Post-pandemic, working from home has become the new norm for many, bringing with it a relaxed dress code that often favors comfort over style. While yoga pants (and when I say yoga pants, I mean leggings) have become a go-to staple, there are plenty of stylish and more versatile alternatives that are equally comfortable. In this blog post, we'll explore a variety of options that offer the perfect blend of comfort and style, ensuring you look and feel your best while tackling your daily tasks from the comfort of your home. Say goodbye to the monotony of yoga pants and discover your new favorite work-from-home outfits!

Like a lot of people, I began working from home when the pandemic started in March 2020. I started a new job in April 2021. The company I work for doesn't have a local office, so since then I've been working from home 100% of the time. During the pandemic, I lived in yoga pants and sweatpants. But once the pandemic ended and I now had the opportunity to be out and about in the world again, I wanted something different from my yoga pants. Don't get me wrong. Yoga pants have their place. If I'm going to work out after work, I may wear my yoga pants all day, but on days when I just plan to be home all day or when I have other appointments, I like having other options. 

The key to finding a pair of pants as comfortable as yoga pants is the stretch. Spandex is your friend! Pants that back in the day had absolutely no stretch, like jeans and chinos, are now made in blended fabrics that can feel like you're wearing pajamas. Besides stretch in the actual fabric of the pant, stretch can also come in the form of an elastic waistband. I've noticed that in our post-pandemic society, elastic waistbands are no longer just for sweatpants. I've seen dress trousers with elastic waistbands. I'm a huge fan of pants where the elastic waistband is only in the back - best of both worlds in my opinion. 

While we're on the topic of stretch, every pair of pants that I buy has to pass the "squat test":

If the pants don't have any or enough give when I do the squat test, I don't buy them. There are so many pant options out there. Don't settle for a pair of pants that doesn't pass the squat test!

Since my focus in this post is the pants, I've purposely limited the number of tops I show here.  All of the tops are knits - three are T-shirts while the fourth is a lightweight summer sweater. I'm also wearing flip flops in all the photos, my shoe of choice working from home during the summer (I have hardwood floors so don't like to go barefoot and socks are just too warm for this time of year :)). Note that any of the outfits below can be dressed up, depending on the occasion. Also, I am not a paid affiliate for any of the items linked here. I'm just a happy customer making a recommendation!

With a similar silhouette but made of fabrics other than that of traditional sweatpants, elevated joggers are sweatpants' tonier cousin. Elevated joggers are one of my favorite work from home pants. The top pair are the Dash Jetsetters from Albion Fit. The bottom pair are the Destination Joggers in Windowpane, also from Albion Fit. Albion Fit is great because they offer a range of sizes from XXS to XXXL. They offer petite and tall sizes as well. The zipper at the bottom of each pant leg on the Dash Jetsetters is both functional and aesthetic. The elastic at the bottom of each pant leg on the Destination Joggers may be too constricting for some. If you try them on and find that to be the case, Albion Fit offers free returns and exchanges. Both pairs of pants are made from nylon, which is wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, which makes them great for travel. I wore both pairs of pants for several days while in Portugal recently and enjoyed my vacation in comfort! 

When jeans have enough stretch, they rival a good pajama pant. For summer, I've been enjoying wearing the kick crop (aka the cropped flare or demi boot) style, which is essentially a cropped bootcut. The kick crop is a great alternative for those who love skinny jeans and like to show their curves. Both options above are from LOFT. If you haven't tried the jeans at LOFT, you must! The jeans have just the right amount of stretch and in my experience don't bag out after a few hours of wear.  They also regularly cycle in new jean trends and offer a wide range of styles and colors. Because LOFT has frequent promotions and you can get a good pair of quality jeans at an affordable price, you can justify trying that new jean trend to see if it's for you.

A flowy midi or maxi skirt, especially one with an elastic waistband like the patterned option below, is hard to beat from a comfort perspective. As long as the skirt fits at the waist, you're good to go!

It doesn't get any easier than a dress or jumpsuit - it's literally the perfect one and done outfit.

And when the dress has a smocked bodice and a-line silhouhette like the Anjuli Nap Dress in Midnight Garden from Hill House Home, it again doesn't get more comfortable! A dress with a smocked bodice is flattering on so many body types. Hill House Home offers a wide variety of sleeve styles, lengths, fabrics and patterns. Many of their patterned dresses, like the one I'm wearing, are limited edition. Among its varied dress offerings, Quince offers a very similar style dress in various colors at a more affordable price point, like the 100% Organic Cotton Smocked Midi Dress.