More often than you think do I get an e-mail with that title as the subject line. It’s an entirely serious question, regardless of how bizarre the inquiry may seem—and thus deserving of an entirely serious answer. It all came in response to my post about having a fashion blog and writing cross-legged in an ensemble worthy for the gym.
“How can I feel more glamorous at home?” “What can I wear instead of oversized band or charity t-shirts and whatever baggy, ratty old things I have lying around?” “I want to sexy when I’m lounging around; my boyfriend definitely doesn’t appreciate my flannel pyjamas.”
Et cetera.
(To the unappreciative boyfriend: tell him to take it or leave it. Flannel is comfortable and warm, and if you’d rather have a sniffling girlfriend to take care of then, by all means, complain. I highly doubt a old wife-beater and basketball shorts turn you on. And if he really doesn’t like the lumberjack flannel, let him rip those to shreds to reveal your new lingerie! C’est simple.)
Well, my dears, you could prance around in Louboutins, a vintage silk slip, and a checkered apron. It sounds quite fantastical to me, though the majority of the time I’ll be found in a sports bra or pretty tank and yoga pants. I suppose my choice of lounge attire is one step above ratty, XL tee-shirts, though.
I was hardly being sarcastic about the slip and heels suggestion.
If your purpose in dressing up at home is actually a ploy to “casually” wait for the arrival of the über sexy, Fabio UPS/DHL/your respective postal services delivery man, then by golly gee, wait around in your best La Perlas and Wolford stockings. But demure is the key word here, darlings, and less is not more in this case. Modesty too, lovelies. As godly as that push-up bra is in creating miracles, repeat with me: Thou shall always leave room for the imagination. One more time, s’il vous plaît.
But if you must, then I’ll be honest: I don’t know a thing about what to wear to lounge around in if the primary goal was to please. It shouldn’t be too hard, considering how easy the male species are to please; a friend once told me that “the penis is a very optimistic specimen” and, therefore, should be turned on easily (and quickly) by your wit.
Or. Turn it up a few notches by walking around in the nude with your highest pumps. And a string of pearls around your neck (no double entendre intended). Think The Lovers, in which French actress Jeanne Moreau appears before her lover wearing nothing but pearls. Oh la la. But this is only if you absolutely must; I shall not be held responsible if any of you catch the cold whilst prancing around in the nude!
. . .
1. Food turns out bet when you cook in heels and a kitschy, fifties apron.
That settled, we can revisit the slip + checkered or French half-apron + heels look. It’s incredibly sexy and entirely practical. Slips, vintage or ordered from a Victoria’s Secret catalogue, are pretty little things to have. They’re every bit luxe as they look, and make you feel exactly that sans the uncomfortableness. A silk robe is the perfect touch come colder months, and an adorable apron worn in the kitchen makes domestication must more fun. Food turns out bet when you cook in heels and a kitschy, fifties apron. It’s a win-win situation: you break into those brand new stilettos and master your walk (no bent knees!), all the while folding batter and whipped cream for some angel cake.
2. Option no. 2: We all have an inner Audrey Hepburn complex.
You could always go the Audrey Hepburn way. A manfriend’s borrowed dress shirt, thrown over the aforementioned black lace La Perlas. Never underestimate the power of androgyny’s sex appeal: a man’s shirt is incredibly provocative. Think Brigitte Bardot and her teased bouffant! Going pants-less is an option (I’d still suggest a pair of cheeky shorts at least), but cropped leggings, à la Jacks (from the film Love and Other Disasters) are especially chic.
Instead of slippers, buy a pair of flats to wear around the house. It’ll make you feel more put together, and, as an added benefit, save you from the horror of stepping on nasty little bugs with bare feet. It’s worth it, wearing flats around the house – even just for that.
3. I ♥ yoga. But I don’t do it…
Yoga wear. It’s not entirely glamorous, per say, but yoga is chic! Especially when practiced on rooftops of New York City! There’s nothing like an off-the-shoulder, tissue-thing top over a pair of leggings or fitted yoga pants. It’s comfort fashion at its best, and easily transcends for a quick errand without looking like you’ve (literally) rolled out of bed moments before. You never know who you might run into—or meet—whilst looking for organic Greek yogurt with the latest expiration date. There are sexy, guitar-playing vegan boys by the granolas, you know. Head over to Lululemon, maintenant!
4. I am a little coquette who looks like a sex kitten, always.
Think Carrie Bradshaw + Nikita (my latest CW obsession!). And of course, WWZFW? (What Would zee French Wear?) Luxe robes and silk slips and baby dolls. Cashmere cardigans over a pretty bra. Perhaps a satin and lace romper. Ribbons, lace, frilly bits, faux furs, the whole nine yards.
. . .
Lounge away with a good book and a glass of red wine! Any more questions, e-mail, tweet me, or leave a comment below!
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Your turn. Thoughts?