Before the pandemic, offices were filled with employees in curated attire—sharp suits, trendy tailored skirts, heels, polished shoes, and the occasional dark-wash denim. But with the rise of remote and hybrid work models, professional wardrobes have evolved to meet the needs of a new work-life dynamic. Less time spent in the office means more time at home. Comfort and practicality have become the new priorities for many.
Many women are reaping the financial benefits of the switch to casual attire. According to a recent InHerSight survey, 59 percent of women say they’re spending less on work attire than they did before the pandemic, and we know time spent getting ready is going down. (Women tell us they’re wearing less makeup, too). Is remote work becoming a way to carve some extra spending money out of the budget? Or is it a way for women to express themselves more creatively, and comfortably, in their homes?
We spoke to seven women about how the pandemic has changed—or hasn’t—the way they dress and spend money on clothing. Here’s how women dress now, according to their experiences before the pandemic into the present day.
How 7 women dress for work post-pandemic
1. Holly Hurley Feather- CEO/Founder of HHF Strategy
Before the pandemic:
“When I started at my first Fortune 50 company, I thrived on choosing flattering dresses built to highlight my waist and hips. I wanted to look sharp, and that meant fitted outfits that were tailored. I wore suit pants, blazers, upscale tank tops, and glasses, with my hair pulled back for a professional look. Accessories were my way of showing personality, but I kept rings to a minimum for practicality. When I had my glasses on, my hair precisely and naturally colored, and my outfits tailored, people took me more seriously in meetings. My words carried more weight.”
Since the pandemic:
“My new rule is simple: no 'hard' pants, no bra, no bondage. Now, I only own one pair of pants with an actual zipper, and they’re 2–3 sizes up, so they’d barely hang on because my digestive system doesn’t work with a waistband anymore. I only wear black so that I can get dressed in the dark and everything matches. I style these for my own comfort, and I wear all the drip I can handle to enjoy the freedom of being beautiful while being comfortable.”
Spending habits:
“I think I might spend more on clothes now than I did before. The clothing I owned before might have been more expensive, but I hated trying things on and I felt awful, so I owned fewer as a result. Now, I buy clothes based on function and comfort, and I’ll buy extras to avoid dry cleaning.”
Morning routine then and now:
“I used to have a little mini-meltdown every few mornings because items weren't clean when I needed them, didn't fit right because I was a little bloated, or they didn't match each other because one item was at the cleaners. Now, I can walk into my closet and grab any pair of underwear, pants, and top. I know they will fit. I know how to accessorize them, and I know they will feel amazing on my body regardless of the moon. This little bit of self-love has kicked my morning routine down from 1–2 hours to about 5–10 minutes. I'm more rested. I feel better at the end of the day. I'm more comfortable during the day. Changing my clothes has changed my life.”
2. Carole Podell - Podcast Host, Producer, Corporate Consultant, Storyteller, Life Transition Strategist
Before the pandemic:
“Prior to the pandemic, I was in the office full-time overseeing administration and facilities in financial services. I love a chic pantsuit or a cool blazer and slacks with Manolo’s or comfy wedges. It was my go-to, and I always felt put together.”
Since the pandemic:
“I now work remotely and miss my blazers, but it looks odd on camera and overdressed. My wardrobe is more casual now, though I still dress fully for my workdays, even if no one sees my lower half. I might be more casual, but I still like to be put together when I’m working. It helps me separate my work from my home life, since my office is also my dining room in my New York apartment.”
Spending habits:
“[Before the pandemic], I spent a significant amount on [designer shoes] and spent upwards of $10–15K if I’m being honest. In the last two or three years, I’ve mainly bought cute sneakers or flats, unless it’s for a specific social event.”
Morning routine then and now:
“It takes me less time to get dressed and get myself together. I have long hair and bangs so if my hair needs a wash and I can’t get to it, I just put a headband on and it looks put together and professional without much work. I have a 6 year old so my mornings can be hectic, and this is very convenient. I put on make-up most work days as well. I never went to the office without at least a bit of makeup prior to the pandemic, but since then, I have been to the office with no make-up often. Now that I’m working full-time remotely, I go out of my way to wear it, more for the ritual though.”
3. Lindsay Murray- Extended Foster Care Social Worker, LINKS Coordinator
Before the pandemic:
“Generally my attire was jeans and slacks and a semi-professional shirt with flats, heels, or coordinating boots. My focus was on being more stylish and foregoing comfort. I only owned a few stretchy pants and absolutely no shorts.”
After the pandemic:
“During the pandemic, we worked from home the majority of the time and did all of our visits with families via Zoom. My days consisted of wearing comfortable clothes around the house and rarely presenting a professional look at least from the chest down. I got very used to being comfortable and less constricted in my clothing to the point that I loathed tight clothes or pants that had a measured waist band (not a stretchy waist). I have rotated out all of my pants to palazzo type pants or stretchy capris or leggings. I have donated all of my jeans and no longer have a single pair in my closet. My entire wardrobe only consists of comfort including my shoes.”
Spending habits:
“I rarely buy clothes for myself anymore and wear the same clothes for years. I make sure that whatever I buy can be interchanged with whatever else I have in my closet so many outfits can be made.”
Morning routine then and now:
“Before the pandemic, I used to wash my hair six out of seven days a week. When we did not have to leave the house, I started washing my hair every other day, then it was two days in between. I realized I had been washing it too much and could go longer than I ever had before. I used to have a full face of makeup including lipstick every morning when arriving at work. Now, I wear the bare minimum (for me). As a mom of two, I still had to balance their needs and doing my job. Still to this day, I wake up in the morning with just enough time to put on some foundation, spend about five minutes on my hair, and get out the door.”
4. Nicole Martins Ferreira- Product Marketing Manager at Huntr
Before the pandemic:
“My go-to outfit was leggings and a cute top pre-pandemic.”
Since the pandemic:
“Even though, post-pandemic I work remotely, I tend to wear leggings less than I used to. I usually save leggings for the gym. About a year ago, I did a color analysis that helped me figure out the clothing and styles that looked best on me. I try to dress more professionally now, typically wearing crew neck sweaters or t-shirts to look presentable. I predominantly work with men, which is why my clothing preferences have changed. I try to dress more conservatively, often wearing longer sleeves, such as up to the elbow or long sleeve. Working in tech, there is a sort of tech uniform of how people dress for work. It's often a black t-shirt and jeans, and I do find myself opting for black jeans instead of leggings more frequently for a more polished look than leggings.”
Spending habits:
“Last year, I spent a lot of money on clothes, probably $2,000 or more. However, I now have a defined style of what kind of clothes I wear so my closet now has all the essentials that I need. I try to wear colors in my color season to ensure that I look more youthful as tech tends to lean younger.”
Morning routine then and now:
“My morning routine is a lot faster than it used to be. Since my clothes are all a consistent style, I just pick a quick color to wear and pair it with a simple set of earrings, such as pearls or studs. The style of clothes is basically the same, with varying colors to mix it up.”
Read more: How to Stay Motivated & Connected When Working From Home
5. Elisa Ellis- Wardrobe Stylist and Speaker
Before the pandemic:
“I lived in Southern California, and my style was definitely more business casual. My go-to work attire was jeans, a t-shirt, a blazer or jeans, a sleeveless blouse, a field jacket, and a blazer or cardigan. On a regular basis, I dressed in business casual attire and rarely wore suits or dresses. Wearing lightweight fabrics and layering was key as a woman over 40 going through perimenopause. Even as a 40-something-year-old, I never really took the time to find my style, and I knew jeans, a t-shirt or blouse, and a blazer would fit. It was an easy go-to outfit I didn't have to think about because, let's face it, getting dressed was my least favorite part of the day.”
Since the pandemic:
“I now live in Dallas, Texas, and the attire is much more formal here, and people are back in the office three to five days a week. I took time to find my style and filled my closet with clothes that fit, are authentic, make me feel confident, and stand out. Dallas also has a much more professional business atmosphere, so I typically wear slacks or skirts with blouses, the occasional dress, and a regular rotation of blazers.”
Spending habits:
“Previously, I shopped in a mix of outlet and department stores; now, my purchasing habits have changed since my clientele is at a higher level. I find myself shopping at higher-end department stores and higher-end labels with a few pieces sprinkled in from outlet stores. I also find that it's better for me, in the long term, to invest in high-quality pieces that will last the test of time instead of less expensive and lower-quality items that have to be replaced at regular intervals. While I have not tracked how much I spend on clothes, I know I spend more on my wardrobe today than five to 10 years ago.”
Morning routine then and now:
“My morning routine used to take forever and was very chaotic because I had a closet full of clothes that didn't fit. It would take what felt like hours because I would go to put something on, and it wouldn't fit, so I would pick something else that may or may not have fit. The process was endless, frustrating, and defeating because I was always beating myself up for not being able to fit in my clothes, for gaining weight, for not making more time to exercise (even though I was). I had to shift, so I let go of what wasn't working for me and filled my closet with pieces that fit my body, not the one I wanted. Now, I pay more attention to where I am going and who I am meeting with, and I take time to put together an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion and will make me stand out. My daily routine to get dressed now takes minutes, probably less than 10 minutes, and I am confident and excited to start my day.”
6. Jodi Blodgett- Photographer and Storyteller
Before the pandemic:
“My work wardrobe mainly consisted of dresses, blouses, and slacks. I often wore these for client meetings and photoshoots.”
Since the pandemic:
“Now, my work wardrobe is much more casual. I typically wear leggings or sweatpants paired with a simple t-shirt while working from home.”
Spending habits:
“Before the pandemic, I used to budget around $200-$300 a month for work attire. Now, I spend almost nothing on work clothes as my current wardrobe is more casual and requires fewer updates.”
Morning routine then and now:
“My mornings are more relaxed now. I no longer rush to get dressed for client meetings. Instead, I have more time to enjoy breakfast with my family and ease into my workday.”
7. Miranda Leah Stoyko - Founder, Miranda Leah Style
Before the pandemic:
“I'd say my style was pretty laid back and casual, a bit too casual. It was this mix of rebellious and corporate. Coming from a rock and roll family, where I'm the only "corporate" one, I do have a bit of edge in my style. My outfit was usually a button-up plaid or denim shirt or band tee, jeans, and casual boots or running shoes. If there was a meeting or presentation, I would throw on a blazer. I did push the boundaries of traditional office wear.”
Since the pandemic:
“My wardrobe has shifted to feel more intentional, elevated, and polished. I'm still true to my roots, but now there is a bigger focus on clean lines and tailoring. Being locked up in the house gave me time to think and work on myself inside and out. How did I want to come out of this? Why am I not putting any effort into looking my best every day?”
Spending habits:
“Before, I would experiment with trends and buy a lot of fast fashion, spending easily $200-$400/monthly. Now I only invest in key pieces that I know will stand the test of time. I spend less frequently, but when I do, I invest so if you calculate it all out it is probably the same amount over a year pre and post-pandemic, but now the pieces are high quality versus garbage.”
Morning routine then and now:
“Before the pandemic, my morning routine was a bit more rushed. I'd throw on something that felt just okay, and was out the door. Now there is more thought and care behind it. I take the time to create outfits that really align with the day ahead. I really believe getting dressed is a form of self-expression. Starting my day feeling put together helps me show up as my best self. Preparation is key, so I’ll pull pieces the night before, or days before if I have an important meeting or event.”
Read more: 27 Interview Outfit Ideas from Women Who Get the Job Done
Need advice for how to still look—or feel—professional while working from home? Stylists weigh in
With more women working from home, traditional business attire has taken a backseat. Comfort has become the new priority, and many professional women are no longer investing as heavily in work clothes. Instead, they’re opting for clothing that supports productivity in a more relaxed setting. But for those that can’t relax into wearing pajamas or yoga pants all day while working remotely, stylist Miranda Leah Stoyko suggests creating a work from home uniform. “Create it so it’s equal parts cozy and polished. Think tailored joggers, soft blazers over a tee, or knit tops, and to make you feel more polished without much effort, add a bold necklace, or cute headband. Looking a little more put together will boost your focus and energy.” Wardrobe stylist Elisa Ellis says it’s important to keep up your professional and personal brand whether or not you are in the office or on your couch. “Your brand never sleeps, even when you’re not in the office. There is research from the Journal of Experimental Psychology that shows that you will actually have better critical thinking, negotiation, and sales skills when you dress in more formal clothes versus wearing sweats or staying in your pajamas. So, I encourage my clients to find more formal-looking pieces made with breathable and comfortable fabrics. When you show up authentically, on brand, and with confidence, you're going to perform better and be more likely to collaborate, lead, and more.”
