Eight Easy Ways To Go From Work-from-home-Ready To Errand-ready With These Quick Style Tips
[Mica Argañaraz at the Milan Fashion Week] [Photograph]. Vogue.com
Have you ever avoided running a quick errand because you didn't feel like applying a ton of makeup or because you didn't feel like changing your entire outfit?
I know I have! I don't like wasting makeup for a quick trip and I don't like wearing clothes for a minute just to put them into the "sweet spot" on the chair in my bedroom.
If this has ever been you, then here are eight ways to go from work-from-home-ready to errand-ready in a matter of minutes.
1. Put on some accessories with luxury brands
Most luxury brands are created using high-quality materials and for that reason, they can last a really long time. Some luxury items can be used as staples in your wardrobe for years or even decades. It is also this reason why adding at least one luxury item to your outfit can instantly boost your appearance. I recommend investing in at least one luxury branded jacket, one pair of shoes, one handbag, and/or one pair of sunglasses. Wearing these four staples together, or wearing any combination of the four, can instantly take your at-home loungewear from shabby to shabby-chic in a matter of seconds.
2. Add some loose braids to messy hair
Adding a few loose braids to messy locks can add a sense of effortless style that can make your messy hair look purposeful. I mean, you purposely didn't brush your hair, right? Only kidding. Sort of. chuckling If you don't care for the braids in public, use a few small braids to add some waves to your hair and then remove them right before you leave the house.
3. Flaunt those manicured nails
If you have it, flaunt it. If you don't have it, file and trim your nails or apply your favorite hue of nail polish to help refine your look. This is something that can easily be done ahead of time like the casserole cook show hosts pull out of the oven when they've prepared the dish ahead of time. Paying attention to your nails can help take your final look to a whole new level.
4. Throw on a pair of ballet flats or tennis shoes
Toenails [and hairy legs] are easier to hide than your fingernails, amirite? If you don't have time to file and trim your toenails or to apply nail polish to them, this is a quick fix. Throw on a pair of your favorite ballet flats for a dressier look or, do your favorite pair of tennis shoes for a more casual look.
5. Wear jewelry
Put on that jewelry, girl. Wear those statement earrings with a ring, or two. Or, wear those bangles. If you like simple, add a few minimalist pieces like a dainty, gold chain necklace, a solid band on your finger, or some tiny earring studs. The point is to just add the jewelry and have fun with it.
6. Add a dot or two of perfume
Don't go crazy here, but a little scent can help freshen up your style. If you can, invest in a luxury brand perfume. If using perfume is not your thing, try using a scented oil like patchouli for a more subtle scent. Play around with different scents until you find the one that aligns with your personality (i.e. sweet or spicy) and your personal taste.
7. Add a little blush or mascara, or both!
Adding a little color to your cheeks can help to brighten up your entire face, even during those more pale months. If you have very light brown eyelashes like me, then adding some mascara can also help to brighten your eyes. I go between waterproof and non-waterproof mascara depending on how easily I care for the mascara to be removed.
8. Add some lip balm
Avoid dry lips by adding some lip balm before heading out to run your errands. There are so many different varieties and with the Internet at our fingertips, it is now easier than ever to look up recipes to create your own lip balm to curate it to your personal needs or tastes.
These style tips can be used interchangeably or they can be used simultaneously. I hope you find them to be useful in quickly bringing your work-from-home style from drab to fab for running errands.
Opinions and Perspectives
The suggestion about nail care is so true. It really pulls everything together.
Interesting mix of high end and practical solutions in these tips.
Simple but effective tips. I especially like the focus on quick solutions.
Love how these tips respect the reality of working from home while still wanting to look put together.
Anyone else feel like they need different levels of errand ready? Like grocery store vs doctor appointment?
These tips work great for video meetings too when you need to look professional quickly.
The luxury brand suggestion isn't necessary but I agree quality pieces make a difference.
Great tips but I think a good skincare routine is the real foundation here.
This article understands the struggle is real with the work from home life.
Would love to see some specific jewelry recommendations that work well for quick transitions.
Really appreciate the quick solutions that don't require a full makeup routine.
I've found that just changing from slippers to proper shoes makes a huge difference in how I feel.
The perfume tip works best with subtle scents. Nobody wants to be that person in the grocery store.
Never thought about braids as a quick solution for messy hair. Trying this tomorrow!
Good point about the hairy legs solution with ballet flats! Made me laugh because it's so true.
These tips have really helped me feel more confident when I need to switch from home mode to public mode quickly.
Wonder if anyone else feels pressure to look perfectly put together just for simple errands?
I keep an errand ready kit with these basics in my home office. Makes the transition so much easier.
Making your own lip balm sounds fun but store-bought works just fine for me.
Been doing the ballet flats trick for years! Game changer for quick transitions.
The luxury brand suggestion feels out of touch. Clean, well-fitting clothes matter more than labels.
Love how these suggestions don't require a complete wardrobe overhaul.
I've noticed that well-maintained nails make me feel more professional during video calls too.
The tennis shoes suggestion is so practical. Comfort is key when running errands!
I appreciate that these tips can be mixed and matched based on what works for you.
Anyone tried making their own lip balm as suggested? Curious about recipes that actually work.
The braid idea is clever! I've been looking for ways to make my messy bun look more intentional.
These are helpful but I'd add that a clean, wrinkle-free outfit matters more than any accessories.
I've found that a good quality handbag makes any outfit look more expensive, even if you're wearing basics.
The blush tip is underrated. It really does brighten up your whole face in seconds.
My version of errand-ready is whatever I'm wearing plus shoes. These tips seem like a lot of extra work.
The perfume suggestion is lovely but please remember some people are sensitive to fragrances in public spaces.
Love how these tips focus on quick fixes rather than complete outfit changes. That's what I need in my busy life.
I've started implementing the jewelry tip and it really does make a difference in how put together I feel.
The nail care suggestion is great but let's be real, who has time to maintain perfect nails when working from home with kids?
Not sure about luxury brands being necessary, but I agree that good quality basics are worth investing in.
I find sunglasses are my best friend for quick errands. Instant polish with zero effort.
The tip about investing in quality pieces is so important. I've had my designer handbag for years and it elevates every outfit.
These are great but I'd add wearing a structured jacket. It instantly makes any outfit look more intentional.
I work from home and honestly just keep a jacket by the door. One piece can change everything.
The blush tip is spot on. It's amazing how a little color on your cheeks can make you look instantly more alive.
Anyone else think some of these tips are a bit over the top for basic errands? Not every grocery run needs to be a fashion moment.
I've tried the braid technique mentioned and it works wonders for my second-day hair. Such a time-saver!
My go-to is definitely the jewelry tip. A simple necklace can make even my old t-shirt look intentional.
The article makes going out sound so complicated. Sometimes I just throw on a clean shirt and go!
I'm curious about what everyone thinks about the mascara suggestion. I find it makes the biggest difference in looking awake and ready.
The nail care tip really resonates with me. Well-maintained nails make such a difference in how put-together you look, even in casual clothes.
Actually, I love the perfume suggestion. Just a tiny spritz makes me feel more put together, even if I'm just running to the grocery store.
Does anyone else feel like the perfume tip is a bit much for just running errands? I worry about being that person who wears too much fragrance in public.
The lip balm suggestion is crucial. Nothing ruins a look faster than dry, chapped lips. I keep one in every room of my house!
I disagree about the luxury brands being necessary. You can look polished with affordable pieces if you choose classic styles and take good care of them.
These tips are super helpful! I've been using the ballet flats trick for years. It's amazing how a simple shoe change can transform an entire outfit.
Luxury accessories are nice but not everyone can afford them. I think clean, well-maintained basic pieces can look just as put together.
I really appreciate these practical tips! I've been struggling with the work-from-home to errand transition. The loose braids idea is genius for my messy hair days!