Most of us are now spending much more time at home than we may have planned. Perhaps you are now working from home.
That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to how you dress. You’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable, but also put together and stylish. Even if it’s just to please yourself. We show you how to dress comfortable AND stylish at home and show you where to find the best women’s loungewear for days spent at home.
The best women’s loungewear for your needs
The best loungewear for your needs depends on what your activities are.
For example you may want to be comfortable at home as well as look professional enough to take a video conference call, for example.
Plus, you may want to pop out to get some fresh air, or walk your dog (if you have one). (of course for now you want to keep the social distancing guidelines in mind).
I really do find that what I’m wearing has an impact on my mood. Do you agree? So, upgrading those not-going-anywhere-special-today clothes could make a real difference.
What is loungewear and how you can wear it
Tracksuits, sweatshirts, leggings, pajamas, lounge pants, tees – loungewear is really a catch-all term for anything which is comfortable enough to lounge around in.
While in the days of Hollywood sirens, “slipping into something more comfortable” typically meant some sort of seductive slip of silk or satin, now the trend is to change into comfy lounge pants and sweaters when you come home.
Finally, comfort has become fashionable. Even Victoria Beckham, who was once so loath to wear flats that she wore heeled sneakers to play baseball, has recently embraced the loungewear trend and has been wearing cozy knits and sneakers rather than her usual heels and dresses.
Renae (above) opts for a stylish loungewear look featuring all neutrals.
Recreate her look this similar wrap knit top and lounge pants.
Prefer pajamas? Check the best pajamas for women over 40.
Luxury loungewear
But, baggy tees and washed out leggings just won’t cut it anymore! Loungewear is now all about luxury – that feeling that you’re treating yourself well while you’re at home.
As our lives get busier, many of us are spending more time at home. In current circumstances, you may have no choice but to stay home. But, you will still want to feel as if you are taking care of yourself and that you are both comfortable AND stylish.
After all, you never know when you might have to answer the door to a deliver person, pop out to walk the dog, or go to get grocery supplies.
Marks & Spencer pure cashmere hoodie
Cashmere loungewear
If you really do want to inject some luxury into your loungewear wardrobe, I can think of a better way to do so that with a luxurious fabric like cashmere.
The White Company cashmere robe
Sale alert: Nordstrom Spring Sale is currently on until 13 April 2020 with selected items up to 60% off.
Is it lounge clothing or PJs?
In short, loungewear sits somewhere between pajamas and going out attire.
If you wouldn’t be happy to answer the doorbell, then you’re probably in pajamas. If you’re happy to go to the door, or pop to the shop for milk and bread, then it’s loungewear!
Prefer to relax in pajamas? Take a look at the best pajamas for women, which is updated with some cool pajamas for summer.
Choosing a capsule loungewear wardrobe
While it may seem a bit of a strange concept to put together a loungewear capsule, it will help you to feel more stylish even on your most casual days.
Many brands have really upped their game when it comes to loungewear because of the athleisure trend and because if you are retired or working from home either all, or some, of the time, you won’t want to be dressed in a constrictive way. But that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look polished and put together.
You could take a leaf out of Karen’s style book above and choose pieces which are stylish for outdoor wear, but comfortable for lounging inside.
Recreate her look with this similar sweater, jogger pants and sneakers.
Lounge pants
One of the most important parts of your loungewear capsule will be the pants you choose.
You are likely to want a style which you can pull on so you don’t have to fiddle about with restrictive zippers and buttons while relaxing, but which still look very stylish.
These lounge sweatpants could be a good base for the rest of your loungewear.
Women’s lounge pants
These lounge pants below could easily be worn for a quick errand.
Check out our article on the best winter leggings for women.
Women’s lounge pants
Another good option are leggings like this pair from Zella. You could definitely wear these indoors or pop to do a couple of errands in them. They could also make a good pair of yoga pants.
Don’t forget to take a look at how to wear leggings over 40.
Lounge shorts
If you live in warmer climes, or are heading off on vacation you may prefer a pair of lounge shorts for sleeping and relaxing in rather than full-length pants.
This gray pair from BP. have an easy drawstring waist.
Lounge clothes – tank tops
Of course, your loungewear closet cannot consist of pants and shorts alone! You will want to add some tops which you can mix and match.
Opt for a variety of styles in short and long sleeves so you have all weather conditions covered.
Jill (above) wears a knotted tee with her drawstring pants.
Get her look with this similar tank top, drawstring pants and slides.
Choose soft fabric you will be comfortable in. For additional style, you can also opt for a drape, knot or twist detail like this tank top from Zella.
This racerback tank has a more athletic feel to it if you will be exercising too.
Ladies loungewear – sleeved tops
As well as a long-sleeved top for cooler days and nights, you will want a tank top or t-shirt. A plain tee-shirt is always a versatile option as you can wear indoors as a pajama top or outdoors as a tee.
This lounge shirt (below) with its contrasting neckline and sleeve detailing is a stylish option.
This three-quarter sleeve tee (below) is a nice mid shade of gray if you want to add some neutrals to your closet.
You might also want to add a camisole to your relaxing wardrobe. Check out this article on the best camisoles to buy.
Women’s loungewear sets
Of course, you could always opt for a matching set of loungewear pants and bottoms. That way you can wear them as a set, or you can choose to mix and match.
A pair in gray is a classic style which won’t date like this set (below) from Barefoot Dreams.
Barefoot Dreams jersey pajamas
Black loungewear
This pajama set from Natori also manages to cross the middle ground between loungewear and pajamas.
Lounge outfits for indoors and out
Or, you could choose a set which is still loungewear but which looks more like a tracksuit – perfect if you will also be popping for a walk, run or to the shops.
BP. cozy top – BP. jogger pants
In a pretty pastel shade, this set from Socialite (below) feature an on-on trend knotted detail to the waistband.
Socialite waffle knit pullover – Socialite wide leg lounge pants
Loungewear jumpsuit
You might also want to consider a loungewear jumpsuit.
While a jumpsuit can be a stylish option for a lunch or an evening out, you will want a less structured jumpsuit for lounging in.
Choose something you can easily get on and off and which doesn’t have restrictive button or hook-and-eye fastenings.
Sallyanne (above) works from home in a comfy jumpsuit.
Check out this similar jumpsuit and sports bra.
This jumpsuit from Socialite (below) would also be a comfortable option.
Women’s loungewear tracksuits
If you want pieces that you can definitely wear indoors or outdoors, you could opt for a loungewear tracksuit.
While tracksuits are thought to be just for sports, or can be unflattering, there are some stylish loungewear options available.
You can wear together as a set or opt to wear as separates.
They can be one of the most tricky things to wear while still looking stylish so, personaly, I find the key is to wear tracksuits as separates, rather than wearing a tracksuit top and pants together. Pairing tracksuit pants with a cashmere sweater gives a luxe look.
You can then add outerwear like leather jackets, trench coats and sneakers if you’re heading out. Then again, if you’re staying in, wear the set together for a comfy, cozy look.
Knitted loungewear for women
For chilly evenings, you are likely to want a loungewear cardigan or poncho to throw on over your outfit.
I like to choose a nice, long style that can also double up as a dressing gown in case I’m on vacation where I don’t have one with me, or they don’t provide a nice, fluffy one in the hotel.
Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan
Lounge dress
While most loungewear tends to be t-shirts and drawstring pants, you may feel more comfortable in a dress. Choose one in a soft fabric which has some strech, such as jersey.
This lounge dress (below) from Marks & Spencer could just as easily double as a day dress. Wear with sneakers or sandals if you need to pop out.
Marks & Spencer lounge nightdress
Petite loungewear
Finding loungewear that fits properly if you are petite can be tricky. You’ll find that Land’s End has a good petite range. Another option is to choose cropped pants which you can wear as regular-length. This tunic (below) comes in a huge range of colors.
There is more advice in this article on how to dress if you are petite.
Plus size loungewear
Nordstrom is a good go-to if you are looking for plus-size options as you can filter your search by size. This Nordstrom tee (below) is super soft.
Accessories to go with your ladies loungewear set
Just as with your regular closet, you will want to make sure you have the right accessories to go with your loungewear.
Think about sports bras or comfy bralets to go under your loungewear as you probably won’t want to feel the constriction of underwire. Plus, cozy socks and slippers for your feet.
You may also want to choose a pair of sneakers or slip-on shoes that you can wear out and about in case you want to run some errands. And, of course, you will want a great style book to read while you lounge.
Lana (above) matches her scarf to her sneakers for a stylish loungewear look which is perfect for indoors and out.
Check out this similar sweater, leggings, sneakers and scarf.
Nordstrom cashmere wrap – Nordstrom scarf – Hours&Hours cashmere bed socks – Icebreaker sports bra – Jessica Simpson slipper – Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneaker – ‘The Knockoff’ audio book – NEST Fragrances candle
Best loungewear brand ideas
Here are some of my own favorite loungewear brands. How about yours? You can let me know in the comments at the bottom of the article.
9 loungewear outfits using the pieces above
The beauty of loungewear is you can mix and match in so many different ways, whether you are staying in all day or you will be heading out to run a few errands or for some exercise.
Just as you would put together a capsule collection in your regular wardrobe, it’s worth investing in key loungewear pieces. When you’re looking for loungewear, choose pieces which are easy to pull on and which allow you to relax while still feeling stylish.
Read our ultimate guide to creating a capsule wardrobe that works best for you.
Many store buyers now refer to loungewear as your “third wardrobe”.
It’s not for going to bed in, and it’s not for going out in. It’s for those evenings when you want to relax with a glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate while reading a book or watching a movie.
So, what should you have in your loungewear capsule?
I’d suggest leggings, lounge pants, long sleeve tees and tank tops, a cozy cardigan and socks or slippers. I’d also add some bralettes to your loungewear draw if you still need support, but feel more comfortable in something other than an underwired bra!
By keeping to a color scheme in the same way as any other capsule in your wardrobe, you can ensure you always look put together, even if you do have to answer the door!
A camisole can be a great asset for your lounge wardrobe. Check some of the best camisoles here.
Womens loungewear fabrics
As well as the colors and styles of your loungewear, you will want to think about fabric.
To be truly comfortable, you need to like the feel of the fabric you choose against your skin as well as make sure you’re not too hot and not too cold.
Look out for pieces in natural fabrics such as cashmere, silk and cotton. Semi-natural fabrics like modal can also be soft, crease resistant and wash well, without such a high price tag.
While it may feel alien to spend more on your indoor look than your outdoor outfits, it can make perfect sense as you are likely to keep your loungewear longer, given that lounge clothing is more comfort-led than trend-led!
There’s more advice from Yvonne in her piece on choosing the best types of women’s pajamas.
Do you change into your womens loungewear clothes as soon as you get home? What is your favorite loungewear trend?
Continue reading:
- Pajamas For Women: The Best Types Of Women’s Pajamas For Women Over 40
- How To Wear Leggings Over 40 – A Complete Guide
- The Best Pants And Skirts To Fit And Hide Your Belly
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Feature image by Sallyanne
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Sylvia, this is very well put: loungewear sits between PJ’s and clothes for going out, and if you are not comfortable answering the door in what you’re wearing, then they’re PJ’s!
Thank you for this very useful article.
Good to read you found it useful Patricia!
Now working remotely, I have enjoyed working in lounge wear and can already see how it will influence my wardrobe once I return to the office. I’m getting the most use out of charcoal gray joggers, wide leg leopard print lounge pants, and cozy fleece-lined stretch jeggings – like ‘pajama jeans’. Slip-on knit sneakers are perfectly versatile, practical, and keep me out of bedroom slippers.
But the top is the most important, as I’m doing daily video meetings and still want to look and feel professional. When you’re only viewed from the the chest upward, you have to adjust your proportions and accessories accordingly. Cashmere turtleneck sweaters and cowl-neck tops look good on camera, especially in deeper jewel tones. If my top is black or charcoal, I add a little pop of color, usually by way of simple turquoise jewelry, or wearing colored eyeglass frames. If my top is colored, I stick with simple hoop earrings and go with metal or tortoise frames.
So true Karalane!
I love this article as I am living in the very relaxed San Diego, working as a Personal stylist and coming from Milan Italy, I get asked the question often. What is Loungewear v sloppy dressing? I will certainly keep this article to help my clients with this dilemma, so many thanks.
Great article.
It is so important to look good, feel good all of the time. Life is short, feel good. I think Victoria Beckham is starting to feel her age and the wear and tear of her feet.
Thank you for your continued efforts.
Thanks so much for your kind feedback Catherine!
Thanks for your collection. Wish they had petite sizes consistently.
If you spend most of your time at home like me it only make sense to invest the most in those items. I also think Pure Jill by J.Jill is a very good option .
What is the brand of the knit cuffed pants that the model is wearing in the picture? Love them!
Not sure. You may want to check her instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZUzLMAtaU/ to check.
Lularoe is my current go-to for loungewear. It’s cute, comfy and can be worn for errands.
Looks very comfy.
It does Greetje – I’ve definitely inspired myself to invest in some new loungewear!
Good article. Since I travel alot I started wearing alot of loungewear. It’s more or less what is considered pajamas with a cami(or tank) top and I pair it with a short sleeve outer blouse. I do alot of driving and could never wear jeans or tight fitting pants. Sometimes I wear exercise type pants but not too often. I also discovered places like Target sell sleepwear pants that come in solid black and navy(black, blue, gray prints also). This is what I prefer. More black and dark colors and nothing baggy, must be breathable and nonrestrictive.. And no one would ever know it is sleepwear. The women that work in these places don’t even know their stores sell this stuff
Thanks for the tips Rachel!