Since it looks like spring dresses might be on hold for a while and we’re all just trying to figure out how to feel normal when our world consists of the four walls of our home and perhaps a walk outside, let’s talk about the difference between athleisure v. loungewear (and, heck, we’ll even address pajamas!).
Let’s be honest, these days our wardrobes consist mostly of leggings, leggings, and more leggings. We’re all just trying to figure out how to be comfortable on a daily basis as we go from making our morning coffee to checking in with colleagues via Zoom to trying to find ways to entertain ourselves beyond yet another Netflix movie. We’re figuring out how to recreate our boutique fitness classes at home.
And, through it all, we still want to look cute and pulled together enough to maintain some sense of normalcy. But, what does that mean? Should we be in sports bras and tanks all day long? Are there cozier options? Is there a difference between athleisure v. loungewear? And, if so, what IS the difference? And, what time is okay to change into pajamas?!
THEY’RE DIFFERENT? YES, LET’S CHAT ATHLEISURE V. LOUNGEWEAR
Yes, yes, they are. But, first, I will say: I think both are totally appropriate for working from home. The difference is how they make you feel.
When I think athleisure, I think of the clothes that I would wear to go work out. This could also be activewear, but it’s also the pieces that I wear to and from barre class to complement my normal tank and leggings. It’s the sweatshirt jacket, the paneled leggings, or the cropped tee. Athleisure is sporty, it’s typically made out of performance fabric, and it does work to motivate me to move more throughout the day (seriously, try this trick while you work from home, it’s crazy effective.) But, when it comes to actually relaxing, athleisure doesn’t fit the bill for me. If I’m wearing athleisure, I want to be moving, I want to be active.
Loungewear, on the other hand, is all about comfort. It’s about staying inside and getting cozy. It’s soft fabrics and knits. This isn’t about performance, it’s about calm and home. This is what I like to wear when I’m working from home, particularly because I think it’s easier to feel normal or to look pulled together from the waist up when I’m wearing loungewear. I’ll pair a pair of leggings (I LOVE this pair!), a knit jumpsuit, or cozy, but tailored, sweatpants with a “dressy” sweatshirt, a stylish tee, or a cozy sweater. I’ll layer a cardigan over a tank. I’ll even pull in a soft scarf.
Loungewear can be based off your normal, leave the house kind of outfits, but done in softer fabrics and with stretchy bottoms rather than jeans. These are the types of indoor clothes that let me still feel pretty and like myself, but, without being like, “Why on earth am I wearing a waistband in the house?!”
SHOP LOUNGEWEAR TEES AND TOPS
SHOP LOUNGEWEAR SWEATSHIRTS AND SWEATERS
SHOP LOUNGEWEAR LEGGINGS AND JOGGERS
OUTFIT NOTES: MADEWELL FLANNEL BOYFRIEND SHIRT (it buttons up the back AND it’s only $20 now!) / ZELLA LEGGINGS
A FEW MORE TIPS TO HELP YOU FEEL PULLED TOGETHER WHILE YOU’RE WFH…
I know it may seem silly, but I do my makeup and hair every day. I’m on Zoom calls all day long, so I do think it’s important to feel a bit professional.
I like to do minimal jewelry. Maybe just a gold or silver cuff, classic hoops or pearls, and a necklace. Very timeless, very simple. I actually rarely wear my diamond bands and engagement ring while I’m WFH — typically it’s just my gold band. And, I feel for everyone who’s giving up their monthly grooming appointments, so, I’m telling you, this is the time to consider press-on nails.
And, lastly, all bets are off when it comes to putting on your pajamas. The other day, I had worn loungewear all day, changed into athleisure to work out at 6 PM, and I didn’t feel like going through two more wardrobe changes before I went to bed, so I put on the pajamas. Y’all, we’re home. Let’s just be comfy.
PS If you want the ultimate pajamas, you need these Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas. I’m thinking I may get rid of all my other PJs to just have these in every color.
