The Surprising Unspoken Truth About Working from Home

Changing Clothes with Intent: How Outfit Changes Boost Productivity and Balance

Working from home has introduced a lot of unexpected habits into my daily routine, but none as surprising as the number of outfit changes I go through in a single day. Initially, I thought this was just me being indecisive, but I’ve realized that these wardrobe shifts are key to staying focused, energised, and balanced. If you’re wondering whether all these changes are worth it, let me take you through my day and show you why this routine works for me.

The Cognitive Shifts Linked to Clothing Choices When Working from Home

Psychologists have long recognized that clothing isn't just about aesthetics or functionality—it plays a crucial role in how we think, feel, and behave. This concept, known as enclothed cognition, suggests that the clothes we wear can influence our psychological processes, such as attention, confidence, and even our ability to perform certain tasks.

Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that participants who wore a lab coat—a garment associated with attentiveness and carefulness—performed better on tasks requiring focused attention compared to those who did not wear the coat. The mere act of wearing the coat seemed to "prime" the participants' minds for certain behaviours and thought patterns. When we apply this to our work-from-home routine, it becomes clear that the various outfit changes throughout the day may be more than just practical—they might be essential for helping us navigate the different roles we play.

Morning Activewear: Setting the Tone for the Day

My day starts with a run or some form of exercise, and the first thing I do is slip into my activewear. This simple act is more than just about comfort; it’s grounded in the concept of enclothed cognition. For many of us, the day starts with exercise, and the simple act of putting on activewear can serve as a powerful mental cue. It signals that it's time to get moving, to focus on physical fitness, and to set the tone for the day ahead. According to behavioural psychologists studying the effects of clothing on motivation and performance, wearing specific clothes for exercise can enhance motivation and improve performance by reinforcing the identity of being an active, health-conscious person.

In this context, the outfit isn't just about comfort—it's a psychological tool that helps you mentally transition into your fitness routine. The same outfit change can apply later in the day, signalling to your brain that it’s time to wind down and relax.

Post-Run: Dog Walk and School Drop-Off

After my run, I shower and change into a practical winter, all-in-one jumpsuit. This outfit is ideal for early morning errands like walking the dog and dropping off the kids at school. Dressing appropriately for these tasks helps me transition smoothly from personal fitness to family duties. This approach aligns with embodied cognition, where our clothing helps us adapt to different roles and activities, aiding in managing my responsibilities more effectively.

8:30 AM: Ready for Work

By 8:30 AM, I’m dressed and ready for work. I switch to a dress shirt or a smart blouse with comfortable trousers or jeans. Even though I’m working from home, dressing professionally helps me get into the right mindset. Research has shown that dressing for the job you want—or even the job you have—can increase self-confidence and improve how others perceive you. A study from The Journal of Consumer

Research highlighted that people who dressed more formally felt more powerful and in control compared to those who dressed casually. This psychological boost can be especially important when facing a challenging task or an important virtual meeting. By dressing up, you are essentially "dressing the part," which helps to reinforce a professional mindset, even in a remote work environment.

Midday Professional Attire

As lunchtime approaches, the temperature rises, and so does my need for a wardrobe change. I swap my work clothes for something more breathable and casual. This allows me to relax and enjoy my meal without worrying about potential spills. This switch is supported by the idea of enclothed cognition, where changing into more comfortable attire during breaks can enhance relaxation and well-being.

Post-Lunch Outfit

After lunch, I change back into my professional work attire. This isn’t just about changing clothes; it’s a mental reset that helps me dive back into work mode. Research suggests that our clothing can impact our focus and performance. By adapting my attire to fit the needs of different tasks, I maintain a professional mindset and enhance my productivity throughout the workday.

The Science of Ritual: How Routine Changes Influence Behaviour

Frequent outfit changes can also be seen as micro-rituals—small, repetitive actions that help structure our day. According to research in Behavioural and Brain Sciences, rituals can provide a sense of control and predictability, reducing stress and enhancing focus. When working from home, where the boundaries between work and personal life can easily blur, these rituals become even more critical.

For example, changing into evening wear after the workday ends signals a transition from professional to personal time. It’s a clear, physical action that tells your brain the workday is over and it’s time to relax. Even if you're heading out for an evening event, the act of choosing a new outfit helps to shift your mindset into a more social or leisure-oriented state.

Laundry Piles and Decision Fatigue

While multiple outfit changes may offer cognitive and emotional benefits, they also come with practical challenges—namely, the growing pile of laundry that accumulates throughout the week. But beyond the laundry pile, there's another psychological factor to consider: decision fatigue. This phenomenon occurs when we make too many decisions in a day, leading to decreased quality in decision-making and increased stress.

To mitigate decision fatigue, some people might opt for a "uniform" approach to their work-from-home attire—choosing a set of go-to outfits that require minimal thought. This strategy can preserve mental energy for more important tasks, though it’s important to balance this with the benefits of outfit changes that help facilitate cognitive transitions throughout the day.

Evening: Social Outings or House Clothes

If I have an evening social event, I dress accordingly—whether it’s a casual dinner or a formal gathering. If not, I switch into my “house clothes,” something cozy for the after-dinner dog walk and relaxing at home. This final change is about unwinding and preparing for a restful night. Creating distinct boundaries between different parts of the day helps manage stress and improve overall well-being.

The Juggling Act of Modern Work Life

In the end, the frequent outfit changes that come with working from home serve a much deeper purpose than merely keeping us comfortable or stylish. They are psychological tools that help us navigate the complex demands of modern work life. By changing clothes, we can switch mental gears, balance the different roles we play, and maintain a sense of structure and control in our daily routines.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for yet another outfit, remember: it’s not just about how you look; it’s about how you think, feel, and perform throughout the day. And in a world where work, life, and personal well-being are more intertwined than ever, those outfit changes might just be the key to staying productive, balanced, and sane.

What about you? Do you find yourself going through multiple outfit changes while working from home? How do these changes impact your mindset and productivity? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how others are navigating this aspect of the new normal.