Today, I want to spotlight some of my favorite things that have helped optimize my workday as a freelance writer that works from home. This includes cozy WFH gear, home office improvements, brain fuel, and more.
Why am I sharing this?
Because, let’s face it: The internet is huge and it can be hard to discover new, cool stuff (that someone else can actually vouch for.)
Let’s start with my favorite cozy work-from-home wear.
Cozy WFH Clothing
These are the pieces I find myself reaching for week after week as I work from my home office in comfort. Admittedly, these items are mostly for ladies, as that’s what I buy. So...guys? Maybe put these on your to-gift list for the ladies in your life, k?
First up: Three pairs of pants in my weekly rotation
Athleta Polartec leggings: These are my go-to winter leggings. They’re nice and thick for days when I want the compression of a legging but need something that’s warm enough to walk the dog in during cold temps. Expensive but worth the investment.
Prana Buxton jeans: If for some reason I feel the urge to wear jeans, I reach for these. Not only are they nice and stretchy, but they’re made from a cotton blend that makes them feel super soft on the inside. Bonus: They’re straight leg, meaning you have room to wear a base layer under them if needed. (Athleta’s Sculptek denim is comparable, and they are my second go-to for jeans.)
Feat joggers: I have three pairs of these bad boys (that’s how much I love them.) They fit high-waisted and the buttery material stays wrinkle-free. Bonus: They’re ⅞ length, which means they actually fit a short gal like me lengthwise. (There's a men’s version available, too!)
Next: Cool weather cozies
Aerie Sherpa pullover: This pullover is sort of like wearing a nice, soft blanket. I’m weird about fabrics, but this passes the test with flying colors. I love how soft and warm it is. Very cozy.
Herschel sweatpants: These are nice and thick! A great warm option for days when I need to layer up. They run a bit long, so I do have to roll the band over to get them to the right length for me, but not a big deal. (Guy version of these as well!)
Athleta Pranayama wrap: The fabric of this wrap is so, so soft. It’s mid-weight, has pockets and thumb holes, and looks super put-together without sacrificing comfort.
Versatile pieces: Loungewear to activewear
Aviator Nation t-shirts: I don’t know how in the world this brand has figured out how to make the perfect unisex vintage-style t-shirt, but they have. They’re crazy soft. Plus: I can wear these during exercise too, which means one less outfit change during the day.
All Access Center Stage leggings: These are a recent discovery for me, and I love the seamless look. Great fabric, a good band that doesn’t cut me in half, and quality construction. Again, these are expensive, but I’ll wear ‘em for years. Got these from Bandier and I’m in love.
Aerie thermals: I have at least eight of these in various colors (the henley and plain long-sleeve versions.) Perfect base layer that I can work and exercise in comfortably.
White Fox tank: This tie-dye crop was in heavy rotation during warmer weather, although it’s a bit chilly for it now. Will bring it back this spring.
Dressed up from the waist up
On the days I need to look semi-professional (for Zoom calls or live training sessions, for example) I usually just put on a nice-looking top or jacket. No one’s going to see my leggings or sweatpants and slippers, so I won’t tell if you don’t. Lately, these three items are my go-tos:
Boden Celia top: It feels so French! Also love that it has a mock neck because sometimes I get a nervous rash when speaking and this covers it up.
Liverpool moto jacket: Super chic. So easy to put on over a long sleeve top and instantly look put together.
Toad & Co button downs: A bit more relaxed, but who can go wrong with a cozy flannel that’s also sustainably made?
For your feet
Kizik Ashland slip-on boot: I have chronically cold feet, so slippers and insulated boots are a must for me, even while working from home. These are great because they’re both slippers and insulated boots (all rolled into one.) Their slip-ons are great, too!
Bombas wool socks: I am a Bombas convert because these socks hold up SO WELL. I switch to wool socks when it gets cold, and these are my go-to when I want no-shows or ankle-level socks.
Point 6 wool socks: These are actually cushioned wool hiking socks, meaning they’re super comfy and super warm. I have about 5-6 pairs of these and I love them so much.
Home Office Improvements
It’s getting cold out, so right now I’m all about my home office warm, cozy, and inviting. Here are some of the things that have helped me upgrade and optimize my workspace.
This desk lamp: I like that this lamp has adjustable light color settings and varying brightness levels that I can change as the light transitions throughout the day.
Heating pad: I keep this draped down the back of my desk chair, which helps with my back pain issues *and* keeps me warm.
These battery-powered candles: Talk about hygge! Especially on rainy days, I love having the cozy lighting provided by these candles (that my pets can’t bump and burn the house down with.)
A few other favorites:
A mini space heater: For the chronically cold who work in rooms with lots of (old) windows.
Glasses with blue light blocking lenses: If you stare at a computer screen all day, these are a must-have.
A whiteboard: This is where I keep my daily to-do lists, invoice tracking info, and all kinds of other things I don’t want to forget. It’s a life-saver.
Got Back Pain?
If, like me, you struggle with a lot of back pain from so much sitting in front of a computer screen while working from home, you might need these three things. They’ve helped me a lot (and I even travel with them!)
Trigger point foam roller: At the end of the day, I roll out my back on this on the floor of my home office. It’s especially good for working the kinks out of the tight upper back and shoulder area.
Textured massage ball: I like to roll this under my feet (a massage therapist told me this is supposed to help release lower back pain!)
Massage gun: When my muscle pain gets severe, I break out the literal big guns. This is also great for when I’m doing lots of exercise and I’m sore from that activity.
Brain Fuel
Verve coffee: Every single day I start my morning with either a cup of their Seabright blend or an latte made with their Streetlevel espresso. Never disappoints.
Bub’s Naturals: I put a scoop of this brand’s collagen peptides or MCT Oil powder in my morning coffee because it makes me feel slightly better about all the cream and sugar I also add in.
LiquidIV: On mornings when I feel dehydrated, I pop one of these packets into 16 oz. of water and I feel 100% better within about 15 minutes. Also great for post-exercise.
Books I Loved
If you spend a lot of time working from home, you probably need to escape to a good book. Of the books I read this year, these were my favorites.
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante: This author is one of my all-time favorites for her ability to tease out characters’ emotions and to put you inside their heads.
The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli: This was recommended by a friend on Twitter, and while it’s quite the technical/heavy read, for those of you who are also into the exploration of time and quantum physics…this is a fascinating book.
The Harvard Psychedelic Club by Don Lattin: I had no idea about the magic mushroom experiments that went on in the 70s at Harvard and the careers of these famous folks that emerged from it. Loved this piece of non-fiction!
French Exit by Patrick DeWitt: Writer Rachel Syme recommended this book as a fun story with larger-than-life characters, and it delivered. A quick, light read.
At the Existentialist Cafe by Sarah Bakewell: Looking for a crash course in Philosophy that doesn’t fly right over your head? This book is the approachable entry point you need.
Loving What Is by Byron Katie: I’m not a self-help book person at all, but this book jumped out at me from the shelf and was absolutely incredible. Should be required reading for all humans.
What's on your most-loved list this year as you work from home?
I’m always looking for new things to try out, so tweet me @kaleighf and let me know what I should check out next.
For the sake of transparency, note there are some referral links in the mix here, but know that I haven’t recommended anything that I don’t personally use on a daily basis. Some of these items were purchased at full price, some were bought secondhand, and some I received as gifts from friends.