The post-pandemic office dress code? Power Casuals

After a year and half of working from home, we’ve mastered the art of waist-up dressing. Zoom-worthy tops paired with leggings or pyjamas, and house dresses with above-the-waist details were our go-tos through the seasons. The standard dress code for people working from home has been casual, with athleisure and nap dresses reigning supreme.

As workplaces reopen, many of us can’t imagine donning ourselves in rigid suits and high heels once again. But thankfully, most of us won’t need to. While a hoodie and yoga pant combo is still a major no-no for the office, there are ways to incorporate the comfort of athleisure into our professional wardrobes.

A step down from business casual - business comfort will be taking over, characterised bylooser silhouettes, soft and easy fabrics, elasticated waistbands and oversized tailoring as we get into hybrid working. Creative mixing and matching of our favourite comfort pieces that we refuse to part with, with formal pieces, will help us transition from Zoom to the conference room.

Take cues from Hailey Bieber’s cool girl guide to suiting, who sported a hoodie under a tailored Balenciaga suit. Katie Holmes makes a case for pairing joggers with blazers, looking super comfy yet put-together. Both complement their outfits with one common denominator - sneakers.

Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes step out in 'workleisure'.

The key to workleisure is to strike a balance between both casual and formal pieces. Add a tailored jacket over a classic white tee for a touch of sophistication.

Single Breasted Wool Blazer by Chloé, Cocoon Blazer by Rosetta Getty

Violet Veste by Saint Laurent, Tobias Drawstring Leather Jacket by Nanushka

As we bid farewell to waist-up dressing and put on actual pants, swap fitted trousers and pencil skirts for easy to wear bottoms. The harem pants for Saint Laurent are a perfect mix of tailoring and comfort in silk, while Chloé’s wide leg cropped pants are a stylish spin on plain old white trousers.

One Size Tracksuit Pants by Balenciaga, Cargo Pants by Balenciaga

Wide Leg Cropped Pants by Chloé, Lamé Knit Trousers by Saint Laurent

There’s even place for statement blouses and shirts, paired with muted bottoms and accessories. Beat the Monday blues with a mood-lifting number like the citrous shirt from Jonathan Simkhai. Blouses with statement sleeves and strong details mean business.

Sylvie Top by Rhode, Laurier Shirt by Jacquemus

Citron Marlene Blouse by Jonathan Simkhai, Aliane Scallop Frill Shirt by Zimmermann