building a loungewear wardrobe

Hopefully, you’ll be getting some good relaxing-at-home time in the next week between Christmas and New Years. This is a good time of year to take a day and just stay in and be cozy. But, have you thought about what you will wear while you’re lounging at home? Days like these definitely call for comfort but that doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish at the same time.

This time of year, you’re more likely to have guests in your home or be a guest in someone else’s home, which means putting a little more effort into your look, even if you’re not going out for the day. Loungewear is a category of our wardrobes that often falls to the bottom of our priority list but it’s important not to neglect it.

Here are a few ideas and tips for building loungewear outfits:
– Upgrade your basics with cashmere sweats and high quality t-shirts
– Pair a sweater you might normally wear with jeans with your cashmere sweats, leggings or yoga pants
– Look for comfy pieces that still define your shape such as a hoodie tunic with a drawstring waist
– A matching pajama set can do double duty from sleep to lounging
– Go for solid, neutral colors, or simple prints like stripes, for a more sophisticated look that doesn’t look like sleepwear
– Layer basics, like a pair of black leggings and a black tee, with an interesting, oversize, open cardigan or sweater
– Caftans, long nightgowns or soft dresses layered with cardigans or sweaters can create a super stylish lounge look
– Don’t forget the accessories: a great pair of slippers, a knit beanie to cover up your undone hair or a blanket scarf to wrap up in
– A faux fur vest and a pair of comfy boots can take your loungewear look to a Target run or a walk around the neighborhood

Take half an hour and purge your current loungewear wardrobe so you’re not tempted to throw on that old ratty t-shirt and sweats. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself if you’d be embarrassed to run out and grab the mail or answer the door if your neighbor stops by when you were wearing each piece: if so, the item should go.

This year, give your loungewear a little attention. Build it intentionally rather than having a drawer full of wardrobe rejects. I promise, it will make you feel amazing to have great pieces to wear around the house.

All of our Stylebook stores have pieces that would be amazing additions to your loungewear wardrobe, many of which can do double duty for casual weekend looks out of the house as well. I’d love to help you re-imagine your loungewear!

• Author Details

Cathy Starnes

cathy@stylespeaks.com