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Meet the Mullet Outfit: Our Favorite Self-Isolation Look

Our work-from-home M.O.? Business on top, party on bottom. Here are five ways to wear a mullet outfit.

By Madeleine Kim

April 17, 2020

The rise of the work-from-home lifestyle has launched a new trend we never saw coming: the mullet outfit—named, of course, for an ‘80s-inspired hairstyle that’s neat-and-cropped in front, but unexpectedly long-and-unruly in back. When I say “mullet outfit,” I’m not talking about the slew of Joe Exotic Halloween costumes we’ll be subjected to this year—I’m talking about outfits that your coworkers will only see from the shoulders up (depending on how you angle your laptop camera). The recipe is simple: business on top, whatever floats your boat (Christmas pajamas, gym shorts, nothing at all) on bottom. Our Associate Art Director, Lauren, shows us five interpretations below.

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With Pajama Pants

As mullet outfits go, it doesn’t get more classic than this. Pair your favorite pajama pants with a cozy-yet-polished sweater for an outfit that suggests you own a rustic cabin in Maine. Nothing says, “I’m definitely not wearing pajamas” like some sharp lapels—layer a crisp button-down under your sweater to show that you mean business.

With Joggers

This is a mullet outfit we’d be proud to wear in public. Start with the softest tee you own, then add some joggers (a.k.a. the trousers of sweatpants) and a stretchy jardigan. You’re now ready for your next Zoom meeting—and you have a new go-to weekend look for post-quarantine life.

With Shorts

There’s something thrilling about taking a Zoom meeting in shorts. Maybe it’s the knowledge that you’d never be able to wear them to the office. Or maybe it’s the feeling of the cool breeze from an open window hitting your unshaven legs. Either way, the best way to pull it off is with a tailored, undeniably business-ready blazer over an easy white top.

With Yoga Pants

One upside of working from home is that you can take yoga breaks between meetings. Pair your yoga pants with a stretchy, machine-washable top that takes you from crow pose to conference call. For an extra dose of polish, throw on a machine-washable button-down right before you get into meeting mode.

With Your Most Absurd Pattern

On days when you need a pick-me-up, opt for leggings or pajama pants with the brightest, most distracting pattern you can find. (Bonus points if two or more members of your family have a matching pair.) Complete the outfit with a solid-colored, neutral top and minimalist hoops to balance out the puppies/pizza slices/Despicable Me minions you have on bottom.

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Senior Brand Manager at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

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