When we left our offices (houseplants and all) last March, most of us probably could not have anticipated the weight that the term "telecommuting" would soon carry. As weeks became months and months became seasons, we all had to create makeshift home offices, meet with colleagues through computer screens, and find a balance between dressing comfortably at home and looking sophisticated enough to make video calls, as our "normal" routines have had to be adjusted.

For Marie Claire editor-in-chief Sally Holmes, stress management of her new work routine came down to a combination of fresh air, walk breaks, and a WFH wardrobe that looked and felt good.

Check out the three ways Holmes practices working from home to make it work.

Balance Style and Comfort While he may have initially been intoxicated by the idea of being able to wear sweatpants "on the job," Holmes found that within the first few weeks of working in his Brooklyn apartment, his work mode was easier when he showered and changed into "real people clothes."

"I want to look good, but I also want to feel good," Holmes says. That's why she chooses clothes and shoes that are comfortable enough to wear at her desk and that allow her to easily step outside her apartment when she needs a break. There's a lot to think about right now, and a lot to be anxious about," she says. Having to worry about the shoes I'm wearing when I'm in a hurry to get out of the house or around the corner is the last thing I want."

One pair she's drawn to, the ''SOREL Joan Uptown Lace Bootie (opens in new tab),'' feels cool and trendy but is actually comfortable thanks to the wedge, which Holmes calls "a smart shoe that sneak attacks."

She pairs them with an oversized, menswear-inspired button-down and simple black jeans. The wedges are "feminine (and comfortable!) with a boyish vibe emanating from the lace-ups. The wedge silhouette makes them perfect for this look," she says.

Step away and get some fresh air

Taking a break during the day is always a must, Holmes says, perhaps now more than ever. Says she, "In the office, you're moving around all day, going from meeting to meeting, so taking breaks feels more organic."

"If I don't think about anything at home, I can just sit in front of my computer all day without getting up."

So when she has time between meetings, she likes to leave her apartment for 15 minutes to grab a sandwich for lunch or spend some time outside to reset.

For these little afternoon breaks, Holmes likes to wear SOREL's Lennox Chelsea Bootie (opens in new tab). These booties can be dressed up or down, but Holmes likes to style them with simple jeans. He says, "Cropped pants with the Lennox booties really bring out the classic look."

Relaxing at the End of the Day

As the day's work begins to wind down, Holmes likes to walk to Brooklyn Bridge Park to take last minute work calls, listen to podcasts, and chat with friends.

On these evening walks, Holmes will be seen wearing the SOREL Kinetic™ LITE Strap Sneaker (opens in new tab).

"These sneakers are comfortable," she says, "yet still look sophisticated.

"When I wear comfortable clothes to work, I try to choose athleisure that is a little nicer and nicer than when I work out," she says. For example, this monochrome look of tan leggings and a sweatshirt, paired with SOREL sneakers, is the perfect uniform for a walk in the park after work.