Wardrobe Essentials: Quarantine & Recovery Edition

If you’re like me and have been working from home for the last 6+ months, or if you are also like me and you’re recovering from surgery then you’ve probably been wearing a little more lounge wear than normal. Today, I share my lounge wear essentials for dressing through recovery and quarantine, whether you’re going to work, running errands, or just lounging around the house on the weekend.

I cannot tell a lie, I have only worn jeans or real pants maybe 3 times since the end of January. After my last three brain surgeries (which two of those resulted in abdominal scars) I have worn nothing but loungewear both at home and out and about. In fact, I put on a pair of jeans the other day and it felt like my body yelled at me to take the damn things off! However, whether you need to be ready for WebEx/Zoom work calls, or you want to look somewhat decent going out and about to run errands, but you don’t want to give up the comfort of the clothes you’ve become accustomed too, then this post is for you. I’ve found the happy balance between looking put together for both the public eye and work calls while still being comfortable, and today I’ll share my lounge wear wardrobe go-to’s with you.

The Loungewear Essentials List

1.) Black Leggings - I think that it should be a part of almost everyone’s wardrobe to own a pair or two (or in my case 6) of black leggings. They are the perfect item to dress up or dress down. My favorite brand is Fabletics, owned by actress and health activist Kate Hudson. I’ve owned many pairs of leggings in my life, but these are by far the best. They all have a wide top band great for holding your leggings up and sucking in that extra 15 (or more) of quarantine pounds that you may have gained, or giving you shape if you’re just naturally a little curvy like myself. They give you a great figure, are durable and strong, hold their stretch and shape, and are extremely comfortable. The best deal is to become a VIP Member of Fabletics. By signing up, you get your first two pairs of leggings for $24, you get handpicked outfits each month for you, plus access to amazing sales and deals. You can skip your subscription each month so your card isn’t charged if don’t feel like purchasing, and there are no penalties for skipping. Link below to their website to see their wide variety of leggings and sports wear, and to shop my favorite pair of Fabletics leggings.

2.) Lightweight, Open Front, Long Length Cardigan - Gray/Heather Gray Color - Gray/Light Gray/Heather Gray cardigans go with EVERYTHING. You can wear them with black leggings, a colored top, you can dress them up or dress them down. I have a favorite that I wear from Loft Outlet that is a lightweight heather gray color. I wear it over button down shirts, printed or solid blouses, or if I am going real casual, t-shirts. Add a little accessory with a solid or print top with your leggings and you are good to go for those work calls or to run some errands. I also found that it’s easy to pack when I am traveling or when I am going to the hospital. Although I’ve had my Loft Outlet one for years, I recently purchased one at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet over the weekend, and it’s on sale for 60% off! Link to shop is below. This is a wardrobe must have in my opinion!

3.) Basic Crew Neck or V-Neck T-Shirts - Having a good selection of basic t-shirts allows you to dress up or dress down your outfit, whether it’s with leggings, or even when you’re back in the office and end up wearing dress pants or jeans. I have found over the last couple of years that printed or striped shirts don’t always look flattering on the camera, and can distort the image when on video conference calls. Therefore, having a selection of solid color shirts to choose from for those days where you are doing work calls is super beneficial. I like to wear my gray cardigan or any cardigan I may have, with a light or dark colored top, and a little bit of jewelry to dress it up. My go-to colors are usually dark greens, maroons, beige/off white colors, light pink, or black/navy. Gray cardigans really work well with most of those colors, especially if you are already wearing black leggings, but I have dark colored cardigans, black cardigans, or other lighter neutral colored cardigans as well, so I can mix it up. I love the basic crew neck shirts from Old Navy, and they are really inexpensive. Link below to shop and to explore more options visit oldnavy.com.

3.) Cowl Neck Sweater, Regular & Tunic Length - I am OBSESSED with sweaters and I love fall weather for the simple fact that I get to wear sweaters almost every day. My favorite outfit is usually a comfy cowl neck sweater with a pair of skinny jeans and flats, or leggings and either boots or flats. Being that we are home, I would in no way punish myself by wearing skinny jeans, so leggings are obviously my current go-to. Most sweaters pretty much sit right at the hips, so it’s a perfect length to wear with leggings, but I also love a good tunic length sweater as well. These are easy to dress up with large earrings or a long necklace. Again, they are also comfy and warm for the fall/winter months. Below is a great option from ModCloth for a Cowl Neck sweater that is similar to some of the ones that I have owned for a while and absolutely love.

4.) Tunic Tops - These have become a staple for me. The first one I purchased was back when I was still recovering from the first two brain surgeries. My oversized button up shirts and t-shirts were getting a little old and I wanted something comfortable that I could also wear out and look decent in. It was a Marshall’s find and is by BCBGeneration and is one of my favorite tunics/dresses that I still wear today. Since then, I find that swing dresses are another great option, as they tend to run a little on the short side, so they pair well with leggings. Tunics also work great with long cardigans, and are easy to dress up/dress down in the summer, fall, winter, and spring months, making this an easy staple item to have on hand in your closet all year round. Link below to a cute option at the LOFT Outlet and visit www.loftoutlet.com to discover more.

5.) Flats/TOMS - Toms have been my go-to shoe of choice since I was in college. They versatile, last a long time, easy to pack, and super comfortable. TOMS as a company has really expanded their shoe line from their Classic Slip-On that they were known for, to now carrying sandals, wedge heels, boots, dress flats, and more. The Classic Slip-On is my favorite and they come in such a large array of colors and prints for you to choose from. These shoes essentially go with everything, and are great around the house or even in the office footwear. With their large array of options now, you can purchase options for more formal events or casual days out. Link below to shop the Classic Slip-On and visit www.toms.com to explore more options!

While these are only a few items that I would consider “the essentials” they actually make up 75%-85% of my own personal wardrobe that I wear daily. Do you have some recovery/quarantine wardrobe essentials that you cannot live without? What has been your go-to clothing for working from home? Drop a comment or even a shopping link below with your personal wardrobe favorites!