Wardrobe Essentials for the Return to Work

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

Neutral Rebel is not my full-time job (yet). I also work in public policy in Washington, D.C. and, 14 months after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, my organization has started going back to the office twice a week.

I know many others have been, or soon will be, back in the office, as well. It’s felt like forever since we’ve worn real clothes (aka not pajamas). Like, what are pants with a button? Don’t even get me started on heels.

And because it’s felt so long since we’ve worn human clothes that we would wear anywhere other than our home, it might also feel like forever since you’ve refreshed your wardrobe for the office. For me, it felt like the first day of school and I wanted to wear a brand new outfit (I want a new outfit for every occasion, but that’s beside the point). Your colleagues haven’t seen you neck down since March 2020 — so maybe it’s time to make an impression!

Workplaces vary in levels of formality. In my field, particularly in D.C., office dress codes tend to be more business professional (suit, dress, close-toed shoes) or business casual (non-denim pants, dressy top, nice shoes that aren’t sneakers or flip-flops). On the flip side, my brother works in tech and literally wears a hoodie to work everyday — one day maybe we’ll have menswear 😉.

For offices that have a more business casual or smart casual (dark jeans allowed) dress code, Neutral Rebel offers some great workplace wardrobe essentials tucked neatly into a collection on our website here.

Wrapped Up Polka Dot Dress ($59.50) | Small Gold Hoop Earrings ($36.00) | Theresa Wide-Leg Crepe Pants ($42.50)

Down to Business Tie-Waist Blazer Coat ($50.00) | Annie Ribbed Sleeveless Turtleneck Top ($35.00) | Molly Espadrille Mule ($35.00)

Of course I believe neutrals suit any occasion, but the office is an especially suitable place for a neutral wardrobe. Although we spend at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week at the same place doing the same thing, we typically have a smaller subset of clothes for that purpose compared to the rest of our closet, which is dedicated to casualwear, formalwear, etc.

As a result, we end up wearing the same few things over and over again. This is totally acceptable, but having a neutral palette for workwear makes mixing and matching so much easier! That way, you won’t you look like you’re wearing the same pants twice a week even if you are. That’s the ultimate philosophy behind Neutral Rebel — functionality and versatility.

If you’re returning to the office soon, check out our website and shop now for an office wardrobe refresh! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for 10% off your first purchase 🛍️.

xoxo,

Neutral Rebel Team of 1