Back-To-Work Dresses That Feel Like You're Still In Pajamas

You may not be able to wear a nightgown to the office, but you can come close to feeling like you’re in one.
Open Image Modal
Loft/Draper James/ASOS

The end of summer 2021 is rapidly approaching, which for many of us means it’s almost time to return to in-person work. 

But after more than a year of work-from-home life, the transition back to the office will inevitably pose several challenges, from figuring out childcare to learning how to socialize with co-workers again. And of course there’s the dreaded question: What the hell am I going to wear?

Indeed, there’s been a reevaluation of dress codes in corporate America amid the pandemic, as many people realized they could still do their jobs effectively in pajamas. It seems those stiff suits and highly structured dresses may be a thing of the past for a number of office workers. 

Still, that doesn’t mean sweatpants will be acceptable in-person work attire for all. Instead, we’re seeing an era of compromise between the constricting corporate wardrobes of the past and everyone’s favorite stretchy WFH wear. 

“Hybrid dressing,” “workleisure” and “power casual” are among the new terms to describe 2021 office dress codes. Think soft materials, loose silhouettes, stretchy waistbands and billowy skirts.

Fortunately, there are many ensembles on the market that strike this comfortable balance ― especially with dresses.  

You may not be able to wear a nightgown to work, but you can come close to feeling like you’re in one. We’ve rounded up some back-to-work dresses with a WFH flair. 

HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.

Before You Go

Expert-Approved Long-Lasting Lip Products
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paints(01 of08)
Open Image Modal
“I’ve been loving these because they’re blendable and pigmented, without the tackiness of some other brands,” da Silva said. “Plus, they’re cruelty-free.”

Get Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paints for $25.
(credit:Fenty)
LYS Beauty’s Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil(02 of08)
Open Image Modal
“When preparing to apply a long-lasting lip product, be sure to leave a hydrating lip balm on for at least a few minutes, then blot off before applying the lipstick,” Dorman said. “I like LYS Beauty’s Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil for that step.”

Get LYS Beauty’s Speak Love Glossy Lip Treatment Oil for $12.
(credit:LYS Beauty)
Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
“Depending on how lightly or heavily you apply them, you can get a sheer look or one with more coverage,” Jeung said.

Get a Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon for $6.75.
(credit:Amazon)
NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencils(04 of08)
Open Image Modal
“I love the matte pencils and only the matte pencils,” makeup artist Georgi Sandev told HuffPost. “In my experience, they last longer, wear far better and feel much more comfortable on the lips than many other long-lasting lipstick formulas, which often are very drying. They also photograph absolutely beautifully and are so easy to reapply and touch up if necessary. But for the most part, you won’t need much touching up, because of their rich pigmentation.”

Get a NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil starting at $19.99.
(credit:NARS)
NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment(05 of08)
Open Image Modal
Jeung agrees with Sandev about the wonders of NARS lip products, but she prefers the pigment. “This product gives a beautiful opaque matte lip that’s super long-lasting,” she told HuffPost. “The pointed applicator makes it easy to apply precisely.”

Get NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment for $26.
(credit:NARS)
Rimmel Provocalips 16-hour Kissproof Lip Colour(06 of08)
Open Image Modal
Wong also recommended this two-step product for longer wear. Step one is to apply color and keep your lips apart for 60 seconds, until the product sets. Step two is to apply a topcoat that locks in color, moisture and shine.

Get Rimmel Provocalips for $6.29.
(credit:Rimmel)
Skingasm Liquid Blading Lips Peel and Reveal(07 of08)
Open Image Modal
“One of my favorite long-wear lip products is this stain formula that creates lasting color that can easily be topped with balm for moisturizing lips,” Dorman said. “And the color won’t bleed.”

Get Skingasm Liquid Blading Lips for $30.
(credit:Skingasm)
Plus, a fan favorite: Wonderskin’s Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Tint(08 of08)
Open Image Modal
This two-step system promises to create results similar to professional microblading, delivering smooth lip color that won’t smudge, fade or feather. For softer color, keep the masque on your lips for 10 to 15 seconds. For bolder color, leave the masque on 30 to 45 seconds.

It's a big deal on social media: This TikTok about Wonderskin has 14.2 million views, and the product is a top seller on Amazon. One of its application videos on Facebook has over 1 million views.

Get Wonderskin's Blading Peel & Reveal Lip Color for $32.
(credit:Wonderskin)

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN SHOPPING