13 Business-on-Top, Casual-on-Bottom Outfit Ideas If Suddenly Zoom Is Your Life

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(Image credit: @babba)

From Zoom to FaceTime, WhatsApp to Skype, never have video calls been such an integral part of my life than they they have this past month—imperative for daily work meetings not to mention staying connected with family and friends during these uncertain times. One thing’s for certain: I’ve never been more grateful for technology.

So what does dressing for work mean if you’re no longer going into a physical office? There’s no better time to exercise the old mullet adage, business in the front, party in the back. Only, we’re adapting it suit our current work-from-home outfits, which are veering heavily toward business on the top, casual comfort on the bottom. Most mornings, I’ve been slipping on a slightly nicer top (along with a layer of lipstick and a brush of the bangs) to feel Zoom-meeting-ready, but I can’t quite bring myself to wear jeans right now, so I stick to comfortable sweatpants, leggings, shorts, and chinos from my waist down.

Keeping sartorial standards high (even if it is with just an elevated top) will no doubt inspire you to be at your most productive and boost your morale, so scroll below as I share some chic business-on-top, casual-on-bottom outfit pairings to consider if Zoom is your life right now.

Polo Top + Sweatpants

A collared top (in a pretty pastel hue) will elevate even the most basic sweatpants.

Vest + Tee + Joggers

Want to smarten up a basic tee? Add a polished (and trending) waistcoat.

Knit Halter Top + Knit Wide-Leg Pants

A knit halter-neck top is an elegant yet relaxed option to pair with cozy lounge pants. 

White Tunic + Black Leggings

A flowy and easygoing tunic is a polished yet laid-back option to wear with your everyday leggings.

Relaxed Sweater-Blazer + Tee + Sweatpants

Swap your more structured blazers for a soft and relaxed knit style instead—perfect for throwing over a tee to add a professional touch to your WFH look.

Houndstooth Knit Vest + Cycling Shorts

A houndstooth print looks sophisticated, but the oversize knit fabric keeps it casual. Ideal to throw on over your bike shorts.

Oversize Knit Cardigan + Relaxed Cropped Pants

A fancy tweed knit cardigan is the epitome of elegance yet still über-cozy.

Poplin Tiered Shirt + Leggings

When you want to feel like you're wearing a work blouse but can't fathom anything too overdone or uncomfortable, opt for a non-restrictive billowy poplin shirt instead.

Matching Ribbed Knit Set

Fact: A ribbed knit matching set always looks seriously luxe.

Cropped Cardigan + Sweatpants

Brighten up your Zoom meeting look with a pop of springtime yellow. 

Puff-Sleeve Blouse + Rib Knit Pants

Nothing jazzes up an outfit quite like a puff sleeve. This one below looks so good on and is super comfortable at the same time. Pair it with these fun lounge pants. 

Crochet Sweater + Flowy Pants

Elevated design details such as crochet and puff sleeves will make you feel instantly more put-together.

Puff-Sleeve Sweater + Knit Shorts

The best part about working from home is that you can stay all day in your underwear if you want to! Make it fashion and opt for a cute cashmere pair to wear with a pretty puff-sleeve sweater. (No one will be able to tell on your video call.)

Up next, the 30 prettiest spring sweaters on the internet.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.