10x10 Mini Capsule: Loungewear
After almost two years of primarily working from home, I can honestly admit that getting dressed in proper work attire helps me stay on track and focused. Putting on something more formal and stylish each morning, especially on weekdays, gets me in the right mindset and makes me more productive. Of course, this doesn't mean that I look (and feel) put together all the time ;) Everyday life is not a bed of roses, and like everyone else, I have better days when I'm full of positive motivation, and there are also lazy moments when I'm not as organized as I wish.
Also, while saying that I try to wear 'work-appropriate' clothes during the week, I don't mean typical corporate and office outfits like suits or elegant dresses because such business looks don't work with my lifestyle anymore. I mean classic, effortless pieces that are comfortable while working from home or running errands but still look chic (classic slacks, quality knitwear, comfy jeans, a white shirt, dainty jewelry) - just anything more attractive than PJs, fleece bathrobes, or joggers and leggings. And, if you're looking for such inspiration, I share my daily outfit ideas on my IG profile here. However, I promised my next post from the 10x10 series would be about this loungewear category. So today, I will share more details about everything I like to wear around the house during lazy winter evenings and weekends when I'm free from work.
My winter loungewear capsule is very simple and consists of just a few neutral basics that are comfy and easy to dress up or down:
Basic tank tops.
I prefer more fitted tops in winter - they are much more comfortable and easy to layer for cold weather under cozy sweaters and cardigans.
Hoodie.
Regarding sweatshirts and hoodies, I like those with an oversized fit without a zipper or any big logo. I often buy them from the men's department (Arket or H&M) because the material is thicker and more durable. You can also find great wool-cashmere blend options at COS, Naadam, Lily Silk, or Quince.
Leggings.
It took me a while to understand that the "quality over quantity" rule should apply not only to my everyday clothes but also to the loungewear category. I was buying affordable leggings at Zara or H&M for many years, but there was always something wrong with them - they were too short, see-through, or wholly damaged just after the first wash. Now I prefer to have two pairs of leggings in my wardrobe - but something comfortable and of excellent quality so that they will last a few seasons. My absolute favorite is the high-waisted and seamless model from Spanx. I also have one fantastic pair of leggings from Lululemon.
Tracksuit.
The wool tracksuit is probably the most practical element of my mini loungewear capsule. I usually wear it during a morning walk with my dog or long travels. I love how it looks paired with sneakers and an oversized coat. If you asked me if a woolen or cashmere tracksuit is worth the money, I'd say – it depends on your lifestyle. If you plan to wear it every day, and not only on lazy weekends, it can be a successful purchase from the perspective of the cost-per-wear method. I ordered my tracksuit in November, and this winter, it turned out to be my most worn clothing item from the home-wear category.
Oversized sweaters.
I'm a huge fan of knitwear. Loose sweaters and oversized turtlenecks are the foundation of my winter wardrobe and loungewear category. Two jumpers in today's post are from Francis Stories - a sustainable brand specializing in quality knitwear. As they say on the official website, their mission is to produce timeless garments ethically and sustainably, respecting and celebrating nature and the lives of those who contribute to each garment made.
The cream sweater has a deep V-neck and loose fit. It's a very comfortable jumper, great for a relaxing day. I love wearing it around the house with leggings and a simple tank top. The camel crew-neck is slightly different (I would say more boxy) but also made of a delightfully soft alpaca-wool blend. They're versatile, so I can easily mix and match them with my everyday clothes - it's one of my favorite ways to create more casual and effortless looks lately. I have had these sweaters for a while now, and after wearing them at least three times a week, I can only say that the quality is phenomenal and truly worth the price. And speaking about the fair price - I love this brand because you do not pay for the label or the marketing - you pay for the best materials, local and ethical production, sustainable packaging that doesn't include any plastic, versatility, and timeless designs. And no, this post is not sponsored by Francis Stories ;) I just love to support unique brands that care about sustainability and the environment.
Coatigan.
The last clothing item in my mini loungewear capsule would be a long cardigan (or if you prefer - a coatigan) with a hoodie. I got it almost two years ago at Mango, but they have similar options each season. You can also find a comparable model at J.Crew. Again, it's a great and versatile item for chilly weather or while traveling. And if you are curious about how I take care of this type of clothes and keep my sweaters (and my knitwear in general) clean and neat, you will find more details here.
Warm slippers.
To be honest, I'm not a fan of wearing slippers around the house. Warm, woolen, and thick socks are enough for me, but if I buy winter slippers, I prefer to invest in better quality ones because I usually have such a pair for years.
And that's it for today. I hope this post will inspire you to make small but positive changes regarding the loungewear category. When we spend so much time at home lately, it's easy to get the impression that we're repeatedly wearing the same hoodies and joggers. And what I see quite often lately is that clothing brands are trying to take advantage of this and convince us that we still need a new tracksuit or another pair of leggings to stay 'comfy but chic' at home. However, the truth is that building a loungewear capsule is no different from creating a conscious everyday wardrobe, and the only things you should include in your closet are the quality pieces you truly need and enjoy wearing.