One of the best things to come out of living in iso for so long was that loungewear has become a legitimate option for workwear. Enter biz-leisure, a trend recently highlighted by US Harper’s Bazaar which sees the amalgamation of business wear with comfortable loungewear.
Plenty of us would be quite familiar with this way of dressing. It’s the kind of style that’s made for Zoom calls which often involves working dressy pieces with more relaxed options. Think a blazer and shirt worn back with leggings and sneakers. It’s polished but isn’t overly so and strikes a nice, comfortable balance.
If you’re finding yourself slowly emerging back into the workplace, and straddling working from home punctuated with days at the office then here’s how to master this trend.
Balance is key
As great as tracksuit pants are, it’s likely you won’t just get away with wearing your trackies to work and declaring that you’re doing biz-leisure. It’s still important to strike the right balance between relaxed pieces and work-appropriate items, so be sure to incorporate polished separates into the mix like blazers, button down shirts, luxe knits and tailored pants.
Choose polished loungewear
Believe it or not, not all loungewear is created equal. While your fave hoodie from year 12 may be as comfortable as it gets, it’s probably not the kind of thing that you can get away with wearing as office wear. Opt for matching sets, go for fabrics such as wool, cashmere, silk and cotton and make sure that at least one element maintains a structured silhouette to avoid it looking unkempt.
Go for neutral pieces
A colour palette that involves neutral shades such as beige, white and cream along with classic hues like navy, black and grey are ideal for workwear, and also so versatile for a casual look. Pieces such as this ensure longevity and allow you to create so many different looks.
Sneakers are key
If there’s one thing you absolutely need in your biz-leisure wardrobe it’s a pair of white sneakers. If you want to keep them work-appropriate, opt for a minimalist option that’s plain white, with minimal, if any embellishment or decoration.
Keep it comfortable
The beauty of biz-leisure is that it’s designed to be comfy. So embrace relaxed pieces such as buttery soft silk pants or a cosy wool knit. The silhouettes shouldn’t be too rigid, but evoke an understated nonchalance.
What do you think of biz-leisure? Will you embrace it?