed, put a little make up on and jewellery. I’m a very casual person. But I want the routine and sometimes I suddenly have to do online meetings with colleagues or students.
Janice Fudge says:
Hi Alyson,
What a great read from Mrs Tonia .i don’t work from home as I’m a hairdresser based in a salon so my daily routine is always hair make up and smart clothes. I’m still maintaining this somewhat, although three Changes of clothes yesterday because I exercised then sat in the sun ,was excessive. So get showers ,dressed, make up on ready to see the world even if it’s only on FaceTime … Life is a party dress like it !Jan Fudge Bristol. 26/3/2020
CHARITY GIRL says:
I don’t have access to your podcast, but what a top bloke Terry Waite. is.
Every thing you said Alyson about a structured day has been recommended by mental health professionals, and other experts.
I’m still working at my local hospital. (clerical) but when I get home I go into my craft room and do stuff. I’m not brilliant but it is so absorbing and soothing. I’m doing up a charity shop dolls house, I brought for £20. Painting a belated mother’s day card for my mum in water colours. I have a ukulele which I know 5 chords for and can do a couple of beatles songs and the classic ‘when I’m cleaning windows’ Anything I can’t do I just go onto U TUBE. What a godsend.
Anna says:
We’re all in this together! I find Anges Pilates on youtube (free!) wonderful – have been a devotee for years now. Most in 20-30 minute segments and Ange is a terrific teacher. You do need to have basic understanding of pilates but I’m in my late 60s and love these. Trying to do a segment daily now that we’re stuck at home! Though here in Australia it’s still summer, which makes it easier as we can lounge outside – if it’s not too hot – and walk to the beach. Stay safe at home, everyone, and keep washing those hands!!
Keren Carter says:
I’m at home with a 12-week-old pup so my usual “dogwalker chic” has been replaced by a fisherman’s smock, stirrup trousers and laceless footwear, all proof against razor-sharp puppy teeth. Any other ideas for “impermeable” clothes that don’t leave me looking like a bag lady? The cashmere’s all packed away and I only have two changes of this particular ensemble, so suggestions gratefully received. Please, not a shell suit.
Ursula says:
Yoga with Adrienne is just lovely. I love her, I love her dog, I love her gentle, humorous, warm approach. First discovered her when on holiday and not exercising enough. She is probably now a gentle daily enhancement for many.
Joanna McCreadie says:
This is a very helpful set of thoughts. My work has consisted of lots of getting out and about and meeting with people so suddenly finding myself at home with my husband and teenage daughter is an interesting experience. I’m enjoying it – the online conferences are working for me, I like that I seem to have more time in my day, and I can get out into nature every day (we live in a fairly rural area). I’m also making time to sew every day which I find to be very calming – I do recommend this as an ideal time to learn to sew your own clothes!
maudie says:
……tried to get my sewing machine working yesterday (never used it before!) and ended up close to tears! So just put it away until my patience and equilibrium returns.
Anne Murphy says:
I’m retired & not a great social animal so this is not a problem for me….so far! A routine certainly helps even though I have no work to do. I am still spring cleaning, good exercise. Filling my hanging baskets & window box with supermarket bought violas, eating sensibly…apart from yesterday when I gave in to a ‘need’ for a sausage sarnie , Lots of exercise videos to choose from,, not decided on a fav yet. Taking my adorable Daisy Doo the Dandie Dinmont for her walk, discovered jigsaws, catching up on iplayer…’Line of Duty’ beyond brilliant,. Reading as ever, then finally creating….art journsl, sketch book, painting & stitching, keeping up standards re dress (casual) & make up…..(light).
Tessa Boase says:
Is anyone else secretly smiling, having stopped colouring their hair months or perhaps years ago?
The hair dye shelves are stripped bare in abject panic at my local Boots store. Happily that’s one thing I now don’t have to worry about. There will be a lot of badger stripes emerging, come the late summer. Could this be the start of a new, empowering trend?
Cutting one’s hair is another thing altogether. I’d love a post on DIY grooming, Alyson, as we go forward. Perhaps also DIY skin products.Lorna says:
Yes,please.Any ideas about managing growing out a normally sharp cut fringed short bob through at least 4 months of “retreat”? ( Ihave a chronic illness and got an early start after a heads up from my consultant )
Harriet Forde says:
I WFH normally too but usually have somebody join me at my home office so I do make an effort. I agree about keeping things ‘normal’ for the mental health aspects of our own lives and for me, my turbulent teens lives.
There is nothing like a spot of scent to perk you up along with a two minute think about how you want to feel in your clothes today ( or do it the night before).
All this lovely sunshine certainly helps a bit.Alison says:
good morning all, what a glorious day
great reading your article Alyson and replies too , as we’re at home, not socialising, it is the perfect opportunity to give our skin a holiday, so give the make up routine a rest and allow your skin to breath.
Makeup doesn’t always contain the best ingredients………the rest could apply to nails too
We work from home and struggle with work/life balance so I’m going to investigate the yoga for sure
I think we’ll also take a formal coffee and tea break too, particularly with the sun being so restorative – think of the vitamin D!
Good day all xx
Anna K. says:
I’m retired, live alone, and at 77, am considered ‘vulnerable’ so ‘working from home’ isn’t exactly relevant to me, but I do endorse taking a bit of trouble. I had experience of not getting out much when I cared for my late husband who was severely disabled; and then, as now, it was always on with the lippy, smart top and a splash of Chanel (plus Hermes scarf today.)
Although I’m not religious, I’ve occasionally attended Quaker meetings and find silence a very constructive experience.
I find having a relaxed structure to the day helps: I don’t venture onto the street, but do potter in the garden, do online exercise, have some daily human contact by phone with friends and family, (had a face to face chat through the window with my daughter yesterday when she left supplies on the doorstep.) I do one long-put-off household job a day (linen cupboard now House & Garden neat, shelves edged with ribbon lace I unearthed); and read, read, read – oh, the bliss!
I call self-isolation Homestay, not Lockdown, and reflect that former generations endured worse. The government isn’t sending us to fight in the trenches; it’s saying ‘Stay at home with a glass of wine and a good book’. We can do this!
Mrs Tonia says:
Stay at Home , with a glass of wine and a good book, very well put, as well as Homestay in place of Curfew or Lockdown. A phrase which I shall adopt from now on.
I’m with all of those suggesting sewing or knitting projects. I have unfinished bits of knitting to return to as well as projects to alter spring/summer wardrobe like shortening sleeves, hems, adding trims as well as confecting something new. I tend to put this off but with more time available and less rushing about this is a good time to start. And patchwork something I thought foolishly pre-children would be compatible with infants. Maybe now is a good time to give it a go. A very soothing activity if one keeps the design simple : regular sized squares or strips of fabric which can be hand sewn even while watching TV or listening to music.
Good luck to everyone out there.
AntoniaBarbara Thompson says:
I love how you ay we aren’t being asked to fight in the trenches. This is doable and is simply a matter of attitude. Your’s is worth emulating.
Madelaine says:
What positive and thoughtful comments today. I found Anna K’s comments particularly helpful. The “structure” feels like the right way to go with this. Plus the slick of lipstick and a bit of self-care. Along with the care for others if possible and appropriate. Go team TNMA!
(almost) goodafternoon, early birds…
from amsterdam I’m sending you my heartfelt thanks…all these upbeat sounds are just what I need.
still in my pyjama’s and not in the mood/able/strong enough to do some exercise…it feels like a day of nothingness has begun.
We know that thats oke too, but still…I lack willpower to often…or so it feels.
Pulling myself together now…and GO!
thank you all
x
judithTry Yoga with Adriene – it’s lovely! Not strenuous or pretentious, just calming and nice.
Terry Waite’s comments got right into my very soul. If anyone is able to comment it would be that wonderful and brave man. I remember very well the news during his captivity in Lebanon. We live quite close to ‘his’ church in Blackheath and we used to await news daily. I am not an organised religion person but do believe that however horrifying and scary this is for the whole world at the moment there will eventually be some positive experiences to come out of it. I ‘pray’ daily that the mortality rate won’t be too high and that we are all able to summon the strength to get through whatever may happen to us. On a more flippant note I have been a bit of a sheep today and virtually COPIED your navy striped posh-bottoms and navy cashmere roll neck combo – it looked so good on you so, post shower, I cracked out my M&S versions of the above. Although the sun is shining so bright and optimistically I feel the cold unless there is a heatwave. Cashmere is worn until July in my house. (Often charity shop lucky finds or sale M&S). My daily wear has been soft and worn jeans and a grey cashmere crew neck. Liberation from makeup – I have chosen not to wear any. Thank goodness I chose to let my greys come in a year or so ago as I listen to my friends panicking about hair dye. I can now catch up on reading the mountain of books, inventing new and ‘umami’ meals with imagination and lack of ingredients and slowing…..right……….down. Sending love through the airwaves to everyone.
AVC says:
I am in my sixties and having to stay at home all the time.
I remember when Terry Waite was finally released and local churches rang out the bells to celebrate his freedom.
We will get through this.
Thank you for all the lovely suggestions.
I am journaling which releases tension, singing with online choir leader, when I feel upbeat (at first it was too emotional),
and meeting online with friends. There are flamenco tutorials on YouTube …….and recently, I made a flamenco skirt as a project. How fortuitous!Thank you all for your positivity and suggestions today. Alyson, something about you brings this forward in your readers. Carry on. Stay well.
Kate says:
I think you’re so right.
Structure is the bedrock of ‘home stay’ as another reader beautifully re titled it.
I’ve been doing my usual bike ride to work along the canal to Kings X even though I’m now WFH (at requisite social distance of course), and a journey that sometimes feels like groundhog day in ‘normal’ life is replaced with a lovely feeling of comfort and familiarity at knowing every inch of the ride.
I’d be interested to hear if any readers/children of readers have any dance type classes/youtube videos they do on line.
The sillier the better frankly. Its good to laugh first thing!Hello Kate. There was a very positive article in The Times today about fun gym classes by Joe Wickes, online via You-Tube suitable for all ages. It’s energetic and looks like good for all ages. There are probably other You-tube classes if one does a search. Good lucky keeping everyone active.
Alysen Beacon says:
For Pilates fans, there’s a really straightforward everyday Cassey Ho video on youtube (by a swimming pool, with a 2012 date) which is 20 minutes of solid work. It’s not beginner level but if you know the basics, it’s hard , fast and efficient. 20 minutes to replace a more sedate 60 minute class. I do classes twice weekly and have done for 15 years, and have been angling for a little more effort. This left me just sore enough to go again tomorrow morning. I prefer to learn a routine class and repeat it though.
Susan, NZ says:
Here in New Zealand we are also in ‘self-isolation’, although personally I am much preferring to call it Retreat – it just sounds so much more positive and beneficial to me. It’s heartening to hear the many silver-lining comments that are coming out of this dark cloud time. Doing little self-care things for ourselves is so good for us – I also do some on-line yoga, which is a life saver for me; today I unwrapped a beautiful rose scented bar of soap which has been in a drawer for a few months as I decided it was too precious to use (and also enjoyed its perfume in the drawer) – I am enjoying using it and will replace it as a little reward when all this is over; I am also lucky in that we live on 3 acres in the country, so I can get outside easily.
I have just been unpacking my winter clothes and stashing away the summer ones. I will need less now that there is nowhere at all to go to (except the supermarket or pharmacy occasionally). My volunteer work is also on hold for a while – the Spring version of Alyson’s look is what I am living in! Thank you for this site, Alyson – it is my first time writing although I have been following for a few months 🙂
We are all being asked to be kind, and I think that applies to ourselves too.Sue says:
Reader Kate was asking about fun dance workouts available on YouTube, I can recommend the following ;
‘Move With Colour’, these are really fun and funky 10 minute routines taught by Nathan in Sydney, do three in a row and you’ve had quite a workout.
‘Popsugar Fitness’ has a bunch of dance workouts and everything else you can think of too.
‘Up To The Beat Fit’ has a variety of dancy indoor walking videos which are great to top up your step count.
Les Mills Sh’Bam is a fantastically fun series of dance workouts, really easy to follow with different moves for each song rather than one long routine to learn. I have the streaming service for which I pay around £10 per month (includes lots of other types of workout too) but there are some routines available on YouTube. Keep dancing!Chris says:
I’m always looking for new music ideas, so how about music that other women love and help us through this dark time. Also, I live in the United States, in New Mexico, and we don’t wear very much black here! But we do wear boots almost year-round. So, less black and more boots.
Jill says:
Thank you Alyson for your article in today’s Sun Tel in praise of the boilersuit. As a newly retired vet come smallholder yesterday’s WFH entailed grappling with our sheep to enforce their overdue pedicure. As I read your article fellow isolated hubby ‘s dung infested boilersuit was spinning round in the machine- then I remembered a ( not uncommon) impulse purchase last year of a navy crepe boilersuit currently languishing unworn in the deep recesses of my wardrobe. I dug it out and donned it over an ivory polo. To pre-empt the ” not more new clothes” comments I pushed the Hoover around his feet declaring that solidarity in isolation meant dressing alike to WFH. It gave us both a good laugh and has encouraged me to try new outfit combinations, especially since nobody sees the failures!
That’s fantastic, Jill. I love finding a new combination of old clothes. And, Jumpsuit Joy!
Jacqui MacPherson says:
I was recommended to this site from a dear friend. I am a teacher working remotely and I have just copied a phrase from this blog reminding our team to wear their bras for the afternoon video conferencing! I like the links from Terry Waite too, inspiring.
Angela says:
I agree with you and Mrs Tonia. I also live in New Zealand and enjoy your blog very much. I’m 70 and have been retired for some time but I always dress up the top half of my body and wear more casual below. I’ve been collecting silk scarves for decades now – they’re often considered ” old-fashioned” but I wear one most days with a t shirt or a sweater depending on the season – I enjoy the colours and patterns. Like most of the other correspondents I wear some makeup and perfume every day – its for me not for the rest of the world. Beauty is a great healer too as well as physical exercise. I sometimes get slightly strange looks but at this stage of life I do what I like and forget about conforming to the “norm”. In these times anything you do that is cheering is vitally important and being kind to others is one of them – I always make a point of being kind to those people in the supermarket who are having to work so hard and having to contend with the stressful climate of stressed and rude customers.
thank you for your blog.
Anne 
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Your remarks are timely Alyson. There is a lot of advice on this topic right now with good reason. I’ve been freelance for many years already. I do not stay in nightclothes or dressing gown past my morning coffee. I wear makeup on eyes, cheeks and lips not Foundation every day all the year round regardless of what I’m doing including early morning yoga or swimming sessions. I also brush my hair, spray perfume on and a bit of basic jewellery, bracelets, amulet necklaces and rings. Rings coming off a lot now for the very frequent handwashing. After hand cream back they go.
Clothing at this time of year mostly a warm pullover with some texture or a cashmere roll neck or crew neck, always some silk around the neck for warmth and a touch of luxury.
Trousers can be jeans or cords or loose chinos. Or a loose fitting dress of which I have several. Now communication with friends and family and colleagues will be reduced to Skype or Whattsapp video calls I shall make a bit of extra effort when we speak, blusher, mascara and some cheerful clothing. There’s a subtext with the grown sons as to whether we are okay and haven’t fallen gravely ill. So it’s reassuring to them that Mum and Dad look as they normally do.
Alyson speaks of Yoga with Adriene which is the most recommended one out there. But I’m doing live streaming on Zoom video conferencing software of classes by regular teachers at the Yoga studio I go to regularly. The teachers have all lost their livelihoods and raison d’être. So this works all round. It’s free but voluntary donations encouraged. There is already a welcome sense of community in the virtual that is developing between those of us already acquainted in real life.
Good luck to everyone out there dealing with these new challenges and very serious matters. One has to go day by day with as much gratitude as one can muster. Stay safe and well and connected.My parting thought is to share something I read in a The Art Newspaper newsletter yesterday. It was the sharing of a painting of daffodils from David Hockney, the distinguished veteran artist now sequestered at his new home in Normandy northern France. He captioned it : Do Remember they can’t cancel the spring.