Loungewear Looks
The next time someone frowns at you when you wear your loungewear to the grocery store, just smile your most dazzling smile and hold your head up high. Why? Because you have permission from the world of designer fashion to wear loungewear anywhere…not that you needed anyone’s permission.
With style icons like Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Naomi Campbell, and Victoria Beckham embracing loungewear, what’s stopping you?
How Cute and Comfy Met Haute Couture
You can always blame the luxury fashion house of Dolce & Gabbana. They brought loungewear to the runways in the summer of 2016. An unapologetic D&G is happy to take the rap; they say that pajamas are their “bread and butter.”
Although they acknowledge their role in the loungewear trend, D&G stops short of claiming credit for inspiring the look. The company points out that French designer and style revolutionary Coco Chanel frequently wore pajamas accessorized with pearls.
Wearing loungewear outside the home is a delicate art. How do you make loungewear work? Clever styling. The key is to look and feel comfortable without looking like you just woke up.
Styling Loungewear: The Basics
Loungewear was initially designed for relaxing at home, but today’s loungewear doesn’t look like old sweatpants and paint-stained t-shirts. Now, loungewear is all about comfort, luxury, and style.
Color and fun patterns
When styling loungewear, color is everything. There aren’t any hard and fast rules, but make every color choice deliberate. Even if you opt for neutrals like black, white, cream, or gray, your look should be intentional.
Consider wearing some of these patterns to take your loungewear game to the next level:
- Baroque prints
- Large floral designs
- Sheer stripes
- Animal prints
- Checkered or plaid
- Scandanavian prints
Try to limit prints to one per outfit.
Also, don’t be afraid of graphic t-shirts! A literary quote or an artful design on a black tee looks chic when paired with a velvet blazer. At the same time, logo jogger pants look flawless with a plain silk blouse or solid-color t-shirt.
Materials and textures
Basic cotton t-shirts are a staple for every loungewear collection. Build your wardrobe out with some tank tops, short-sleeved tees, and long-sleeved tees. A lacey bralette adds another recherché, or exquisite, layer.
Right now, the fashion world is obsessed with knitted co-ords, a shortened term for coordinated pieces. Include some of these classic loungewear materials when you want a polished two-piece street style:
- Velour
- Knitted cords
- Silk
- Cashmere
- Flannel
- Soft lace
And velvet. Especially velvet.
Rock the Classic Light Layer
To make your loungewear look complete, you need a light layer, and one of the most popular is a lightweight cardigan. You can also go with long-sleeved cotton boyfriend shirts or loose-fitting sweaters. Wear either of these over a camisole or bralette, and you’ll have sheer femininity.
In addition to a lightweight cardigan, any of the following will give you a polished loungewear look:
- Smoking jackets
- Knee-length cardigans
- Silky robes
- Kimonos
- Kaftans (caftans)
A kimono over jeans will make you feel like a goddess.
Get Your Head in the Game
Loungewear lends itself beautifully to caps or beanies. If you’re having a bad hair day, a beanie that matches your oversized sweater will give you an effortless look. If you’re not having a bad hair day, you can still wear a beanie or cap. The casual loungewear vibe is perfect for these hairstyles:
- Loose and romantic French braids
- Low ponytails
- Braided ponytails
- Twisted high buns
- Messy buns
You can also wear some of the stylish headbands that have enjoyed a trend revival recently.
Pull Your Look Together with Accessories and Shoes
You can wear timeless real or faux pearls as Coco Chanel did or opt for a more relaxed look with moccasins and tall socks, but this is just the beginning. There’s so much more you can do to complete your loungewear look.
Elevate with jewelry and scarves
Use chunky jewelry to create striking looks for your loungewear capsule.
- Throw an arm party. Roll up the sleeves of your boyfriend shirt or sweater to make room for an arm party of gorgeous bangle bracelets in all sizes.
- Grab an oversized watch. In a time when people use their smartphones as timepieces, stand out from the crowd with a not-so-old-fashioned oversized wristwatch.
- Add exciting proportions with earrings. Go for bold earrings or big silver or gold hoops.
- What about pearls? Go for it! Wear several strings of pearls, just like Coco did. More great looks include a choker necklace that draws the eyes up to your face or a striking pendant necklace.
Add scarves to your loungewear look for dramatic layers in your winter wardrobe. You can wear an infinity scarf that keeps you nice and warm on chilly days or allow your scarf to hang loose. However, you decide to accessorize your look, remember that your lounging outfit doesn’t have to stay in your living room! Be bold, brave, comfortable and stylish. You don’t have to sacrifice one for the other all of the time.
More than just your sneakers
Loungewear is practically married to white sneakers—and no one wants to change that. They’re perfect. But to change things up a bit, you have tons of other options:
- Strappy sandals
- Espadrilles
- Brocade slippers
- Pointed-toe mules
- Kitten heels
- High-top sneakers
- Satin loafers
- Ankle boots
- Pumps
Yes, even pumps. A satin loungewear outfit with silver pumps? Yes, please!
When Worlds Collide
An excellent strategy for styling loungewear is to mix traditional loungewear with traditional daytime attire. For example, try a silky pajama top with stylish jeans and boots. Another great option? Add contrast by wearing a crisp white shirt with knit trousers or shorts.
Mix it up
When you mix fabrics, a look that’s perfect for the gym can take you straight to lunch with friends when you add quirky footwear or a jacket in a different material. Want a quick transition to an evening out? Feel free to wear a cute black leather jacket over your loungewear top or camisole.
What about outerwear? Just because you’re wearing a pair of knit loungewear pants doesn’t mean you have to wear a hoodie or sweatshirt (unless you want to). Consider a long cardigan or blazer.
Comfort for Home and Everywhere
With loungewear, your options open up in surprising and unexpected ways. Women are busier than ever, and they need styles that work everywhere.
Above all, today’s loungewear is like you, the modern woman: comfortable, confident, and ready to confront the day, wherever it may lead you. So step into a new world of comfort and style and start building your loungewear collection.
By Tess DiNapoli
