How to Build a Work From Home Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget Winter 2022

Winter Work From Home Wardrobe

A white background with 27 pieces for a winter work from home capsule wardrobe on a Budget laid out in rows.

T-shirt | Turtleneck | Button-Up | Wrap Top | Oversized Shirt | Sweater | Oversized Sweater | Purple Sweater | Cardigan | Blazer | Denim | Stirrups | Trousers | Knit Pants | Dress | Slip Dress | Quilted Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Collar | Purse | Tote Bag | Grey Boots | Chunky Boots | Sneakers | Clogs | Slippers

I know you guys, we are trying to remain positive but I am a cup half empty type of person. I find that this generally works out best for me because when something doesn’t turn out the way my negative minded self thinks then I tend to appreciate it more.

That being said, we all know that the numbers aren’t looking good in the world, and I have this niggling sense that there are going to be a lot of people working from home again after the new year and they are going to need a refresher of work from home clothes.

Maybe the last two years showed you that you prefer working from home, or maybe you chose a job because it allows you to work remotely.

Whatever the reason, if you work from home and are having a hard time getting out of your pyjamas then this wfh wardrobe might be for you.

I figured I would put together a work from home capsule wardrobe before tackling the other work capsule wardrobe for winter that I have been planning.

And by planning I mean a general acknowledgement of it in my brain. No actual steps have been taken because that would be too much since we all know that I tend to fly by the seat of my pants over here.

After the weird popularity of last weeks’ How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe on a Budget Winter 2022, I decided to stick with budget again this week because Christmas time usually equates to fewer funds for our personal use.

The question that many have is Why can’t I just wear my pyjamas when I work from home?

You totally can, but there is a lot of use that need to feel at least a little bit put together in order to have the drive and motivation it takes to work from home.

As comfortable as we all know our home clothes are there is a psychological reason to get dressed, and after two years we all need a boost in the mental health department and this is a good way to start feeling a little better and hopefully more productive.

There are also many of us that need to jump on and off video calls or meetings all and you can’t really like something that the cat dragged home when you are trying to maintain a level of professionalism.

A work from home wardrobe doesn’t mean wearing the same things that you wear at work but at home.

It just means that you can maintain a level of comfort, but you can elevate it a couple of notches above “you just rolled out of bed”.

Which actually isn’t very hard when you think about it.

Especially since your bottom half can usually be much more casual and lounge than your upper since that is a part that most people won’t be seeing unless you leave the actual house…

Which is something that I highly encourage for a least a small amount of time daily. Get out of that house for a short quick walk, even if you are just going to grab a coffee.

Your mental health will thank you.

And let’s not get started about if you have kids at home too. Anyone who works from home and also has kids, really really understands the need to get out of that house for a bit of fresh air.

Winter weather shouldn’t stop you. I actually prefer to take my walks in the colder weather. It’s much easier to breathe and is much more invigorating.

And I should also head my own advice.

And even though we are keeping the bottom more laid back, please don’t be one of the 10% of people who admit to not wearing pants on their video calls.

That’s just asking for trouble.

Do you have to “put in the effort” every day?

No, but if you have luck like I do, then the day I choose to remain the way that I looked when I woke up is going to be the day that I really, really wish that I didn’t.

I’m not a 5 minute and I look good type of person. I have to invest some time into my hair and makeup before I no longer get to people asking me if I am feeling ill.

So it is a much more stress free choice for me to shower immediately when I get up so that I get that out of the way.

Work From Home Wardrobe Essentials

A good set of basics is a great place to start. T-shirts that are wrinkle and stain-free, button-ups that are oversized enough that they are comfortable and easy to wear, A variety of bottoms with stretch waists, and wide-cut legs, knitwear, and some easy to wear slide-on footwear (slippers welcome).

And a matching set of work from home loungewear is the perfect addition and I found one that is budget-friendly and comes in three colours.

We want to top half of our body to look professional but still remain comfortable.

We still want outerwear, but something that we can throw on over the top of our work from home outfits. That oversized pullover quilted cape checks off a lot of boxes.

One of my biggest gripes is when I have trouble with bulky sweater sleeves underneath my winter outerwear. This cape solves that problem entirely.

Keeps your toppers loose and oversized. We don’t want a fitted blazer, but a slouchy oversized one will be perfect.

My work from home outfit today consisted of an oversized button-up that resembles a dress, worn over wide-leg joggers.

I gave it an outside look when I had to run out quickly (it was soooo windy and I should have stayed home). I digress, I threw on an oversized leather jacket, sneakers, a beanie (to keep my hair from blowing around) and a tote to carry my stuff in.

You can see the wfh outfit, and the running errands outfit both here.

Also, don’t forget the details. Small details can make a huge difference, like tops with accents like pouffe sleeves, collars, ties. Things that will look good on video if need be, but are also still very easy to wear.

We want simplicity and comfort but are still chic and put together.

The way we can easily achieve this is by adding in some…

Work From Home Accessories

This is the easiest way to make changes, and yet it is the most overlooked. First, dig through your accessories and set aside what you feel are pieces that will work best to enhance your work from home wardrobe.

Things like chunky earrings vs studs, heavier necklaces vs dainty chains. If you don’t have pierced ears try these. They are easy to wear and have an edgy vibe. You can also find a vintage pair of clip-ons on Poshmark that will be pretty statement-making.

Hair clips, headbands, scarves (for hair or neck), and a removable collar. They made it so easy for us now that we can buy a flouncy collar in a variety of colours, patterns, and fabrics and just simply move it from shirt to shirt.

How simple is that? Video conference time? Just throw on the collar and BOOM, look complete.

Then finally there is the one item that we always seem to forget is an accessory which is also a huge part of many lives…glasses.

I have been wearing glasses since I was three years old and I come from the time of highly expensive ugly glasses for kids, and one pair of glasses until you have a prescription change.

Nowadays there are so many online options that let you get a variety of different frames for a literal fraction of the cost of what they used to be.

You can get yourself a handful of frames in different styles and colours to change up with your outfits.

I can’t think of an accessory that is more noticeable than a pair of glasses.

Also, remember to keep some boundaries with your work from the home wardrobe and your “stay at home” wardrobe. Don’t lounge around, nap, or go to bed in your work from home outfits.

Allow yourself to have that mental switchover even working at home by trading your work from home attire for your regular home clothes just like you did when you worked out of the house.

Boundaries are important, even when you are just making them with yourself.

Stay safe.

Work From Home Outfits

A white background with outfits 1-12 built from the winter work from home capsule wardrobe on a budget.

Work From Home Fashion

A white background with outfits 13-24 built from the winter work from home capsule wardrobe on a budget.

T-shirt | Turtleneck | Button-Up | Wrap Top | Oversized Shirt | Sweater | Oversized Sweater | Purple Sweater | Cardigan | Blazer | Denim | Stirrups | Trousers | Knit Pants | Dress | Slip Dress | Quilted Jacket | Earrings | Necklace | Collar | Purse | Tote Bag | Grey Boots | Chunky Boots | Sneakers | Clogs | Slippers

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Sara

Sara is the founder and creative behind livelovesara. A George Brown College Fashion Styling Graduate, she provides advice on finding your personal style regardless of age and budget. She is always on the hunt for the perfect wardrobe piece and is a vintage and thrifting enthusiast who can't wait to share her newest finds. She is also trying to learn French.

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