In my latest Why Don’t You? post, I had mentioned the idea of “…throwing those flannel pajamas and oversized tees away and parade about your home in thigh high socks, a little teddy, and a lovely kimono. Feel fabulous, feel sexy – be a temptress for the day!” A few days later I received an email from this lovely reader:
hello!
I just adore your blog – “fabulous” is truly the correct word for it. Came over here after seeing a post on Nubby’s blog and her comment saying that yours was great – she’s totally right. Loving it.
I have a “what to wear” style question for you – one that has been bugging me for a long time. What to wear to bed? Not for “playtime” – that’s up to the individual ! but to sleep. If you just pull on a ratty old tee short and tracksuit bottoms to sleep in, your chosen bed partner will probably be a little disappointed … and if you’re sleeping on your own there’s something subtle about wearing fabulous, beautiful things to bed, and something rather sad and sexless about wearing something too utilitarian, which I do right now (Gap basic long-sleeved or short-sleeved t-shrts, depending on the season, and soft pajama bottoms. Help!!
But the problem is, so many items marketed as women’s bedtime clothes are either tacky or not very practical, or a bit juvenile (Snoopy and Garfield prints – don’t get me wrong, I love them, just not to wear to bed!)
Obviously this question is not for those of your readers who, like Marilyn Monroe, just wear Chanel No. 5 to bed. I’ve tried it but I either get too cold in winter, or too sticky in summer. And if the postman wakes me up … well, there’s a dilemma for answering the door.
I have at least 7 or 8 lovely slips, a couple silk and the rest synthetic – satin, microfiber etc. They look great (I have a small bust and not much of a waist, so it’s more flattering than a wrap-around effect) but I don’t feel comfortable sleeping in them – not very warm, or a bit sticky depending on weather. So they languish in my closet, feeling lonely, staring reproachfully at me when I open the door. I wonder if I should just liberate them to the friendly local thrift store.
Your fashion solutions are really good. What would you suggest as a sophisticated, comfortable, yet flattering and even quite sexy (in a classy way) option to wear to bed – I guess while you are at it, for both summer and winter hemispheres? This also solves the “lounging at home late at night or over breakfast” question.
thank you my dear,
didi xx
So what to wear?
. . .
{for lounging about the house.}
The above photos are my personal preferences for l o u n g i n g about the house (but not to sleep in). It was quite amusing to discover the two pieces in my mother’s closet, completely unworn because a small/medium never fit her ridiculously tiny (yet curvaceous) body, only to find that the little slip and kimono-inspired robe were from Victoria’s Secret. In the eighties. Ah, vintage Victoria’s Secret. Who knew?
I adore everything about it. the little bows on the spaghetti straps, the navy lace, the silk-satin blend floral print, the colors, and of course, the silhouette. It completely hugs my curves, even emphasizing my hourglass shape. And the length, though appearing questionably short in the photo, is actually quite conservative the hemline at the tip of my fingertips. The robe is perhaps my favourite part of the the two pieces; the sleeves are unbelievably beautiful! A majority of blogging is done in that dear robe; the navy sash undone, legs curled beneath me, sitting on my bed. I must admit that I feel like quite the luxurious lady. All I need is a darling little pup named Chanel and a few diamond bracelets hanging off my wrists. Perhaps a butler, too.
- Lounging is a quite glamourous word. It evokes images of white, suede chaises with cherry wood legs and Audrey Hepburn in a long, satin robe reading upon it. At least for me it does. No matter, loungewear should make you feel equally empowered and fabulous as you do outside your home. Whether or not we like to admit it, what we wear reflects how we feel. So darling, resurrect those lovely seven or eight slips from the back of your closet. Wear them around the house, for cooking, for doing work, for watching some television, or simply lounging about. Not to mention; should a mysterious handsome stranger asking for directions stop by your house, or if a friend drops by on last minute’s notice, you know you will look impeccable, still.
- In the spring & summer… Slips, dresses, or cute camisole-and-tiny-shorts. Victoria’s Secret and Target are my go-to’s for the perfect loungewear; the former for something a bit prettier and luxurious, and the latter for playful and comfortable options. If it is a bit colder or chilly in the house I am seen walking about in knee or thigh high socks – nothing too provocative, really – but just simple stockings or socks. Easily purchaseable at the likes of Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, and American Apparel.
- In the fall & winter… Those tracksuits paired with my favorite leopard print slippers. But my favorite ensemble is an oversized/boyfriend sweater worn over leggings. Incredibly comfortable and still chic. Simply snatch a few sweaters from darling dad or the boyfriend. Or the brother. Those random knits – cable, wool, etc. – are oh-so-warm!
- In terms of material… Cotton blends and knits are your best friends! They are the most comfortable and are low maintenance. A bit of silk or satin is lovely for those special occasions, though!
- Robes are a must! Not the terry bathrobes, but those ubiquitous satin/silk ones with the sash. Not only do they provide an adequate source of warmth, but also give an air of luxuriousness. Simply picture yourself making your morning coffee with your hair piled up, just a bit disheveled. A robe is one of those things that polish the at-home lounge outfit.
{a sleeping beauty.}
Your beauty sleep is all about comfort; it’s nearly impossible to get a good night’s worth of rest if you are worrying about the (a) itchy seams or fabric or (b) wrinkling the clothing. On the other hand, those awfully printed pajama sets are too juvenile. Of course it is easy to simply forget about sleepwear and vanquish all hope to the pajama gods, but we are hardly the type to give up so easily.
I shall share to you a l i t t l e secret of m i n e when it comes to buying pajamas. I never head to the pajama section. Or rarely, that is. No matter how adorable that Hello Kitty print pajama bottom-and-top set is, it’s not, well, me. And such loungewear is often made of cheaper material, meaning, after a few washes, those irritating little fuzzes begin to surface. Nor do I attempt to go for those more provocative pajamas as offered in women’s sections – I have no need for little lace numbers.
This is when I head to dance stores of sporting goods stores, with my mind set upon their yoga/dance department. Attire for yoga & dance are incredibly comfortable, durable, and surprisingly chic. They are quite flattering too, offering support where needed, fitting your curves but still giving you room to breathe (yoga/dance wear is meant to be moved in – meaning late night tosses and turning can be done with ease). The material is breathe-able, which is an added plus! Opt for cute little pants or shorts, or a little racerback top or sweater. They come in coordinating sets too!
- In the spring & summer… Knit yoga pants, fitted dance shorts (with knee high socks if it’s chilly), Victoria Secret Pink tees, yoga tanks. Thin teeshirt dresses are lovely too. Little booty shorts paired with thigh highs and a little tank if you so wish to be provocative in bed. Or be cheeky and be clad in simply a racerback tank and adorable VS underwear. My “inspiration”/”pajama” style: those VS Pink ads, what dancers wear. They channel comfort and sexiness simultaneously.
- In the fall & winter… Knit yoga/dance pants, long sleeve thermals or henleys; oversized/boyfriend sweaters paired with leggings. Not exactly the idea of a sexy yet comfortable sleepwear, but when it is cold, all I want is a cup of hot chocolate and a toasty bed. Perhaps a teeshirt-dress (fitted, of course) would be a bit more provocative? But if you worried about that, simply dress in your best lingerie – because then, what you wear over it is of little to no importance if it is to be taken right off, no?
♥
Bonne nuit!
bisous,
La C.
Brigadeiro says
GREAT post, as always! I must admit I’m quite unglamourous when it comes to loungewear/sleepwear, as it’s one of those things I hate spending on…
I love loungeing in my oh so comfy silk muu muu: http://brigadeirochoc.blogspot.com/2008/11/le-mumu-loungewear-as-outerwear.html
But for sleep I am usually oh so daggy! Victoria’s Secret and Peter Alexander (www.peteralexander.com.au) have great solutions for those who like to look a bit more presentable than I when sleeping/loungeing.
I love your yoga/dance clothes suggestion, brilliant! I would imagine that Christy Turlington’s Nula range for Puma would be perfect for that…I think I’ll start looking at these 🙂
Thanks for inspiring me not to lounge in my trackies!
xx
La Couturier says
Brigadeiro: I love reading your comments, always! =] You always look so fab =] I must start looking into Christy Turlington for Puma too! I’m quite excited for that!
Bisous,
La lC.
Sasha says
I love this! I’m inspired to go out and buy some new pajamas
didi says
Ooh thanks so much for answering my question! I like the idea of dancewear/yoga clothes as you can wear them out of bed too, to lounge in as you’ve noted. And you’re right, they can be very flattering curve-wise – which pajamas often aren’t. And when the postman wakes you at midday it isn’t quite so obvious …
I hadn’t thought about thigh-high socks – very cute and a bit different. Lots of new ideas to experiment with!
Love the photo, too – very Bardot!
didi xxx
Phyrra says
I’m in total agreement with you on this post.
I have 4 different robes: an ankle length satin robe, short silk kimono robe, an ankle thick warm robe, and a soft knee length robe.
I have robes for different reasons and moods, and love them.
I also have lots of cute little slips and sets for lounge. The majority of mine is yoga wear 🙂
Hannah says
I feel rather embarrassed about my ratty old sweats that I’m lounging in now. I definitely want to get a silk robe or a pair of thigh high socks now!
La Couturier says
Hannah: Don’t be embarrassed! ;] You definitely should. They make bumming around the house so much more fun. And seemingly meaningful. A simple task like doing homework/work or pouring a cup of milk seems much more, well, fabulous! Thigh high socks are just incredibly fun. =]
Phyrra: I have robes for different moods & seasons, too!
Didi: Oh no problem! =] Thigh high socks make lounging around so much more fun!
Hannah says
After reading this post, I actually dug up a pair of bright pink argyle knee highs and put them on. So much fun!
Rachel says
this post is amazing.
Bostonian says
It is a very useful article ! I love having lounge clothes for when I’m home. Just don’t like hanging in the clothes I wear outside. Bisous !
freeteyme says
I usually wear t-shirt dresses a lot and cami/shorts combo but I will definitely try the dance wear suggestion. It made so much sense with the comfort and movement. =)
MizzJ says
Love this post! Your mom has amazing taste. If I were wearing that, I would certainly hope some handsome stranger would knock on my door.
Cafe Fashionista says
Love, love, love. I agree, when lounging you want to be comfortable yet well-coiffed – just in case someone stops in for a visit! 🙂
...love Maegan says
lol. this is adorable.
Charmaine says
Yoga wear… I never thought of that, but it absolutely makes sence. Lululemon is my favourite for yoga wear.
diane says
I discovered the joys of sleeping in thigh highs this winter. I’m so glad to see you recommending them. Kudos!
Princess Liberty says
Great post ! I love your blog !!!
sharon rose says
Hi there-well done on bagging this stunning find from your mums wardrobe-its a real classic and still so covetable!
janettaylor says
I love reading your tips. I agree… I usually wear silk babydoll! 🙂
XoXo
ediot says
great post. youre a very talented writer. and oh the picks are great. love the brigitte picture. she looked so awesome before
Miss G* says
I’m sorry, I didn’t real everything, caus’ it’s too much english for me!
I looove that picture, I guess it’s Brigitte Bardot?!
xo.
Alize Morand says
I usually wear a satin babydoll to sleep and a fitted tank top with men’s chic pajama bottoms to lounge on my sofa.. but your advice is very useful, it reminded me I need a new robe.. 🙂
That said, I know most of my French friends don’t have sleepwear issues, they simply don’t wear anything! 😉
Luphia says
LOVE the vintage VS loungewear!!
xx
Keith says
Hello La C. I think it’s great for women and men to dress nice when they go to bed. There’s no reason to look right frumpy. Sure it’s easy. I’ve done it myself plenty of times. I also try to wear nice pajamas to bed most nights. Have a great weekend. Cheers!
becs says
Great post! I love the idea of wearing yoga/dance-wear and agree that they’re comfy, yet cute. And you’re so lucky your mom kept that fab VS set.. my mom doesn’t have any of her vintage clothes. So sad (for me!).
xo, Becs
http://www.stylewithbenefits.wordpress.com
Couture Carrie says
I loooove luxurious loungewear! Gorgeous post… I need a kimono asap!
Be sure to stop by my blog, as I am having a contest today 🙂
xoxox,
CC
hanako66 says
wonderful post…I try my best not to look frumpy at home and you have some great suggestions!
mira says
oh i don’t mind waiting for a post. enjoying your blog.:)
lisa says
Lovely advice as always! Hehe I’m one of those gals who wears PJ bottoms and old T-shirts in spring/summer and flannel PJs in autumn/winter. My body temp drops dramatically when I sleep and I just want to be warm.
The seeker says
Great post and tips as always.
xoxo
Ziling says
Great post!!! Wonderful tips. Rlly thankful for this post 🙂
dapper kid says
Such a fantastic post and amazing advice! I always think that loungewear and sleepwear should never be an excuse to dress sloppy. I love evenings where I can just change into a soft oxford shirt, slim cotton trousers and velvet slippers. It’s simple but so much better than sweats and a dingy t-shirt!
La Couturier says
dapper kid: I am hardly surprised, considering that you are definitely one of the best dressed boys out there ;] ! Isn’t it much more fun to lounge around fabulously?
Bisous,
La C.
thebaglady says
Yet another amazingly thorough post with advice. You really are one of those people who are just naturally born fabulous & talented.
Jealous? Maybe.
Candy-forest says
That Victoria Secret robe is perfect! So smooth and so sexy!
anonymous says
oh wow you are the most fabulous seventeen year old i know alive.
you’re probably one of those girls people, boys & girls alike, would kill to be friends with! but much nicer & sweeter!
kristine says
vintage vs? wow! that is sooooo beautiful!
as always, another inspiring post.
kandace says
Wow I never put that much thought into what I wear to bed but you’re totally right. It would be nice to wake up in the morning and feel luxurious as I roll out of bed . I find that I usually focus on buying clothes that others will see, leaving me with plain pj’s and underwear. I guess it’s about time I start investing in myself.
http://www.fashionismygirlfriend.com/
loft in soho says
I love this image!
you have great talent for writing,
happy weekend dear,
xxx
Bere tarde o temprano says
I loooooveee the comfortable clothes to stay at home :)…. Nice blog 🙂 this is my first time here and I enjoyed so much!!!
kisses From Mexico
La Couturier says
loft in soho: Ah, you are too sweet! *blushes*
Bere tarde o temprano: Aw, thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Bisous,
La C.
winnie says
I need a silk robe like that Victorias secret one. They are so pretty! I am so lazy when it comes to bedwear!
Aisha says
Now, this is an original post.
Probably the first one I read about pjs 🙂
becca alexis says
Glad you did a post on this. Loungewear can be relatively inexpensive and chic! I recently did a post on a bra solution and think you might find it interesting. Thanks… http://www.purveyorofstyle.blogspot.com
abdcforever says
this totally just made me wanna get out of these stupid sweats & huuge tee im in right now.
ill stop by at vs tmro when i hit the mall!
lenya jones says
I soo needed this post – it’s winter in Australia and I now have and special someone and what to wear while sleeping or lounging and still look sexy is something I never expected to care about. Thanks sooo much.
Airam says
Great post, as always – you really do write the best fashion blog of them all in my opinion.
On the topic of looking good while lounging/sleeping, I’ve always found that it helps a lot if I’ve done something nice with my hair, and if I’m otherwise well groomed. Lovely curls, nail polish and glowing skin makes me feel so much better when I wake up, so I think it’s almost as important as what I’m actually wearing 🙂
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rossovelvet says
Love love love the post !!
And the VS vintage >____>
Outstanding, you’re lucky !
Roya says
Are you kidding?
Silk and satin make my nipples stand right up and that’s NOT comfortable for anything away from my sweetheart or BOB. Lounging in that is not an option.
But.. I guess I’m one of those that this does not pertain…. I have only the radio on when I go to bed.
Let’s pour another Mimosa and toast the dance clothing.. yes, it’s perfect for “around the house”.
Roya