Lounge Attire Makes a Comeback
At-home fashion evolves beyond yoga pants and old T-shirts
By Janna Zepp
We have learned a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve learned to work from home, use technology in ways we never have before, and we’ve learned that what we thought we’d wear during dystopian times and what we actually ended up wearing were two distinctly different wardrobes.
Some of us — certainly not all — rapidly got tired of wearing sweatpants and old concert T-shirts 24/7. I certainly did. While shopping online, another habit learned during these uncertain times, I saw advertising for elegant at-home fashion. Curious, I searched for more information, and found little, but what I did find is what I believe to be the genesis of a new fashion trend. Lounge attire, as our grandmothers called it, is making a comeback.
What, you ask, does 21st century “lounge attire” look like? I assure you; it is not the foofy, billowy peignoir sets, or sleek silk or satin ritzy pajama sets of the 1930s and 1940s. Neither is the style the wild, Pucci-print, wide-legged jumpsuits of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The modern style of lounge attire is practical, comfortable and far more elegant than the hoodies, yoga pants and old T-shirts we’ve turned to in the last 20 years.
The styles advertised by online retailers are similar to pajamas, but about three rungs up the style ladder from sleepwear. Soft, jersey knits in solid colors or elegant, sophisticated prints in draped, figure flaw-hiding cuts are nice enough to wear while hosting company at home, but maybe a bit too casual to wear while running errands around town. It is what you might wear during a weekend at home when you know friends are dropping by for a casual afternoon of wine, charcuterie and conversation: comfortable, chic and tasteful rather than something you might wear to do light yardwork.
A lot of what I found online is upscale with the price to match. The good news is, you do not have to break the bank to put together lounge sets that look like you spent the mint on your at-home wardrobe. To make that happen, look for soft, flowing, natural or jersey knit fabrics in solid colors, such as jewel tones or neutral shades. Beige, white, camel, ecru, black, grey (aka “neutrals”) instantly make anything look more expensive that it actually is. Navy blue and red do the same for the jewel tone family. Long, tunic-style shirts paired with soft, knit pants work well together to create the look.
The kaftan, a long, dress-like garment with batwing sleeves, was popular in the late 1970s and into the 1980s for at home fashion (remember Mrs. Roper from Three’s Company?). It has also made a comeback in some styles that almost make you want to wear them to cocktail parties. They now come in a variety of soft, easy-care fabrics and can be found online or at discount and outlet retailers in the lingerie sections.
Shop around our great local boutiques in Central Texas and talk to the women who really know fashion and our particular tastes here at home. Boutique owners spend their lives learning about and knowing current trends in what their customers really want.
“We believe clothing should empower people to live their best lives in comfort while still being an expression of who they are,” says Jessica Shelton. She and her twin sister, Jamie Davenport, own and operate iMeraki in Belton to make sure clients look and feel their best in everything they wear.
If you’re afraid that shopping local boutiques will be more expensive than shopping online, don’t be. Shopping local is one of the best things you can do for your closet as well as your community.
“We keep our price points reasonable. I try to buy clothing at prices I would want to pay myself,” says Lannie Pacha, owner of Sissy Lala’s Clothing Boutique in Holland.
Why would anyone go to this extreme to look good if you’re home by yourself or just your family, you ask? Well, let me ask you this: why not? Why stop at looking “put together” only when you go out to work or socially? Extend that trend to your home and experience looking good to feel good even in your private moments.
