The 2021 Work Dress Code

Most likely, you haven’t touched your work wardrobe for a year or more. And why would you when the world has spent over a year staying home? 

But with offices opening back up, you might have to dust off that old work suit again. So are you ready to put on slacks and suits after a year of dressing up in pyjamas and comfy shirts? 

How People Dress For Work (At Home)

LinkedIn put out a poll asking their users what’s their current workwear style. Did they opt for comfort casual, smart casual, or full-on business attire (and makeup)? Responses were varied, of course. But for the majority of WFH workers, comfort is the way to go, unsurprisingly.

People shared their usual workwear: casual shirts and comfy shorts or pants are the top choices. Provided, of course, that there are no meetings for the day. But in case there are, a smart top or blazer is the usual solution to appear professional. But still, anything goes for the lower half since it’s well away from the webcam lens.

However, some responses deviate from the majority. For example, 27% of the poll votes went to the smart-casual option. They still dress up a bit despite working from home. Some people believe that what you wear while working is still part of the job, even if you’re doing it remotely. 

According to one user, what you wear at work influences your behaviour. And wearing your work attire is what gets you into “work mode.” Dressing up for a WFH setting gives a sense of normalcy and can help you be productive as if you’re still at the office. Compare that to when you’re wearing a comfy tee and pants, which can only make you feel like you’d relax and chill instead.

The Workleisure Trend

Workers preferring comfort over style when it comes to their WFH attire has led to a new descriptor: workleisure. Workleisure clothes refer to the comfy, stretchy clothes that are also s

tylish enough to wear as work attire. 

Usually, clothing meant for activewear, like yoga pants and joggers, fall under workleisure. The versatility of these kinds of apparel slowly made its way into the category of office wear, largely thanks to remote working. People are so used to wearing them while working from home now. This is likely why some companies are loosening up their dress code policies.

The athleisure/workleisure trend also led to the popular exercise dress. It’s an all-in-one outfit meant for activity but is now more acceptable to wear every day. It’s like an unspoken rule that the dress is for everyday wear rather than workout gear. And its popularity even prompted well-known brands such as Nike to join the bandwagon and make their exercise dresses for workleisure.

Dressing Up For Work In 2021

Changed by the pandemic, many employees are still pretty reluctant to go back to the office. This may prompt managers and supervisors to make compromises, like offering a hybrid work setting or allowing a more relaxed dress code in the office. 

If your boss is calling you back to the office and you’re wondering what to wear, you can count on the growing workleisure trend to be the reason why you’re wearing sweatpants. But before you ditch entirely the business attire cooped up in your wardrobe, you might want to check with your manager about the dress policy.

If you have no choice but to go back to wearing button-up shirts and slacks, maybe you can negotiate for casual weekdays where you can sport your comfy joggers or exercise dress.

Ready to go back to the office sporting your new workleisure clothes? Or maybe you’re ready to venture back into the workforce again? If so, let us help you out! Start the conversation with the best IT recruitment consultants in Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and Brisbane by emailing office@redwolfrosch.com.au or calling 1300 544 652.