The working from home edit: comfy clothes, desktop upgrades and remote working accessories

Remote working definitely has its perks (hello, no rush hour commute and lunch from your own kitchen).

But let’s be honest – it can also mean days blurring into one long cycle of emails, snacks and questioning whether it’s still socially acceptable to be in your dressing gown at 11am.

Without the usual routine of getting up, getting dressed and heading out the door, the line between work life and home life can get fuzzy fast. When your kitchen table doubles as your office and your sofa is constantly calling your name, staying motivated isn’t always straightforward.

That’s where the right setup comes in.

Whether it’s simple desk upgrades that make your makeshift workspace feel more functional, easy outfit wins that are comfy and camera-ready, or stylish essentials for those days when working from your favourite coffee shop feels like the only option, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make working from home feel that bit more put-together.

Because if we’re answering emails before 9am, we may as well do it in a nice knit.

THE WORKING FROM HOME WARDROBE

As tempting as it is to spend the day in your oldest hoodie (or continue the iconic WFH combo of pyjama bottoms and a “meeting top”), what we wear genuinely impacts how we feel.

No one’s suggesting full office tailoring for your spare room but getting properly dressed can make a surprising difference to your mindset. The sweet spot? Pieces that feel as comfortable as loungewear but still look polished enough for an unexpected Teams call or a quick coffee run.

Think cosy knit trousers, elevated basics, relaxed tailoring and easy co-ords that look effortlessly pulled together.

Because while lockdown dressing absolutely had its era, there’s something about putting on a proper outfit that makes the whole day feel more productive – even if your commute is just downstairs. 

THE MAKESHIFT DESK UPGRADE

Not everyone has the luxury of a Pinterest-worthy home office (or, let’s be honest, the spare room for one), but creating even the smallest dedicated workspace can make a huge difference.

A corner of the kitchen table, a foldaway desk, a few clever storage solutions – sometimes that’s all it takes to create a bit of structure.

Creating some separation between work mode and home mode helps your brain switch on more easily in the morning and, crucially, switch off properly at the end of the day.

From aesthetic desk organisers and practical stationery to mood-boosting finishing touches that make the 3pm slump feel slightly less tragic, these upgrades are equal parts functional and stylish.

Because no one wants spreadsheets hanging around at dinner time.

THE GETTING-OUT-OF-THE-HOUSE ACCESSORIES 

Looking at the same four walls all day, every day isn’t exactly inspiring.

And despite the name, working from home doesn’t mean you actually have to stay there.

Sometimes, a simple change of scenery is the productivity reset you didn’t know you needed. Setting up in your favourite coffee shop, finding a quiet corner somewhere new, or even working from a hotel lounge for a few hours can do wonders for your focus.

There’s something strangely motivating about being surrounded by other people quietly getting on with things — plus, having a decent coffee within arm’s reach doesn’t hurt either.

So if your home setup is starting to feel a little stale, consider this your sign to pack up and head out.

From laptop sleeves and oversized tote bags to planners, pencil cases and water bottles you might actually remember to bring, these are the essentials that make working on the go feel far more seamless.

Because sometimes productivity is just a cute bag and a strong flat white.