AD: Sponsored Feature In Partnership With Very
Only a year ago the thought of spending my day in a co-ordinating tracksuit would have left me reeling; my wardrobe was full to the brim with all manner of midi dresses, skirts and fancy tops to take my stretchy jeans from dull to distinguished, but there was barely a piece of relaxed loungewear in sight. My pyjama collection may have been extensive, but that was reserved for post-dinner attire only (thanks to spending the last eight years working from home and needing to be disciplined about dressing like I would in an office.)
It was lockdown 1.0 that found me embracing comfortable clothes like never before; with nowhere to go and no-one to see, comfort became more of a priority than ever and fluffy hoodies started to creep their way into my daily attire. With lockdown 2.0 on the horizon I had the foresight to stock up on a few more pieces of loungewear and coordinated pieces that I knew would help me to feel cosy and positive for the next few weeks, but with lockdown 3.0 I’ve taken it to a whole new level.
If it’s not stretchy, fluffy, cosy or oversized, I don’t want to know. Because, honestly, there’s something about comfy clothing that makes me feel unexpectedly safe, secure and grounded – and that’s exactly what we all need right now.
Although I do miss getting dressed up and find myself doing so on occasion just to remind myself who I was before all this nonsense began, I’ve discovered that I’m a total loungewear convert and pulling on a co-ord really does help to improve my mood. A great set bridges the gap between wearing your PJs all day and getting all dressed up with nowhere to go perfectly; it makes you feel like you’ve made an effort and wouldn’t be embarrased to open the door to the postman or jump on a last minute Zoom call, but without zips or seams digging in as you sit at your desk for eight hours a day.
A two piece set feels intentional, like you’ve actually put on a whole outfit, and sometimes that’s what makes all the difference. A little normality, a little routine, but with a whole load of comfort thrown in for good measure. And I’m totally here for it – lockdown or otherwise.
Right now we’re all about self-care routines and looking after our wellbeing, but that extends beyond a long bath or a regular face mask… What you’re wearing can have just as much impact on your mood and positivity, so don’t underestimate the power of some decent loungewear!
MY TOP TIPS FOR EMBRACING LOUNGEWEAR
1 Opt for coordinating top and bottoms. There’s something about a full set that makes it feel intentional and chic, as well as being a super lazy way to feel like you’re dressed appropriately for the day ahead. I used to buy seperate tops and bottoms, but it all felt a bit mis-matched and like PJs; since I’ve invested in a few complete loungewear sets it’s made all the difference.
2 Invest in comfortable fabrics with a bit of stretch. If you don’t want to stroke yourself, you’re doing it wrong! Fabrics should be soft, fluffy, cosy, comfortable and have a bit of stretch so you don’t feel constricted.
3 Treat yourself to some luxe slippers. 2019 Hayley only had one pair of comedy flamingo slippers, but 2021 Hayley now has a growing collection of sassy home footwear that not only keep my tootsies warm but add that extra bit of luxury to my day. If I can’t carry a designer bag then slippers are the next best thing right now!
4 Add some accessories to make it feel like an outfit. Never underestimate the power of accessorising, even with loungewear; a little necklace and a pair of hoops will make you feel like you’ve intentionally coordinated a look – even if it’s just for your weekly team meeting and a trip to Tesco.
SHOP THE LOOK
Very V Neck Slouchy Co-ord Jumper | £22.00 | LINK
Very Co-ord Knitted Trouser | £25.00 | LINK
Hugo Cozy Slipper | £89.00 | LINK
Elomi Cate Underwire Bra | £42.00 | LINK
Check out the entire range of Very loungewear and style yourself comfy.
AD: this is a sponsored feature in partnership with Very; all opinions my own.