How to dress for juggling hybrid working and the school run

Hybrid working has become a very popular option for workers and their employers ever since the COVID pandemic took its toll on the world and now 44% of us now either work from home or on a hybrid basis. It offers a flexible approach that means employees can split their week working remotely from home, as well as in the office, and juggle work and other childcare commitments, like the school run! It’s nice to have a selection of smart, appealing outfits to wear to the office, but also important to curate some comfortable basics for working from home or from traveling between home and the office.

Tanya Patel CEO of fashion brand Chapter London says  "Hybrid working is blurring the line with really formalised workwear. It’s great to establish a work style with capsule pieces that can be dressed up or down with a blazer or change of shoes. Since traditional workwear can also be uncomfortable and made from synthetic fabrics which are not always breathable."

 Here are five style tips for dressing as a hybrid worker.

1. Make sure you opt for commute-friendly pieces

Combine style with comfort-think teaming a roomy jumpsuit (like Chapter. London’s Nia Jumpsuit) with flats or even trainers if you’re walking to work or navigating public transport. You can always throw some heels in your bag to wear later. 

2. School run appropriate

Keep it school-run-friendly by mixing casual and smart. Do you really want to be running to get to the classroom on time in a pencil skirt and high heels? Opt for comfort as well as style by teaming casual wear with more statement pieces. Add a T-shirt to some wide-leg trousers, like Chapter. London’s pinky palm trousers for super roomy yet stylish summer trousers.

  3. Layer up for the English weather 

We all know the British weather can change at the drop of a hat. When working from home, it doesn’t take a second to head upstairs and grab a sweatshirt, but what about if it’s your day at the office? That’s where layering up is a really great idea. Opt for a lightweight cardigan to cover up in cooler summer days and of course, a decent waterproof should you get caught in summer showers. Keep one in the office and one in your handbag and don't forget the summer sunshine too. Wearing layers, such as a tank vest under a long-sleeved blouse also means you can remove layers when it gets too hot!

4. Opt for safe-saving items

Taking a change of clothes to the office doesn't have to mean taking an extra bag-opt for layers that fold down and take up much space. We love these foldable flats from Cocorose London. Made from soft premium leather, they're designed to keep your feet comfortable all day long but can also be folded and packed down in their accompanying travel purse so you can easily swap for heels for more formal meetings.

5. Don't just opt for loungewear

If you're working at home all week it may be tempted to opt for comfy sweats but don't forget the power dressing smart can have on your mindset and productivity. One study found that when it came to working, people felt more productive, decisive and authorative when they dressed smartly. Whilst you don't have to dress in formal wear, if you have a power blazer that makes you feel amazing or a dress you love, remember you don't have to save it for the office!