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Tops & More for Video Calls and Working From Home

April 8, 2020 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

So many of us are now doing video conferencing – often multiple times a day. It is nice to have something pretty and polished up on top for the camera, and something comfortable and soft on the bottom half.

One idea is go through the closet and cull some of the more colorful and fun blouses, sweaters and tops you already own. Take a look at the condition and if they are decent and still feel good, and seem appropriate, put them in one spot to grab right now for working at home. Nothing says you have to remain in a sweatshirt all day, and with a bright or pretty top half you’ll feel more professional and pulled together. Do the same with a few fun earrings and necklaces. Play around with what you may not have worn for a while- even some more evening things like a larger or sparkly earring or velvet top. The things you wear to work may be more basic, but this is a good time to infuse a little color and flair to your work look that will translate to some style over video.

If you’ve canvassed the closet and are still coming up empty, here’s a few good tops and comfortable bottoms that can get you through the next few months of this.

This Anthro T shirt caught my eye with its feminine and fun sleeve with comfy appeal of it being a tee.

This pretty cotton tie-dye button-down comes in a cool blue, a bright pink and citron color. This blouse would be a nice transition piece into your summer wardrobe too.

I love Liberty and this new J.Crew popover is TDF. It’s now 50% with code REFRESH. This feels like spring and I adore the ruffled collar.

Some cute details on this simple and pretty black blouse from Loft. Sale now 40% off with code Spring.

I love this blue floral blouse with a unique peplum back- also on sale at Loft.


Adore this blouse, which looks like the top of a 1940’s tea dress.

J.Crew has a sweater blazer that has been a long running customer favorite and if you are chilly at home it is a perfect compromise between polished and cozy. Layer your favorite t-shirt under add a cute pair of earrings and you are video ready.

I also found this appealing puff sleeve top with whimsical prints in several colors. You can wear it buttoned up also.

Let’s talk bottoms now. So if you have some sweats that feel decent maybe you are fine. It might be nice to add a pair of black or neutral elastic waisted pants though that have pockets to the mix. Those will feel as good as sweats, but look a bit more polished for work at home, and even for travel someday. I found these highly rated ones which come in petite and plus sizes as well.

Loft has a cute pull on wide leg pant that is chic and modern and these are now 40% off with code SPRING.

I like this version of a soft cropped cargo pant in carbon, which also comes in a khaki and off white, is on sale now for $58 from $98.

These Eileen Fisher Crop Stretch knit pants are beautifully made and if you work from home all the time, you should have a pair in your wardrobe. People swear by these for travel too. Also 25% off now.

In the accessory department, just a few ideas to add polish.. How about using a scarf tied around a pony tail- a chic and easy thing to do when you haven’t done your hair. You could also try this scrunchie I love from J.Crew.

Madewell has many cute barrettes and hair accessories like this stone one.

This hair pin reminds me of the 70’s ones made of leather..

These hoops would add some sparkle and movement to your look.

Something with a modern shape and sparkle..

These flower earrings would pop on video and come in a pretty blue and tortoise color too.

I have these hoops in the crystal version, but the blue is lovely too.

Something about these resin hoops in ombre I really like. They also come in an aqua.

I also like the white enamel on these beaded hoops from Madewell.

You may want to get out of socks and slippers as the weather warms up and for comfort at home, Birkenstocks are the next best thing. These white Siena Sandals will be cute enough to wear on the outside world when we finally leave home.

These eyelet sneakers would be nice look paired with any of those black pants. I love the silver, but they also come in pink, khaki and white.

Have any other ideas for work from home dressing that you can share? How is everyone managing this? Liking it or not? I know my husband is and his group are really getting used to it and actually liking it.

I am thinking of you all now. How are you are managing being in and taking care of you and your families? More helpful posts in the pipeline. I will post on Instagram daily things too.

Take care and hang in there everyone.

xo

Kim

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Filed Under: Style

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. cindy says

    April 8, 2020 at 1:21 pm

    Hi Kim
    I love those liberty of London shirts from J Crew. I have a couple perfect shirt versions. Those harem pants from Anthro would look fabulous on you. Hopefully soon we can enjoy getting together again! We will have to meet up in SC

    • kimwheeler says

      April 8, 2020 at 3:25 pm

      Thanks Cindy. I really am thinking about getting this Liberty blouse now that it’s half off. I still wear all my Liberty tops from years ago. I hope we can meet soon. I am dreaming of the time we were free and could go wherever. Soon I hope.. Stay safe! xoxo

  2. LA CONTESSA says

    April 8, 2020 at 4:40 pm

    ALL LOVELY PICKS BY KIM!
    AS AN OLDER WOMAN who rarely leaves the HOUSE these days…….I find my leggings or exercise pants under a long CAFTAN have been MY GO TO COMFORTABLE LOOK!I am ALWAYS COLD so have the CASHMERE SOCKS on and a LUMPY SWEATER ON THAT WAS MY FATHERS!
    BE WELL DOWN THERE SOUTH OF ME AND THE ITALIAN…………………..XX

    • kimwheeler says

      April 16, 2020 at 3:53 am

      Elizabeth, I’ve love that look with the leggings and caftan over- very flattering. I did not know you have a sweater under also. I have to try that! It’s been warm down here! xoxo

  3. Lorna says

    April 8, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Wow you’ve put together a bunch of lovely things. So many pretty tops and earrings.

    • kimwheeler says

      April 16, 2020 at 3:52 am

      Thanks so much Lorna. I hope you are staying safe and doing well. xx

  4. Jen says

    April 12, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    I have a lot of conference calls right now for classes I’m taking. I wear comfy jeans (the oversized ones to accommodate pandemic snacking!) and nice tops. I bought the J. Crew popover in the blue liberty print and a couple of Isabel Marant liberty prints on sale. I’m really craving florals right now! Stay safe! Xx

    • kimwheeler says

      April 16, 2020 at 3:50 am

      Jen, I also have been wearing my comfy jeans. I didn’t see the blue popover. I bet it was pretty. I love everything floral now also! Take care Jen. xo

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