The At-Home Aesthetic: What We All Look Like While Spending Time Indoors

Illustrations by Jamie Lane

These whimsical drawings resonate deeply with anyone who finds themselves frequently at home, whether working, parenting, or simply relaxing. For those who spend their days indoors, the “At-Home Wardrobe” is all too familiar — often characterized by a chaotic bun atop the head and a disheveled outfit that may or may not qualify as clothing.

The cartoons by artist Jamie Lane aptly capture the essence of the homebound lifestyle. Titled “Work From Home Styles,” these illustrations depict the reality of women whose days are largely spent in the comfort of their own spaces. Each cartoon is not only humorous but also strikingly relatable.

Winter Attire for the Homebound

In the first part, Lane humorously portrays the “winter” attire favored by those of us who work from home. Think oversized hoodies, worn-out leggings, mismatched socks, and bras that are devoid of any real support.

Shout out to all the women out there sporting a $7 sports bra from Costco — or is it just me? And I can’t be the only one who holds onto those “hole-y sweatpants” because they are just so comfy!

Escaping Hair and Comfy Sweatshirts

The second part continues the hilarity, featuring details like “a huge chunk of hair escaping from my bun.”

I also own several of those “men’s sweatshirts” that my brother didn’t want any longer; nothing beats the comfort of a roomy sweatshirt that doesn’t cling too tightly. After all, I need something I can chase kids in and scrub floors while wearing.

The Perfect Home Look

And the third part? Pure perfection. My dryer is perpetually filled with remnants of crumpled tissues I carelessly stuffed into my pockets, and I have more than one sweater that essentially qualifies as a blanket. The pajama pants I wear are never quite the right length, thanks to a bit of shrinkage, making them great for letting the dog out but not exactly suitable for public wear.

As someone who has been a freelance writer working from home for two years, I confess to the final look. If a video call is on the agenda, rest assured I’m all business on top but rocking bleach-stained leggings and mismatched socks below. My go-to outfit often includes a graphic tee featuring a famous quote from Sally Field’s character in “Steel Magnolias”: “DRINK YOUR JUICE, SHELBY.” Sometimes I spice things up with an oversized flannel shirt.

Jamie Lane’s Inspiration

Lane found her inspiration in her own experience of working from home, stating, “I just illustrated what I actually wear, and it’s been delightful to see how many others relate to my fashion choices.” She notes the isolation of working from home and the joy in imagining us all, in our quirky buns and ill-fitting sweatpants, getting things done. For those interested, her custom art pieces are available at her Etsy shop, Cozy Illustrations.