Remote Work Fashion Trends for 2023: Sweatpants Are the New Slacks

When you’re checking your work email in your PJs, you're not imagining fashion trends for 2023. I get it. I’m one of the nearly 28 million Americans who work from home. About 8 years ago, I traded my slacks and pencil skirts for yoga pants and oversized sweatshirts.

I’m here to tell you: It was a glorious transition.

It’s all too easy to fall into a fashion rut when your office” is the couch. Your only co-worker is the puppy snoozing at your feet, and he doesn't care about your blouse. But when that laid-back attitude started to reflect in my quality of work, I decided to take action. I sought out ways to look put together while still staying comfortable. I looked for a happy medium.

Turns out, it is possible to stay laid-back and casual without falling into a sloppy slump. Ready to transform your own wardrobe? Today, I’m breaking down the remote work fashion trends you can expect in the new year!

Clothes and Career Success

Do my work clothes matter?

Have you ever heard the expression, Dress for the job you want, not the job you have?”

I repeated that to myself countless times as I began my first job in marketing. I knew I wanted to make a career change one day, so I set my sights on the executives and tried to emulate them. Even when I was an intern, I wore a business suit to the office. My feet became accustomed to walking in heels. My philosophy was that if I dressed seriously, my colleagues and co-workers would take me seriously, too.

There’s actually a psychological component to dressing well for work. Researchers have found people who dress in a way that makes them feel good perform better in their roles.

What we wear has a real impact on how we feel about ourselves. And that, in turn, influences our work – our confidence, creativity, ability to focus and collaborate.

Arianna Huffington

The way you present yourself matters. It affects how people perceive you. It also affects how you perceive yourself. But it isn’t always the degree of formality that matters, it’s how you feel in your clothes. The key is knowing what type of attire brings out your best self… and it’s unlikely to be those pajama pants you’ve been wearing since high school.

How do I put together a WFH outfit?

You don’t have to invest a ton of money in your at-home look. You most likely have many of the pieces you need. Choose outfits that allow comfort without sacrificing your sense of style or sophistication. Show your personality and take the opportunity to be creative.

Changing your clothes can transform your mood and outlook. Yes, even if you’re going from your nighttime cozies to your daytime ones. This action can divide your work life from your home life. As a remote employee, it’s already easy to blend the two, which can impact your mental health. Why would you make it harder by sleeping in your work clothes, or working in your sleep clothes?

Devoting an outfit to my 9 to 5 identity helps me avoid burnout and keep that sacred separation. I know when I change at the end of the day, it’s time to truly relax.

Fashion trends you’ll see in 2023

We’ve established why fashion is important for remote employees. Yet, where should you start when it’s time to go shopping? If your closet is in need of an overhaul, the idea of revamping it can be daunting.

While you don’t have to follow all the latest fads, it helps to know the types of items you’re likely to see in stores. Here are a few looks that are helping to define fashion trends for 2023.

Trend 1: Athleisure is coming back

There was a time when dress wear reigned supreme, but athleisure is the way to go right now. You’ve always been able to count on brands like Nike and Adidas to keep you outfitted in stylish sweats. Now, even high-fashion names are joining the movement. From Dolce & Gabbana to Gucci, you can find athletic wear at almost any retailer.

As you browse all the available options, keep fit top of mind. If possible, try to strike a happy medium between skin-tight and baggy. At either extreme, your clothes could restrict your ability to work. Seek out pieces that look streamlined. Neutral, solid colors and styles can be dressed up or down with accessories.

When I talk about athleisure, I mean clothes that can go from the gym to the grocery store with ease. These are clothes that look appropriate and presentable in public. In other words, I’m not talking about sleepwear. Keep those beloved animal-print PJs in the drawer until it’s time to clock out. You need that coveted work-life balance. It’s almost impossible to achieve if you look the same at noon as you did when you first woke up.

Trend 2: Monochrome outfits are in

The psychology of colors tells us that certain shades evoke different emotions. For instance, red signifies power and strength, so wear it when you want to feel confident. Blue is calming and is perfect for those days when you know you’re going to encounter some high-stress.

While black and white neutrals are always in style, don’t be afraid to add a little personality to your wardrobe. The best part? Monochromatic outfits are one of the top fashion trends for 2023!

This means you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching in an attempt to find complementary hues. Monochrome looks are an easy way to look put together. Find a color you love and wear it all over. This is an easy way to upgrade any outfit, and it also helps you stand out.

Bright colors are eye-catching. Go ahead and rock your favorite all-yellow sweatsuit on that Zoom call. Want to express your inner warmth and conjure a sense of fulfillment? Now’s the time to wear that tangerine hoodie. If you’re looking for a new color to add to your closet, why not try purple? This color projects nobility, luxury, and wisdom. It’s also one of the most popular and trending colors of 2023!

Trend 3: Utility Is In Style

Remember those cargo pants you used to rock in middle school? You might have thought that look died along with grunge rock and Tamagotchis... Surprise! Nineties fashion is back in a big way. It’s up to you whether you complete the look with a chain wallet or scrunchie. These utility-inspired pieces are absolute staples for your work-from-home ensembles.

Why should you embrace this look? One word: POCKETS.

Y2K-inspired pockets don’t only look cool and make a statement. They’re also VERY functional, especially if you don’t have a dedicated office space at home. From your favorite pen to paper clips, notes, and — of course — your cell phone, you’ll be glad to have stylish storage that you can always access.

If the idea of wearing jeans at home sends you into a tailspin, find soft pieces that are utilitarian but not restrictive. Trust me, you’ll never want to take them off.

Embrace Work-From-Home Fashion Trends for 2023

Dressing for work can make a major difference in your confidence level. Your job performance will benefit too. When you make the effort to change your attire, it’s easier to switch on the work part of your brain... even if your body is still in cozy mode.

By embracing fashion trends for 2023, you can find pieces that pull double duty. It's possible to stay comfortable and professional.

This is a key part of balancing your work and home life, but don’t stop there. If you find yourself slipping between the two modes more often than you’d like, Uvaro is here to help. We offer many resources to help you excel without sacrificing a second of your personal time.

Download our Career Success Catalog today to learn how our Coaches are helping thousands of Uvaro members find balance and meaning outside of the traditional 9-5 work grind. And looking good doing it!