How To Dress To Impress, Even If You’re Stuck Indoors

When quarantine began and activities that required getting dressed came to a halt, many of us were excited to ditch our makeup routines and change into our tie dye sweatpants, settling in on the couch to binge Ozark. But as quarantine continues and academics, professional industries and our social lives become remote and we are forced into productivity mode, the bare face and sweatpants not quite cutting it. When you dress with confidence and put the slightest bit of effort into your look, not only will others take notice, but you’ll feel better too! Whether your day includes Skype interviews, online classes, staff Zoom meetings, or virtual dates, here’s a list of ways you can “dress to impress,” even when you’re stuck indoors. 

1. For Virtual Interviews

Interviews in general can be intimidating, especially when you need to impress a potential employer from your apartment. Choose an outfit that you would wear to a typical in-person interview and one that makes you feel confident and professional. For the warmer months, try a lightweight blazer that’s neutral in color, a white or solid color tee or button up underneath, and a neutral linen or business-casual pant that’s comfortable yet still sleek. As for accessories, keep jewelry minimal and classic in style, such as a thin gold chain necklace, a small watch, stacked rings and dainty earrings. Keep makeup natural, skipping the heavy eyeshadow, and make sure your hair is neat and allows your face to be seen. Try a half-up half-down look, or tie your hair back in a low pony with a fun hair scarf as a pop of color. 

Shop the look: 

1. Lightweight blazer
2. Classic tee
3. Business-casual pant
4. Simple earrings
5. Thin chain necklace
6. Dainty rings
7. Small watch
8. Hair scarf
9. Virtual interview friendly slides

2. For Online Classes

It’s hard enough to get up and dressed for class when you’re back in your dorm or apartment on campus, but getting dressed for class while being stuck at home can feel more daunting. Even if your professor doesn’t require you to turn your zoom camera on, dress like you’re on your way to class on campus after your Starbucks run. Put on a comfy (but cute!) pair of paperbag shorts, a step up from those sweat shorts you’ve been living in, a light-weight cropped sweater, and uber eats that venti iced coffee. Recreating your typical school routine at home can help boost productivity during online class, and let’s face it, caffeine helps too. Put your hair up in a pony or messy bun, apply some light makeup, and put on your essential jewelry– now you’re ready to zoom. 

Shop the look: 

1. Paperbag shorts
2. Cropped sweater

3. For Staff Zoom Meetings

Let’s face it– almost everyone has taken their dress game down a notch since going remote. But regardless of where you’re working from, whether it be in the office or at your dining room table, dressing to impress (your coworkers, boss, and yourself!) allows you to separate your home life from your work life. To keep it comfy but still chic, try a structured jumpsuit, which eliminates the thought put into creating an outfit, yet still looks clean and put-together. For shoes, try a clean pair of platform sneakers or a pair of leather slides! Slides are comfortable for the warmer months but still on trend and a step up from your slippers. Apply some light heat to your hair and keep makeup natural. When you “dress to impress,” you’ll feel confident and your coworkers will be sure to notice.

Shop the look: 

1. Jumpsuit
2. Leather slides

4. For Virtual Dates

Dating, but make it social-distancing friendly: whether you’re meeting someone over FaceTime, having a wine night in your backyard, or going on a quarantine walk with your date, of course you’ll want to dress cute, but it’s okay to go a little less formal given the circumstances. Try a bustier top, a personal favorite linked below from Princess Polly. This top, with a flattering and flirty neckline, is perfect to add a touch of femininity to your outfit while keeping it classy. Pair with your favorite denim shorts, a vintage-inspired pair of Levi’s or Wrangler’s being my go-to’s, one or two layered necklaces, and a pair of platform sneakers to keep it casual while giving you a little height. Wear your hair natural or apply some light heat, and you’re ready to go! Your date will never know this “dress to impress” look was so effortless. 

See Also

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Shop the look: 

1. Bustier top
2. Denim shorts
3. Layered necklaces
4. Supergas

5. For personal productivity

Whether your day includes chores around the house, running errands, or getting around to responding to all those emails, dressing to impress yourself is a necessity. Of course for the days you’re crossing off to-do list items, you’ll want to stay cozy, but cozy doesn’t have to mean you can’t look cute! A personal favorite for my stay-at-home and “get it done” days is this romper from Courtney Hill’s online boutique, The Baby Pink Shop. Courtney is a close friend of mine and the woman running the show behind her self-branded online boutique. This romper is everything you’d want in a comfy outfit– soft, easy, trendy, and so cute. Pair it with a pair of Birkenstocks, leave your hair natural or put in some loose French braids, and you have achieved the “dress to impress!”

Shop the look: 

1. Romper
2. Birkenstocks

Dressing to impress doesn’t have to break the bank or take hours to master. With a couple clothing staples, basic makeup, classic jewelry pieces and a few pairs of shoes, your stay-at-home wardrobe can be instantly transformed. Living out your daily life all within the walls of your home can be monotonous and result in a lack of motivation and productivity. By spicing up your daily looks, you will feel rejuvenated, more motivated, and a new sense of confidence in your mastery of the “dress to impress!”

Which look was your favorite to recreate? Let us know in the comments below!