Working from home has a lot of perks. I have been super fortunate over the past year-and-a-half to be able to work remotely during the pandemic. While so many people lost their jobs, I was lucky enough to have mine transitioned rather smoothly from working in the office to working in the home. So much so that earlier this year, our positions were actually made full-time remote.
I was (and still am!) so excited about that news. Sure I occasionally miss the social aspects of working in the office, but being able to work from home has been an incredible opportunity. I weirdly feel like I get even more done as a remote worker, not to mention the extra sleep I get each night and all the money I save from not commuting to Downtown Pittsburgh and back every day.
The absolute best part, though, is getting to wear exactly what I want. I was never a big fan of “corporate” work wear. I think it’s a little stuffier than my own personal style. During my three years prior that I spent working in an office, I never felt like I quite nailed a perfect professional look. I disliked spending a lot of money on outfits for work, and trying to marry the items I was actually drawn to when shopping with a corporate dress code felt like an impossible task. Anyone else feel this way?
Now, I can wear things that I love without worrying if they are office-appropriate or not (flashback to constantly throwing a cardigan on in the middle of July even though it’s 100 degrees out so my shoulders don’t show). But having this style freedom also a double-edged sword – like everyone, I am sometimes lazy. Sometimes, I just want to hang out in my pajamas all day while working and not get dressed at all.
While that’s fine and dandy, it definitely doesn’t do wonders for my productivity. So, enter one of my favorite things about the past year: the explosion of new athleisure options available in seemingly every store and at every price point.
As you can imagine, I could not be happier about this. I have incorporated several of these flirty and fun items into my wardrobe that I have been wearing on repeat all summer. You really can’t go wrong with a tennis or golf-inspired skirt, skort or dress – especially as a set. They’re as fashionable as they are functional, and that’s not even to mention their comfort. Perfect for long days working from the home office. Mixing and matching the set pieces allow for endless outfit opportunities. No one will know if you’ve just come from a 9-to-5, the court or from brunch, but you’ll feel fabulous no matter where you’re headed.
I decided to keep this look pretty sporty, pairing my sports bra and skirt set with this 3.1 Phillip Lim Alix Top Handle Bag in the most stunning blue color. This was actually a Christmas gift from my parents last year, and I love this bag. It’s such a unique designer bag that I never see anywhere. I am thinking about adding the burgundy or green version to my wishlist for fall. I rounded the outfit out with my Veja Campo sneakers (I LOVE THESE. If you are looking for a sneaker – get them. You will not regret it) and my Gorjana necklace I wear basically every day.
More of my favorite athleisure items are below!
Sustainable Skort
I own this ultra high-waisted skort in several different colors. It’s a great option if you love the idea of a cropped set, but want to feel more covered up. The color is perfect for summer days but will transition well into fall with a sweater tied over your shoulders. This skort is under $60 and sustainable – it’s made from recycled water bottles.
Exercise Dress
Workout dresses are everywhere right now – and for good reason. This one in particular is a favorite of mine. It has built-in shorts underneath, comes in an array of colors, is under $100 and has such light and airy fabric. It’s perfect for a hot summer’s day.
