All products in this article are independently selected by AMAKA or by the interviewee for AMAKA. However, when you purchase an item or product through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission.
For many, it's time to say goodbye to working from home and head back to the office. Is this the end to the sweater or white shirt that stays draped on a chair ready to be tossed on for the next online meeting? For two years we were finally free from the confining suiting of white collar. The pandemic has, without a doubt, redefined the way we dress.
Work started accommodating casual styles in the early 90s, remember ‘Casual Fridays’? Then pre-Covid, there was the emergence of athleisure which was quite sporty but still chic. And post pandemic we welcome, workleisure! Don’t stress, you will still look elegant in a pair of pants with an elastic hemline!
So, what is ‘workleisure’?
Workleisure clothes feel as comfortable as workout clothes but look like workwear. Think of athleisure, but for work; a blend of two trends that make comfort key. This translates to elastic hemlines, jackets with a shirt aesthetic and t-shirts with embroidery. This trend lets you look professional, yet is comfortable enough for a spontaneous pilates session during lunch or happy hour after work. Workleisure strikes the balance we’ve always wanted, comfy but presentable.
Get ready for relaxed, chic styles such as comfy jumpsuits, flowy dresses, culottes and tunic tops. It's all about trading formal wear for comfortable, trendy casual pieces. Comfort reigns supreme!
Comfortable Tops
Bye-bye structured jackets, and welcome shackets (shirt jackets). Yep, the humble shacket is back and we are all for it. It is the ultimate layering piece on not-so-cold days. You can pair it with sweatpants or a lycra pencil skirt, it will jazz up your outfit anytime. Actress, Nomzamo Mbatha, has kept things all simple yet elegant with a white shacket.
Cotton tops with dramatic sleeves add life to a simple outfit. The sleeves make it a statement piece that can be paired with anything. Tunic tops make great options for leggings and elastic hem denims.
The AMAKA Senior Team Wows in African Owned Brands at the Launch Party
TOVE Elen Organic Cotton-Poplin Top
Secretly Relaxed Bottoms
The relaxed silhouettes of women’s workleisure bottoms is the one thing that many will enjoy. High-rise pants with a soft fabric will make sure you're comfortable all day long. And if you are travelling, leggings that look like pants are the perfect choice. Media personality, DJ Zinhle, paired her sweatpants with heels, striking the perfect balance. You can complement the retro vibes of the wide-legged pants with a chunky heel.
Midi skirts are back with a bang, rake in style points with a pleated midi skirt paired with a cable-knit cardigan. For a more conservative look, choose darker colours such as burgundy or plum and throw in a blazer and sneakers to seal the deal.
Ready? Set, Skin Goals Guide!
Mawsupply Vintage Purple Metallic Abstract Floral A-Line Midi Skirt
Airy Jumpsuits
Jumpsuits can take you from the couch, to the boardroom, to drinks and dinner effortlessly – all you need to do is change shoes. For comfort and glam, make sure you pick the right fabric, such as polyester or breathable linen. You can also dress it up or down depending on your jacket. They also vary in styles, from wide-legged to skinny and belted.
Back-to-office Shoes
Dress for the comfort you want; flats, loafers, sneakers, mules or heels! For those who’re not into heels, then mules will be your go-to pair. They are the approved version of slippers for the office. Neutral and white sneakers are timeless and can transform your look from work to the weekend. Sneakers are dressable with anything, and are able to maintain a polished look. Loafers are also a good option for adding a sleek finish to your ensemble.
Buy
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle inspiration, check out our Marketplace here.