How One Vogue Editor Maximizes Her Minimalist Wardrobe While Working From Home

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Photos courtesy of Zoe Ruffner. Designs by David Vo. 

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As we continue our social-distancing pledge, the Vogue staff is working from home for the foreseeable future. This article is part of our This Week on Zoom column, where one Vogue editor shares their WFH outfits from the previous workweek—from the waist up, of course.

Early on in the days of social distancing, I read an interview with the Dutch trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort that has stayed with me. In it, she said, “It seems we are massively entering a quarantine of consumption where we will learn how to be happy just with a simple dress, rediscovering old favorites we own, reading a forgotten book and cooking up a storm to make life beautiful.”

Though I’ve always erred on the side of minimalism, I now attach more meaning to the idea that less-is-more. Without places to go and people to see, I no longer feel the need to avidly scroll through the new arrivals section on MatchesFashion.com. Rather, I have a newfound joy for the pieces that have accompanied me through times of great joy and adventure, such as a set of gold bracelets that I bought for myself in Paris last summer and a floral skirt handed down to me by my mother, which I’ve worn with flip flops on the beach in Pantelleria and over dinner at my favorite restaurants in New York.

Of course, the easiest way to highlight these cherished items is with a wardrobe full of go-with-anything separates that I find myself reaching for again and again. Think a super soft cashmere sweater, the perfect pair of high-waisted pants, and an oversized silk button down practically made for Zoom.

Below, a look at how I got dressed for working from home this week.

Monday

To start the week off on a bright note, I’m wearing my all-time favorite ‘90s DKNY skirt that I inherited from my mom. The soft floral print somehow goes with everything, from blazers to flip flops.

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Jil Sander linen-twill shirt

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Dries Van Noten silk print skirt

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Sophie Buhai circle link 18kt gold-plated bracelet

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The Writer’s Desk

Tuesday

I have a busy day ahead, so there’s no time for playing dress up. This Khaite sweater always makes me feel polished, while the off-white pants have become my new go-to. Luckily, no one on Zoom can tell that they’re in desperate need of a trip to the tailor.

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Khaite Sam sweater

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Totême Novara straight leg trousers

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Smythson Panama Notebook

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The Nue Co. Nootro-Focus

Wednesday

Who’s to say that a cotton nightgown has to be reserved for bedtime? Paired with a sun hat and bare feet, this dress from England by way of Brooklyn’s Salter House proved to be the perfect piece to sit outdoors in when I found myself with some spare time in between meetings today.

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Eileen West nightgown

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BKLYNSURF straw beach hat

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Yves Durif brush

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Alice Coltrane Journey in Satchidananda

Thursday

I’m squeezing in a Facetime workout with Flatiron Pilates’ Amy Nelms this morning, so I’m getting dressed to move in a black leotard from Live The Process, the ultimate purveyor of subtle sportswear. After class, I’ll thrown on an oversized silk button down that I bought at The Row sample sale and a sweater tossed over my shoulders.

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The Row Big Sisea shirt

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Live The Process Corset Jumpsuit

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat

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Oliver Peoples BA CC Square Sunglasses

Friday

Showing up to a meeting in sweatpants may have once been strictly verboten, but when they’re made of cashmere and come in the perfect oatmeal color surely the rules can be bent. This soft set from the London label Ven Store is the definition of cozy chic.

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Ven Store cashmere sweater

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Ven Store cashmere trousers

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Birkenstock Arizona Shearling

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Sophie Bille Brahe 18k yellow gold classic diamond tennis bracelet