The COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread shift to work-from-home arrangements had a notable impact on fashion trends in Australia, as comfort, functionality, and practicality became paramount. Here’s how these changes influenced Australian fashion:
Rise of Loungewear and Comfy Fashion
- Soft Fabrics and Relaxed Fits: As people spent more time at home, clothing comfort took precedence. Loose-fitting styles, soft fabrics like cotton and bamboo, and cozy loungewear items like sweatpants, leggings, and oversized hoodies became wardrobe essentials.
- Matching Loungewear Sets: Matching tracksuit sets and coordinated loungewear pieces emerged as a popular trend, offering a balance between comfort and a put-together look for home and occasional video calls.
- Transition to All-Day Wear: Many people wanted versatile outfits that could seamlessly shift from morning routines to work calls and evening relaxation. This led to styles that were both comfortable and presentable, like knit dresses and loose, structured tops.
Athleisure Becomes Everyday Wear
- Expansion Beyond the Gym: Athleisure, already popular in Australia, became a mainstay for work-from-home attire. Leggings, bike shorts, and performance fabrics found their way into everyday outfits, as they offered a mix of comfort, flexibility, and style.
- Focus on High-Quality Essentials: With people investing in fewer but better items, high-quality athleisure from brands like Lululemon, PE Nation, and Nimble became increasingly popular. These pieces combined durability with style, catering to both active and leisure lifestyles.
Minimalism and Capsule Wardrobes
- Simplified Wardrobes: With a decrease in social events and daily commutes, people shifted away from fast fashion and seasonal trends toward more versatile, timeless pieces. Capsule wardrobes became popular, focusing on high-quality basics that could be mixed and matched easily.
- Neutral Color Palettes: Reflecting a minimalist approach, neutrals like beige, black, white, and earth tones dominated, allowing for an easily interchangeable wardrobe. This trend also responded to the muted aesthetics of home-based lifestyles.
Elevated Work-From-Home Office Clothes
- “Zoom-Ready” Tops: Video conferencing shaped the need for polished, camera-friendly tops, like collared shirts, blouses, and casual blazers, while bottoms remained casual or loungewear.
- Statement Accessories: Accessories like earrings, necklaces, and headbands became popular as people looked for easy ways to elevate their Zoom look without much effort. For many, the focus shifted to the top half of the outfit.
- Comfortable Yet Polished Pieces: Knitwear like ribbed tops, cardigans, and pullovers offered a more polished alternative to loungewear while retaining comfort, catering to the need for “smart casual” work-from-home attire.
Increase in Sustainable and Local Shopping
- Support for Local Brands: Lockdowns and disruptions to global supply chains fueled support for Australian-made and local brands. Many consumers turned to small businesses and eco-conscious brands for locally sourced and crafted clothing.
- Emphasis on Sustainability: The pandemic heightened awareness around sustainability, prompting people to prioritize sustainable materials, ethical production practices, and eco-friendly brands. Brands like Outland Denim, Kowtow, and The Common Good Company gained popularity for their environmental and ethical standards.
Footwear Shift to Comfort and Practicality
- Rise of Slippers and Slides: With most time spent indoors, comfort-focused footwear like slippers, slides, and cushioned sandals became popular. Ugg boots, for instance, saw renewed popularity as a cozy, warm choice during cooler months.
- Decline in Heels and Formal Footwear: Demand for heels and formal shoes dropped sharply, with sneakers and slip-on flats replacing them as the go-to footwear for both in-home wear and brief outings. As people emerged from lockdowns, white sneakers and casual loafers became popular for their comfort and versatility.
Personal Expression and Colourful Loungewear
- Bright, Uplifting Colours and Patterns: Although neutral loungewear dominated initially, many people began seeking more colorful and fun clothing as a mood booster. Brands introduced tie-dye, bright pastels, and playful prints to offer a sense of optimism during uncertain times.
- DIY and Customisation: With the surge of home bound creativity, DIY projects like tie-dye and upcycled fashion became popular. Many individuals tried customising their existing wardrobes, reflecting a move towards personalisation and self-expression.
Function-First Outerwear for Local Travel
- Utility and Comfort for Local Adventures: As international travel restrictions shifted attention to local getaways, Australians embraced functional outerwear suited to domestic travel and outdoor activities, like hiking and beach trips. Weatherproof jackets, all-terrain sneakers, and practical crossbody bags gained popularity for local exploration.
- Resurgence of Classic Australian Outerwear: Iconic Australian brands like R.M. Williams and Driza-Bone saw renewed interest, as they offered durability and classic style for outdoor activities and rural settings, aligning with the “stay local” movement.
Demand for Multi-Purpose and Layering Pieces
- Layering for Versatility: Layering pieces like cardigans, turtlenecks, and shackets (shirt-jackets) became essential for adapting to different temperatures indoors and outdoors. These items offered comfort, warmth, and adaptability for the work-from-home setting.
- Multi-Use Pieces: Versatile items, such as reversible jackets or dresses that could be styled multiple ways, gained traction as people focused on getting the most utility out of fewer pieces.
Return to Individuality Post-Lockdown
- Expressive Outfits for Social Gatherings: As restrictions lifted, people began embracing bolder, more expressive fashion choices. This included vibrant colours, eclectic prints, and unique styles that allowed for self-expression after months of home confinement.
- Mix of Casual and Dressy: Post-lockdown, Australians sought a balance between comfort and style, with outfits that were both practical for day-to-day activities and dressy enough for social outings. Hybrid looks—like casual dresses paired with sneakers—bridged the gap between loungewear and formal fashion.
Choose Work-from-Home Clothes that make you feel comfortable
Leggings and Sweatpants
Leggings and sweatpants have become essential components of our work-from-home wardrobe, perfectly balancing comfort and style. As you get dressed for your workday, these comfy clothes allow you to look professional while working remotely. With the rise of wfh style, outfits for 2024 are leaning towards business casual that incorporates stretchy materials, making them ideal for both home office settings and casual meetings via video call. You can easily pair a classic tee with your yoga pants or layer a button-down over your favorite leggings for a chic yet relaxed work attire.
When you’re working from home, it’s important to choose clothes that not only enhance your personal style but also boost your productivity. I’m obsessed with how sweatpants can be dressed up with a stylish jumpsuit or combined with New Balance sneakers for that effortless work-from-home fashion. Remember, the right work clothes can make working from home feel just as professional as being in the office, without sacrificing the comfort of gym clothes. Prioritising skincare and a polished look is just as important, ensuring you’re always ready for that unexpected video call.
Sweatshirts
When it comes to work-from-home fashion, sweatshirts have become a staple in my work-from-home wardrobe. They perfectly blend chic aesthetics with the comfort of comfy clothes. Whether you’re working from home in a home office or heading to the office, a stylish sweat can elevate your office outfits. Personally, I love to don a fitted sweatshirt over a button-down shirt for a business casual look. Pairing it with yoga pants or gym clothes makes for the perfect wfh outfit that still manages to look professional.
As we move towards outfits for 2024, I’m obsessed with how sweatshirts can fit into work attire. They are not only stretchy and comfortable, but they also allow for a personal touch in your wfh style. While I enjoy getting dressed for my workday, I’ve noticed that wearing a cozy sweatshirt has positively affected my productivity. I can easily transition from a tee to a jumpsuit without losing that relaxed vibe. With brands like New Balance, we can make working from home a stylish affair while keeping our workwear fresh and relevant.
Joggers
When it comes to work-from-home fashion, joggers have become an essential part of my work-from-home wardrobe. These comfy clothes are not only stretchy and perfect for lounging, but they can also be styled to look professional during a workday. Pairing joggers with a chic button-down or a casual tee transforms them into a polished wfh outfit that’s both stylish and functional. I’m obsessed with how easy it is to make office outfits effortlessly comfortable without sacrificing personal style.
As you’re working from home, incorporating joggers into your work attire can truly affect your productivity. Mixing them with a tailored jumpsuit or even yoga pants allows for versatility in your wfh style. For 2024, the focus is on business casual that maintains that laid-back feel while remaining chic. And let’s not forget the importance of skincare while working remotely; looking good and feeling good are key to success in a home office setting. With brands like New Balance leading the charge, it’s clear that comfy yet stylish work clothes are here to stay.
Embracing WFH to strike the perfect balance
The shift to remote work, combined with changing social dynamics, has reshaped Australian fashion to prioritise comfort, function, and sustainability. Fashion in Australia has evolved to meet the demands of a new lifestyle, focusing on versatility, individuality, and a balanced approach to both comfort and style.
