Working from home shouldn't warrant buying a whole new wardrobe, but knowing that what you wear can help with productivity did prompt me to search for some new pieces. My criteria? The clothes had to be comfy enough that I could nap in them, but professional enough for a Zoom conference call.
Fortunately, Lululemon was already familiar with the concept of couch meets cubicle. In fact, I recently discovered that its Full Day Ahead Shirt — complete with collar, buttons and everything you need for a business-casual look — is on sale for $39. Here's why there's a 100% chance I'm going to order one in another, if not every, color.
Lululemon Full Day Ahead Shirt
It's tailored but not tight
The first thing I do when I come home is change into clothes that are less restrictive. However, if I'm starting from home, I've found that I'm not exactly productive when I'm wearing my go-to baggy T-shirt and sweatpants. That combo feels like the kind of outfit I should wear while binging "Tiger King," not drafting invoices or interviewing infectious disease specialists for coronavirus stories.
This shirt — which is available in five colors and sizes 0-14 — is the perfect compromise between comfortable and professional.
In typical Lululemon fashion, this shirt is made for movement, not just meetings. The back has a distinctive pleated design that not only looks sharp but adds to the range of motion. For example, when my self-quarantine is over and I can hug friends and family again, I can do so in this shirt without worrying about ripping the back.
It's perfect for layering
One of the best parts about working from home is being able to control the thermostat. That said, I still want to wear clothes I can layer. I like layering this shirt over my favorite Lululemon Swiftly Tech Racerback tank, because when I take cleaning breaks, I tend to break a sweat.
When I step away from my computer to walk my dog — who also "works" from home — I often layer it over a hoodie and wear it as a jacket. I just slip my house key into the zippered chest pocket for safekeeping and head outside. Untucked, this shirt is long enough to cover my bum, and even though it's not a heavy flannel by any means (although it is moisture-wicking), it definitely adds warmth.
It isn't just for work
Originally, I bought this top thinking I'd just work in it. But after a few days of wearing it with my most professional-looking comfy pants — the bestselling and celeb-approved Lululemon Align Jogger — I decided to try it with jeans. Eventually, restaurants and bars are going to open again, so why not see if I could wear this top on a night out on the town?
My dog might have slept through my at-home fashion show, but I was pretty impressed. I love how this shirt looks with the front tied and worn as a crop top. When I can finally wear it out, I'll trade the house slippers I swear by for a pair of Ariat cowboy boots, head to my favorite bar in Tucson and show off the moves I've been perfecting in my dance parties for one.
In the meantime, I'll be wearing it while working from home. Because of this shirt, I've already awarded myself best-dressed, least-stressed employee of the month.
For more stories like this, check out:
- I count on these $13 leggings to make me feel productive and comfortable at home
- If you need me, I'll be in these Oprah-approved slippers all weekend
- People are loving this $11 hoodie that's partially made of plastic water bottles
To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!