With vaccines being distributed worldwide and different school systems opening up, it’s natural that some of us may soon head back to the office. Although the change of scenery and pace may be welcome and exciting, for many of us the change in dress code is not. It’s hard to imagine wearing heels and button-downs after nearly a year in fuzzy slippers and pajamas. But instead of returning to your pre-lockdown work wardrobe, we have some ways you can swap your sloppy favorites for sophisticated pieces without sacrificing comfort.

And the best part? If you’re not returning to the office anytime soon and continue to remain at home, these tips for a comfortable work wardrobe may help you get re-motivated and re-energized in your work!

The unrivaled hero piece in lockdown wardrobes everywhere, sweatshirts have become a uniform for many of us. They’re simple, cozy and feel like a hug. Unfortunately though, they also look too sloppy for the office. Luckily, thick knits are just as cozy (if not more so) and look very professional styled with trousers or under a blazer for cold winter weekdays.

Get the look here: Thick Knit 1 | Thick Knit 2 | Thick Knit 3

Let’s face it. Sometimes, it’s hard to get out of bed, much less get changed. On those days, many of us threw a hijab on top of our PJs for Zoom calls and called it a day. Now that we may be reporting to the office more often, swapping a PJ top for a PJ-style blouse is the perfect comfortable alternative that looks classy but feels lazy.

Get the look here: Pajama-Style Shirt 1 | Pajama-Style Shirt 2 | Pajama-Style Shirt 3

There are so many reasons we love sweatpants but two of the main ones are the ease of mobility and the softness of them. (Also elastic waist, right?) Wide leg trousers are non-restrictive and can be just as soft to wear. They give off a polished look but feel just as comfortable as our sloppy sweats.

Get the look here: Wide Leg Trousers 1 | Wide Leg Trousers 2 | Wide Leg Trousers 3

If you’re like me, you’ve probably used your robe for everything this past year - a prayer outfit, covering up pajamas when you open the door for deliveries, and even as a blanket. Thick long cardigans can serve all of those purposes and more because they also happen to be professional enough to throw on top of any work outfit for more modesty and coziness.

Get the look here: Long Cardigans 1 | Long Cardigan 2 | Long Cardigan 3

Nothing can truly replace fluffy slippers but sneakers are almost as comfortable and a pair in sharp white can be dressed up to business casual. Opt for a minimal design in mostly white to keep your look sleek, and your feet will thank you after a long day at the office. Because even if returning to the office means a few days a week or half-days, it’s going to feel like a weirdly long day!

Get the look here: White Sneakers 1 | White Sneakers 2 | White Sneakers 3

So go ahead and ease into some office wear, whether you're actually headed back to a physical office or continuing to work from home! Either way, transitioning to some more professional (albeit still comfortable and casual) wear maybe just the step we all need.