Elegant slumming...

For the past five months I 've spent most of my time at home, even while working. So I thought it appropriate to write down what I've learned about "working from home wear" in a post that I wish to dedicate to the M people, that Brit pop band from the '90s that still gets me jiving, and who are responsible for my title which pretty much sums up what this post is all about.

So... how can "slumming" become "elegant"? At first this might be seem like an oxymoron, and indeed at first, from my styling perspective atleast, it was. But that was just because styling was about as far down on my priority list as its ever been since kindergarden. Still, day by day I began to get to grips with it.

Staying at home and working with no one around to see you does not mean you get to stay in your pjs or your sweats. Or atleast it shouldn't. That should be allowed only when you are feeling particularly low on steam or sick. But there is a whole gradation of possibilities between (and including) sweats and a severe suit that you can experiment with until you find the balance that is just right for you. And you probably don't even have to go shopping to find it!

Lets begin by the basics: a straight leg, preferably high waisted jean, one pair of black leggings, a harem pant in a neutral colour such as mink or navy blue, a white shirt, and a sweater dress. You can see where I'm going with this can't you? Yes, the secret is all in structured but never constrictive pieces that are comfy but still allow you to look professional.

One of my main stays recently is a pair of wool trousers with elastics at the ankles and a pijama like waist. I also have them in a silky blue version. And, though their cut is obviously that of a sweat pant, and they are as comfortable as can be, they are also impromptu meeting / visit ready. Especially if you cover them with a T-shirt, a slouchy draped knit cardigan and a blazer. You add some slouchy, 80s style boots or jazz shoes and voila! So that's pretty much become my uniform lately.