The pandemic was almost 4 years ago, but life as we know it is completely different than it was some years ago. A big part of adjusting to our “new normal” has been, for many, working from home. As a result, our workwear needs and mindsets have shifted drastically. Gone are the days of form-fitting pencil skirts, starchy blouses and structured blazers, they’ve been replaced by the most  comfortable clothing we can find online.  Now that we’ve had a taste of how workwear could, (and dare we say should) be, it’s unlikely that we’ll be giving up our new comfy uniforms anytime soon, regardless of whether we’re headed back to the office or not. It begs the question - why was workwear ever uncomfortable in the first place? It’s time for our closets to be updated to reflect the need for comfort in our life during this uncertain time. 

2020 showed us that we can do hard things. We can preserve. We can pivot. We can take on new challenges and change our ways of working on a dime. It showed us that we can work from home and still be great employees. We don’t need that  Devil-Wears-Prada-inspired skirt suit to rock that pitch. We can do it in our favourite pair of Dressy Sweatpants. It’s no secret that we were never a fan of uncomfortable clothes, but this year, we’re putting our stake in the ground. 

At Encircled, we’ve long been of the mindset that we don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort, we can have it all. We’re leading the movement in making it okay for both comfort and style to be leading factors in what you wear - at home, at work and everywhere in between.

If you’re still trying to figure out how to transform your capsule wardrobe with pieces that look good, feel good, and are work-appropriate, we’re here to help. We’ve done a roundup of our favourite comfy workwear outfit ideas because we’re here to lead the Comfy Workwear Revolution. Join us, won’t you?

1. Silk Blouse - Comfy Dress Shirt

If you love the look of a flowy blouse, our Comfy Dress Shirt is the perfect alternative. The soft and sustainable blend of Modal fabric drapes beautifully, so it looks like your favourite silk blouse, but feels like PJ’s. The length of the top is ideal for tucking (or french tucking) into your Dressy Sweatpants, or can also be styled with a pair of leggings and worn tunic-style. The V-neckline is both flattering and appropriate for virtual meetings and is sure to be a staple in your new comfy workwear capsule wardrobe.

2. Slacks - The Dressy Sweatpant

If there’s one structured workwear piece we’re especially ready to say goodbye to, it’s uncomfortable and stiff work pants. Working remotely? Grocery run? Dog walk? Our best-selling Dressy Sweatpant can be your go-to staple for any occasion. Really...we can't think where you couldn't rock them. Whether you're dressing up or down, these luxuriously soft, comfortable and stylish pants will have you feeling all kinds of confident.

 3. Blazer - The Unblazer

One of the best ways to elevate an outfit is to add in a beautiful blazer. Whether working from the office or putting on a blazer over jeans, we love the style! However, we saw a need for an unstructured blazer that feels as great as it looks, and it’s why we created our now beloved Unblazer. It’s sleek and polished, yet feels like you’re wearing a sweatshirt and is the perfect layering piece for any work-from-home outfit.

4. Fitted Midi Set - The Luxe ShapeKnit Sweater and The Luxe Shape Midi Skirt

Those that have previously worked in formal office settings are likely to have at least one stiff, fitted midi dress or skirt in their closets. Though we’re all for the notion of simplifying our lives by throwing on a single piece, we draw the line at anything that doesn’t allow us to move around freely and comfortably. The Luxe Shapeknit set feels like you’re wearing your favourite sweatsuit, but features a beautiful feminine silhouette. 

5. Camisole - The Evolve Top 

The epitome of effortlessness, the versatile Evolve Top is the camisole alternative you’ve been searching for. Unlike camisoles, which generally require something worn over top so as not to bare too much skin, the Evolve Top looks just as good (and work appropriate) on its own as it does layered under a cardigan or the Unblazer. With 8 completely different styling options, the Evolve Top is perfect for any occasion.

6. Tailored Suit - The Oversized Ponte Blazer

If your mornings are chaotic and you’re looking for a wardrobe staple that you can throw on and style easily for virtual meetings, look no further! Our Oversized ponte Blazer is a new take on the power suit, and getting dressed has never been easier. Made from stretchy LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Ponte blend, it balances softness with structure. Plus, it's machine washable!

7. A-line Skirt - The BeyondSoft Scuba A-line Skirt

We realize that there are many who may miss dressing up for work now that we’ve been working from home for so long. If you’ve traditionally enjoyed wearing something dressier to the office but still want to take part in the Comfy Workwear Revolution, the BeyondSoft Scuba A-line Skirt will be the perfect fit for you. Featuring a flattering A-line silhouette and made in a soft, breathable and 4-way stretch scuba fabric.

We now invite you to join us by saying YES to the Comfy Workwear Revolution. 

We are all rooted in the belief that you don’t need to compromise when it comes to your wardrobe. Join our newsletter to be the first in the know of our launches and projects.

You can have it all. Comfort, style, versatility, ethics, quality and (genuine) sustainability.

We want you to have a wardrobe that does it all.

Which uncomfortable workwear item are you most looking forward to ditching this year? Let us know in the comments!