The pandemic fundamentally shifted our relationship with work attire. The traditional suit and tie or pencil skirt and blouse were replaced by a new, more comfortable uniform. Now, as the lines between work and life continue to blur, a new sartorial challenge emerges: how to maintain a professional, polished presence from our home office without sacrificing the comfort we’ve grown accustomed to. The answer lies in a surprisingly stylish solution—resort wear.
This isn’t about wearing a full-on caftan to your quarterly review. It’s about strategically integrating the principles of resort wear—effortless elegance, breathable fabrics, and a sophisticated, relaxed aesthetic—into your everyday work-from-home (WFH) wardrobe. This guide will walk you through the practical, actionable steps to master this art, transforming your daily look from drab to distinguished.
The Foundation: Understanding the Resort Wear Aesthetic
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s deconstruct the core elements of resort wear that make it perfect for the WFH environment. It’s not just a trend; it’s a philosophy of dressing.
- Fabric is King: Think natural, lightweight, and breathable. Cotton, linen, rayon, silk, and Tencel are your best friends. These materials drape beautifully, prevent overheating, and signal a sense of calm sophistication.
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Silhouettes are Fluid: Resort wear favors relaxed, non-restrictive shapes. Wide-leg trousers, flowy maxi skirts, tunic tops, and oversized shirts are staples. They offer comfort without looking sloppy.
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Color Palette is Inspired: The colors often mimic a sun-drenched landscape—crisp whites, soft neutrals (beige, sand, cream), and vibrant, saturated jewel tones (emerald green, sapphire blue, coral). This palette feels fresh and intentional.
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Details Make the Difference: Subtle elements like embroidery, delicate lace trim, woven textures, or a well-placed tie-front can elevate a simple garment from basic to boutique.
Part 1: Strategic Swaps – Replacing Your Old WFH Staples
The easiest way to start is by replacing the loungewear and old t-shirts you’ve been wearing with more refined, resort-inspired alternatives. This is about one-to-one swaps that feel just as comfortable but look infinitely better.
Swap the Stretched-Out T-Shirt for a Linen or Tencel Tee
The classic cotton tee is a WFH staple, but it can quickly look tired and unprofessional on camera. A linen or Tencel t-shirt is the ultimate upgrade.
- Why it works: These fabrics have a subtle texture and a natural drape that looks more elevated. They’re just as comfortable and low-maintenance but create a more polished visual.
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Concrete Example: Instead of a gray Hanes cotton tee, opt for a crisp white linen blend tee with a V-neckline. The texture catches the light differently and signals an intentional choice. Pair it with dark-wash jeans or a jersey-knit skirt for a comfortable yet put-together look.
Swap the Sweatpants for Wide-Leg Trousers or Palazzo Pants
Sweatpants are the epitome of comfort but are a hard sell for any video conference. Wide-leg trousers offer the same unrestricted feel but project an air of sophisticated ease.
- Why it works: The voluminous silhouette is on-trend and allows for maximum movement and comfort. When paired with a structured top, they create a balanced, professional look.
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Concrete Example: Ditch the fleece joggers for a pair of high-waisted, flowy palazzo pants in a solid color like black, navy, or olive green. They feel like pajamas but look like high-fashion. Pair with a simple, fitted tank top or a cashmere sweater for a comfortable, chic outfit.
Swap the Hoodie for a Lightweight Knit Sweater or Cardigan
Hoodies are great for a morning run but a poor choice for a virtual meeting. A lightweight, finely-knit sweater or a chic cardigan offers the same warmth and comfort with a far more refined aesthetic.
- Why it works: A high-quality knit elevates any outfit. A cardigan can be worn open for a more casual feel or buttoned up for a polished look.
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Concrete Example: Trade your gray zip-up hoodie for a lightweight, open-front cardigan made of a cotton-cashmere blend in a soft beige or cream. Layer it over a silk camisole or a simple Tencel tee. This combination is effortless but looks completely intentional.
Part 2: Building Blocks – Resort Wear Pieces That Work Hard for You
This section is about the key pieces that form the core of a resort-inspired WFH wardrobe. These items are versatile, comfortable, and endlessly stylish.
The Effortless Tunic Top
A tunic top is a long, loose-fitting shirt that’s longer than a typical blouse. It’s a hero piece for WFH because it’s comfortable, covers a multitude of sins, and looks great on camera.
- What to look for: Seek out tunics in high-quality fabrics like linen, gauze, or silk. Opt for classic cuts with subtle details—a split neckline, delicate embroidery, or a wide, open collar.
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How to wear it: Pair a white linen tunic with dark-wash skinny jeans for a classic, clean look. For a more sophisticated vibe, wear a tunic over a pair of tailored shorts or wide-leg pants. The key is to balance the volume of the top with a more fitted bottom or a flowing bottom of a different material or color.
The Statement Maxi Skirt or Dress
A maxi skirt or dress is the easiest way to feel put-together without feeling constricted. It’s a single garment that creates a full look.
- What to look for: A maxi dress in a breathable fabric like cotton voile or a rayon blend. Look for a flattering cut, like an empire waist or an A-line silhouette, in a solid color or a subtle, sophisticated print.
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How to wear it: A solid-colored maxi dress in a jewel tone (e.g., emerald green) is a one-and-done outfit. Throw on a pair of simple sandals, and you’re ready for your day. For a slightly more professional look, add a structured blazer or a belt to define the waist. A maxi skirt in a fun print can be paired with a simple, solid-colored top and a pair of mules for a relaxed, yet stylish, ensemble.
The Stylish Shirt Dress
The shirt dress is a quintessential resort-wear piece that seamlessly transitions to the WFH environment. It’s the perfect blend of casual and professional.
- What to look for: A shirt dress in a crisp fabric like cotton or linen. A self-tie belt is a great detail for defining the waist, but a classic A-line or straight cut is also perfectly acceptable. Avoid anything too voluminous or casual.
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How to wear it: Wear a classic white or light blue linen shirt dress with the sleeves rolled up for a fresh, casual feel. For a more polished look, button it up completely and wear it with a pair of simple earrings. A shirt dress in a vibrant color can be worn with a simple leather belt and flats for a comfortable and chic WFH outfit.
Part 3: The Art of Layering and Accessorizing
This is where you elevate your resort-inspired WFH look from good to great. Layering and smart accessorizing can transform a simple outfit into a cohesive, professional ensemble.
The Power of the Third Piece
A “third piece” is a layering item that completes your outfit. It adds depth, texture, and a sense of intention.
- Examples:
- The Linen Blazer: A lightweight linen blazer is a game-changer. It’s less formal than a wool blazer but instantly adds structure and professionalism to any outfit. Wear it over a simple camisole or a silk blouse.
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The Lightweight Duster: A long, flowing cardigan or duster in a lightweight fabric like rayon or silk feels luxurious and instantly elevates a basic top and trouser combination.
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The Oversized Shirt: An oversized, unbuttoned cotton shirt worn over a fitted top acts like a light jacket and adds a cool, relaxed vibe to an outfit.
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Concrete Example: Start with a simple silk camisole and wide-leg trousers. Add a neutral-colored linen blazer. The blazer adds a professional frame for video calls, while the rest of the outfit remains completely comfortable and relaxed.
Accessories as Intentional Accents
Accessories are the final touch that makes an outfit look complete. For WFH, the focus should be on subtlety and comfort.
- Jewelry: Opt for simple, elegant pieces. A pair of delicate gold or silver hoops, a layered necklace, or a simple chain can add a polished touch without being distracting. Avoid large, noisy bracelets or flashy statement pieces.
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Footwear: Since you’re at home, footwear is often a non-issue. However, if you’re stepping out for a coffee or running an errand, a chic pair of leather mules, espadrille flats, or a simple sandal completes the resort-inspired look.
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Hair Accessories: A silk scrunchie, a simple headband, or a well-placed barrette can elevate your look and keep your hair out of your face, adding a touch of intentionality.
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Concrete Example: Take a white tunic and linen trousers. Add a pair of small gold hoop earrings and a delicate, layered necklace. Your face will be framed nicely on camera, and the simple accessories will signal a thoughtful approach to your appearance.
Part 4: The Mindful Material and Color Palette
This section is about being deliberate with your choices, creating a cohesive and effortless wardrobe that feels both luxurious and comfortable.
Curate a Core Color Palette
A cohesive color palette is the secret to a high-end, resort-inspired wardrobe. It ensures all your pieces mix and match effortlessly.
- Why it works: A curated palette eliminates decision fatigue and makes getting dressed a breeze. Everything goes with everything.
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How to do it: Choose 3-4 core neutrals (e.g., white, cream, beige, navy) and 1-2 accent colors (e.g., olive green, terracotta, soft blue). Your entire wardrobe can be built from this small, powerful selection.
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Concrete Example: Base your wardrobe on white, beige, and navy. Add a pop of color with a beautiful emerald green silk top or a pair of coral-colored shorts. A white linen button-down will pair perfectly with navy trousers, beige shorts, or even over a coral dress.
Embrace Textures and Natural Fabrics
The tactile quality of your clothing is what makes it feel luxurious and comfortable.
- Linen: The quintessential resort fabric. Its slightly wrinkled texture is part of its charm and signals a relaxed, confident attitude.
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Silk: A silk blouse or camisole feels incredible against the skin and adds a touch of glamour to a casual outfit. A silk-blend fabric can provide a similar feel with less fuss.
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Gauze: This lightweight, crinkled cotton fabric is perfect for tops and dresses. It’s incredibly breathable and has a soft, romantic quality.
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Woven Details: Look for pieces with subtle woven textures, like a belt, a handbag, or a pair of shoes. These small details add a tactile richness to your look.
Conclusion: Your Elevated WFH Aesthetic
Incorporating resort wear into your work-from-home wardrobe is not about a complete overhaul. It’s a strategic, mindful approach to dressing that prioritizes comfort, quality, and a refined aesthetic. By making smart swaps, investing in versatile core pieces, and mastering the art of layering and accessorizing, you can create a WFH wardrobe that is not only professional and polished but also genuinely enjoyable to wear. This is about feeling confident and comfortable in your own space, creating a beautiful and functional backdrop for your work and your life.