Should You Dress Up When Working Remotely?

Should You Dress Up When Working Remotely?

Back in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdowns, there was this wave of advice floating around: “Dress like you’re going to the office, even if you’re not leaving the house.” I gave it a try—collared shirt, tidy hair, and even my watch, just to stay in the zone. And while it made sense at the time, the truth is… it doesn’t always hold up.

Fast forward a few years, and most of us have found our own rhythm with remote work. But the question still lingers: how dressed up do you really need to be?

Dressing with Purpose—But Also With Context

Let’s start with the obvious: working in pajamas every single day probably isn’t the move. There’s something about changing clothes that signals the start of the workday—even if that just means swapping out flannel pants for joggers and a clean hoodie.

That said, putting on a tie or heels at home? Unless you’re on a high-stakes Zoom call or your company has strict appearance expectations, it’s probably overkill.

And yes, some companies do set clear standards—even for remote staff. So it’s worth checking what’s expected. If your employer asks for office-level attire while working from home, that’s part of the deal.

Otherwise, your look can—and should—adapt to your role and your day. If it’s heads-down, no-meetings, pure focus time, then comfort might win. But if you're hopping on client calls or leading a team meeting, then pulling together a polished, professional look makes a lot of sense.

Define Your Own Work Style

One thing that helped me: creating some variation in my weekly wardrobe. I tend to “dress up” on Mondays and Wednesdays—nice shirt, clean shave, maybe a bit of styling wax. Tuesdays and Thursdays? More relaxed. Friday is usually a flex day where I wear whatever fits the mood (and the calendar).

This kind of rhythm helps break the monotony, and even boosts motivation. It doesn’t have to be rigid—it’s just a subtle way to say, “Today’s a meeting day,” or “Today’s a creative day.”

And please—don’t be the person who wears the same shirt every day. Even on Zoom, people notice. If you have a go-to hoodie or top, mix it up. It’s a small thing that helps maintain a sense of professionalism.

Grooming Still Matters

Clothes are one part of the equation, but grooming counts too. Whether it’s brushing your hair, applying makeup, or simply washing your face and moisturizing—these habits help us feel like we’re ready to take on the day. You don’t need to go full glam or barbershop fresh every morning. Just enough to feel put together.

As someone who wears contact lenses, remote work also gave me the chance to give my eyes a break. Swapping in my glasses a few days a week has been a nice change—and it’s probably healthier too. (Bonus: glasses often look great on camera.)

In the End, It's About Feeling Good

At the heart of all this is a simple idea: how you present yourself affects how you feel—and how others perceive you. Whether you're in comfy sweats or business casual, aim for a look that supports your mindset and doesn’t distract or send the wrong signal to colleagues or clients.

That doesn't mean pretending to be someone you're not. It just means being intentional.