Hybrid work wardrobe: 7 smart tips for dressing in the new work era

Remember when getting dressed for work was simple? You had your “work clothes” and your “home clothes,” and never the twain shall meet. Well, those days are officially over.

With hybrid work now the norm for millions of North American professionals, our wardrobes need to work as flexibly as our schedules. In fact, a whopping 79% of hybrid workers report dressing differently depending on whether they’re at home or in their employer’s office.

The challenge? Your wardrobe now needs to work for video calls from your kitchen, in-person meetings downtown, casual office days and everything in between. The good news? Building a hybrid wardrobe doesn’t mean buying more clothes — it means buying smarter clothes that work harder across different settings.

Here are seven practical tips to help you dress confidently for whatever your hybrid workweek throws at you:

1. 1. Create your “Zoom-ready” capsule

      Since video calls are now a regular part of hybrid work, designate a few tops that look polished on camera. Choose solid hues or subtle patterns (busy designs can be distracting on screen), flattering necklines and colors that complement your skin tone. The best part?

2. 2. Invest in comfortable professional bottoms
      

      Here’s a game-changer: pull-on trousers and tailored pants with stretch fabrics. Look for high-rise, tapered styles that provide all-day comfort without sacrificing polish. These can pair with a sweater for work-from-home days or a blazer for important meetings.

3. 3. Build with neutral foundations
      

      Neutrals like navy, charcoal, beige and white are your best friends in a hybrid wardrobe. Why? They mix and match effortlessly, creating dozens of outfit combinations from a smaller collection of pieces. Start with these foundational colors, then add personality through interesting accessories.

4. 4. Master the art of layering

      Moving between a cool home office and an overheated meeting room? Layering is essential. Keep quality cardigans, blazers and lightweight sweaters accessible. These pieces add visual interest, create different looks from the same basics and provide practical temperature control. A simple white tee becomes meeting-ready with the right blazer or cardigan.
      

5. 5. Choose footwear that works for your commute

      If you’re commuting to the office, your shoes need to handle both travel comfort and professional presence. Invest in quality loafers, ballet flats, ankle boots or comfortable heeled options that don’t require breaking in.

6. 6. Don’t abandon grooming on work-from-home days

      Yes, it’s tempting to skip the basics when you’re not heading to the office, but maintaining a polished appearance — even on camera from home — affects how you feel and how others perceive you. Clean, neatly styled hair and wrinkle-free clothes boost your confidence and project professionalism, whether you’re on a video call or running into a colleague at the grocery store.

7. 7. Prioritize quality over quantity

      Research shows that professionals value quality above all other factors when buying work clothes. One high-quality blazer worn multiple ways will serve you better than three cheaper alternatives that pill or fade after a season. Invest in pieces that last, maintain their shape and look polished through repeated wear and washing.

The bottom line? With a strategic approach focused on comfort, versatility and quality, you can build a wardrobe that adapts to your unique hybrid rhythm while keeping you looking polished and feeling confident.

What’s your hybrid work wardrobe strategy? Do you have pieces you love that work for both home and office? Share your tips and recommendations with the Shop Talk community!

Did you know? The capsule wardrobe advantage

A thoughtfully curated capsule wardrobe of just 12 to 20 essential pieces can create over 100 outfit combinations. That means you can look professional and polished every day while actually owning fewer clothes.