If there’s one good thing that came out of this past year, it’s the fact that we can now wear pajamas all day, every day and call it loungewear. Of course, loungewear isn’t anything new. However, with all of us spending more time at home, functional and versatile clothing that can be worn inside and outside the house is needed as the days get colder.
Time to trade the boring sweats for a few exciting upgrades that will keep you warm and stylish all through the chillier months. Here are 5 reasons to add some loungewear to your winter wardrobe.
Lounge sets
Whether they’re cashmere, cotton or soft knit, sophisticated lounge sets are one of the flyest ways to effortlessly slip into loungewear this season. They give me a “I am comfortable, but I’m still going to look chic” moment.
We are totally loving Mango’s beige cotton joggers with the matching crewneck top from Superbalist.com. Throw on a coat and sneakers if you need to leave the house and you’ve got a lewk. Cape Town-based brand, Unravelled (@shopunravelled), also has a beautiful collection of luxe knit sets in soft, pastel hues that you can check out. Best part? They’re local and sustainable!
Another great thing about lounge sets is that you can also style each piece individually. Pair your lounge pants with a turtleneck, an overshirt and boots and you’re ready to link up with your friends after work. It’s all about being creative and making the loungewear work for you and your lifestyle.
Flared Pants
If there’s one thing we know about fashion, it’s that trends tend to repeat themselves over time in different ways. Bell-bottoms were a hot topic in the 1960s and this iconic pant style has reinvented itself in 2021 as the fashion girl’s statement pant. Flares have been making a comeback for some time now whether it be in denims or trousers and it’s no different in loungewear. You can find them in knit, waffle, ribbed, cotton – all comfortable fabric that feels like a warm hug.
We’re loving Cotton On’s wide range of flared pants in different colours, styles and lounge sets too. This is one trend that will take you from autumn to winter and even beyond… to spring! It’s a fantastic transitional item that you’ll probably want more than one pair of. So… do you dare to flare?
Baggy jeans
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “why are jeans on a loungewear list?” Hear me out… we’ve seen ’90s denim making a comeback for some time now, but this time around they’re extra slouchy and relaxed. Brands such as Chanel and Victoria Beckham debuted this denim style on the runway. For those days that you do actually switch up your work location, slouchy jeans are your best bet at being comfortable and stylish indoors and outdoors.
Check out the runway looks here https://us.victoriabeckham.com/pages/spring-summer-2020-fashion-show
This laid-back, loose fit looks ultra-cool and relaxed, especially with a long, slouchy hemline that covers your shoes. Style it with a pair of sneakers, a turtleneck and sherpa jackets this winter for a balance between comfort and edge.
Granny’s cardigan
Another one of those staples that just keep making a return every year is the cardigan. Winter 2021 is no different, but this time around in a sartorial take that looks like they come straight from your granny’s closet. From chunky cable knits to ruffled collared sweaters, granny’s cardigan is versatile and has endless styling possibilities. They serve as a chic and practical layering piece, making it a natural staple for those cold days.
Adding a dash of playfulness to your wardrobe is not a bad idea after a year of not putting much effort into our work-from-home look. “While some women are undoubtedly eager to start getting dressed up again in the traditional sense, others, like myself, may never make a full return to pre-pandemic norms, opting instead for a simpler, pared-down aesthetic”, admits Grace Stearns from Vogue.com.
Comfy house shoes
If you ever doubted that Crocs could be fashionable, honey, do we have news for you. Before designer Christopher Kane created a collection in partnership with Crocs and debuted it on the runways, Crocs would not have been considered a shoe that could be ‘cool’ or stylish. It’s an orthopedic shoe that was created for comfort but is slowly evolving as a shoe that makes a fashion statement.
Global celebs such as Nicki Minaj and Saweetie as well as our local Influencers like Keneilwe Mothoa have been seen adorning these with playful accessories, brooches and Chanel pins on them. It’s both comfortable and unexpectedly chic so perhaps you can grab yourself a pair and DIY it with your favorite accessories.
We get it though. Crocs aren’t for everyone… So perhaps a pair of furry slides or sherpa loafers are an alternative option or Uggs’ latest collection of slides. Known for its classic boot slippers, the new Ugg slides from Trenton South Africa have been popular on the IG streets… and we totally get it. Not only are they exceptionally comfortable, but they come in many different styles to suit every taste.
CONTRIBUTORS
Words: S’nothando Mthi @snothando_mthi
Editor: Nikki Temkin @NikkiTemkin
