Centsible Life

Helping Women Live Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier

Work at home fashion #WAHStyle

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My friend Andrea and I were recently discussing our lack of motivation to get dressed and she hatched a brilliant idea to start sharing looks from the work at home mom frontlines. There are many days when you work at home where you turn to workout gear (without going to the gym), yoga pants, or something simple. You’re dressed, but you’re not dressed up. It’s one of the benefits of working from home, but it’s also one of the downfalls. She decided to try ramping up her game, and I was so in!

We’re not talking power suits or button downs, but a step up from whatever I can throw on to make it to the bus stop on time. If you want truth, this is truth. I often don’t get dressed until the kids are all off to school. Even on the rare occasions I drive them you’ll see me in a messy bun, sunglasses (year-round of course), flats I can throw on, and anything that reasonably covers my body. If I could wear a snuggie I would.

But now I’ve started actually getting dressed when they leave…well, most days. Instead of only getting spiffed up when I have someplace to be I take 20 minutes and put on actual clothes. I know what you’re thinking…groundbreaking!

It makes a huge difference in my mood, my productivity, and when I have to inevitably answer the door for a solicitor or the FedEx guy I don’t feel like a total slacker.

Here are a few looks I’ve worn recently with some links to things I love. (Also I need to get a photographer boyfriend stat)


What I’m wearing:

If you want to know more about anything in particular let me know in the comments, but you can find links and lists below. While I don’t officially have a fashion capsule I rarely have more pieces in my closet than 35 or so. I have a handful of dresses for special occasions/work events, but those usually just sit there. Additionally, I have a drawer of about a dozen or so branded tees from various companies. Those are my go-to for most days. Most are super comfy American Apparel tees. (see the FinCon shirt above)

Keep in mind I buy my clothes and keep them until they can’t be used anymore (or until they don’t fit), so some of the items I’m sharing are substitutes. The links below are affiliate links which means I may earn some coffee money if you purchase using my link.

Tees:

Most of my tees are American Giant. They are US made and I scored a big bunch of them when they discontinued colors for a steal. They have a full money back guarantee ANYTIME. They’re soft, well-made, and I just love the way the V necks fit me. Throw in some free tees from FinCon, and a few USA made layers like this slubby textured sweater and a comfy cardigan (similar) from StitchFix and I’m set.

Pants:

I have a stable of jeans and pants I wear throughout the winter and I’m happy to say that pairs of skinny corduroys I had put away 3 years ago finally fit me again! Hallelujah! I rotate between these:

Boots:

I am currently ALL in on boots. My favorite pair of boots is made by Matisse, so I scooped up two more pairs when I found them at DSW at a discount. Similar to these chesnut riding boots, and these black boots. They aren’t trendy or super cool, but they will work for years to come. I’m also eagerly awaiting these Hunter rain boots. I heard from a friend they have them at Costco for $79.99, so I asked for a price adjustment and Nordstrom gave it to me! Gotta love a deal.

Jewelry:

Rocksbox: Most of my jewelry comes from Rocksbox. They’re a jewelry subscription service that sends you three unique pieces picked for your personally. The cost is typically $19 per month and you can decide to buy the pieces at discounted rates or send them back. You can get a free month using code CentsibleLifeXOXO. Let me know what you think,

StudioJewel: StudioJewel is handcrafted jewelry made by my beautiful friend, Lisa Lehmann. Her work is simple incredible! I love the heart necklace because it reminds me of my dear friend Amanda, and that copper and silver piece? STUNNING.

Bag:

My go to bag is my Banana Republic tote (here’s a similar one). It fits everything from my wallet and pouch with all my essentials to my laptop and charging cables.

Keep following the #WAHStyle hashtag on Instagram for more posts, follow Andrea and I, and look out for another fun fashion hashtag on my account soon…(details to come!).

Kelly

About Kelly


Kelly Whalen is the founder and editor of the Centsible Life. She started the blog in 2008 as her family faced a mountain of debt and the fixer upper they purchased became a FIXER UPPER. The website was born out of her desire to share what was working (and what was not) on her family's journey to financial security. Kelly lives in Minneapolis with her family.


Comments

  4. I work in an office but the days I stay home with the kids, if I stay in sweats I get way less done

  5. Love this! I am totally guilty of the yoga pants look 99% of the time. I do feel better when I get dressed, so I’m not sure why I don’t do it a little more often.

  6. You always look cute. If I didn’t look so.. well… round in a tee I would be doing more of them too! I have been doing a #ootd day post but I think I might need to join in on this;).

  8. I can’t wait to see! All my clothes are already existing pieces, pieces I buy from consignment, American-made, or ethically made.

  9. Kelly - this is a fantastic idea! I want to join in on the hashtag - tomorrow (because that is how bad I look today!). My 3 year old sometimes asks me if I am still in my pajamas when I am already dressed :/

  10. Oh, I’m looking forward to joining you! Stepping back from a full-time office job and into WAH life once again, I need to stay motivated to continue to look a little pulled together. At least one step up from PJs, anyway. Love all the American-made suggestions, too!

  11. That’s definitely tough if you’re both home! It doesn’t have to be an everyday thing, but you may surprise yourself with how much you want to do it!

  12. I do get dressed most days - but sometimes that is yoga pants and a shirt/sweater/jacket combo . . .I always do something with my hair and put on my 8 minute face though. =)

  13. I tend to toss on the workout clothes first thing to ensure I get my butt outside as soon as possible - but I really should do more with real clothes, instead of living in yoga pants / leggings (GASP!) and tees!!

  14. My husband and I both work from home and it’s embarrassing how much of the day we spend in our pajamas! Ever since I had a meeting with an impeccably dressed WAHM and discovered she ALWAYS puts herself together, I’ve been meaning to make more of an effort. Maybe you will be my inspiration.

  15. HA! That is some rep you’ve got there. I’m sure all the UPS drivers talk about you. 😉 Seriously I think it has changed my productivity, too.

  17. I really need to do this, at least occasionally. I usually work in whatever I slept in the night before, and I try to drag myself to the shower before the kids get home from school. I think all of the delivery people know me as the mom who never answers the door in a bra.

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