Fashion choices during work-from-culture becomes a tricky business. However, stylists and brands are coming up with new ideas and solutions to aid your fashion worries in these fickle times.

Inevitably, the pandemic has compelled us to unlearn the bygone and adapt to a brand new way of living. One of the major shift was switching to work-from-home culture. From spending over 8 hours at our workplace, the catastrophe demanded us to sit back at home. As a result, we find ourselves working from kitchen tops, home offices, beds or any other peaceful corner of the home designated for the day.

Amid this one question with which everyone struggles every day is — what to wear? Formals are way too fancy to wear at home, and wearing pajamas is an invitation to laziness and seems unprofessional on a last-minute online meeting.

Stylists all over the country synonymously agree that a perfect outfit while working from home works wonders. Richa Mehta, a renowned stylist says, “Work from home might be the new normal, but a change in outfit as part of your routine makes one feel motivated and comfortable while being productive. Shirts made from comfortable and breathable fabrics make an excellent choice while staying stylish for Zoom Meeting.”

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Mehta emphasis wearing flowy and breezy outfits such as cotton kaftans with beautiful prints or matching pants and jumpers made out of breathable fabrics such as lightweight ribbed which can be a great choice for summers or on a slightly chilly day. Going for such options will render a comfortable yet chic and classy look while working from home. She also adds, “Gender fluidity for fashion has picked up momentum during the lockdown with carpenter jeans, brightly printed shirts, sweatshirts with shape, pattern and visual language as well as accessories not restricted to gender.”

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Exuding similar ideas, tara & i is a prêt-a-porter label based in Mumbai by Reshma Dalal. The brand is prioritizing to introduce your wardrobes to a playful elegance, with its vibrant colours and moods featuring colour blocked panel jumpsuits, fuss-free mini print dresses, Moorish designs, liner cuts and flattering silhouettes. Their ensembles and day dress fashioned from lush natural fabrics, beautiful silks and fresh cotton make an ideal choice while working from home, online meetings, or even for a quick unwinding stroll in a park.

Picture Credit: tara & i

Other than Mumbai, the label also has retail stores in Pernia’s pop up in Mumbai, Bombaim in Kolkata, Almari in Hyderabad, Aamayra in Raipur, Renasci in Chennai, Storytellers in Guwahati, Aura in Nagpur and Ajiliya in Surat, and also sells online at platforms such as Pernia’s Pop-up Shop, Tata Indilux, Nykaa and Jhelum.

tara & I offers a range of options to revamp your wardrobe with wonderfully tailored pieces which would instantly put you in a great mood with the level of comfort and style they offer. The label offers a creative range with its soothing aurora green palettes and clothes inspired by northern lights, Mediterranean lakeside, and the rolling hills. Hence, adding timelessness to each of its pieces. tara & i’s Classic Collection is all about constructed yet comfortable pieces that can be dressed up or worn casually. Their warm colours manifest strong and graceful energy.

Picture Credit: tara & i

Their joyful jumpsuits are all about relaxed afternoons or a quick errand run to your nearby grocery stores. They make a perfect choice for an impromptu Zoom meeting with their bright and lively appeal. The Bengal stripe shorts-jumpsuit from the Happy collection or the purple pleated version from the Biophilia collection is simply uplifting.

Picture Credit: tara & i

Adding their signature twists to classics the label brings sheer exuberance to classic clothes such as pairing constructed black skirts in contrast with spirited white checks.

Reshma Dalal, the founder, and designer of tara & I say, “Our designs are responsible, handcrafted and use colours that are bold with character, exuding composure. Each garment is robustly constructed with the finest materials with discreet details that create a look that is refined, confident and understated.”

The unpredictability of the times, without doubt, are impacting the fashion choices of the people. With a greater drift towards comfy clothes due to the work-from-home culture, Richa Mehta has observed an increased demand for loungewear and activewear and hence brands are launching lines exclusively incorporating comfort and style. Anticipating the upcoming trends, she says, “[e]ven with restrictions lifting, it is a time of great uncertainty the trends are shifting towards comfort and oversized designs in beautiful neutral colours. Nudes, ivory, whites, and natural shades of Greens and Browns inspired by nature are going to be a big hit. Brands, as well as customers, are focussed on creating and investing in wardrobe-building pieces which have seasonless appeal. Soft fluid fabrics, as well as lightweight denim fabric, will be everyone’s go-to purchase. Styles and trends will be a clear reflection of life per se as it will be more sensible, sustainable, and circular. Comfort will still be sexy!”

Cover Picture Credit: Zara