10x10 Mini Capsule: Loungewear
After almost two years of working primarily from home, I can definitely say that I'm more focused and motivated when I get dressed more formally and elegantly before starting work every day. For me, wearing 'work-appropriate' clothes (at least from Monday to Friday) is very important for getting into the right mindset and being 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, when I say 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 just don't work with my lifestyle anymore. I mean classic, effortless pieces here that are comfortable while working from home or running errands but still look chic - classic slacks, quality knitwear, comfy jeans and white shirt, dainty jewelry, etc. Just anything more attractive than PJ, fleece bathrobe, or joggers.
When it comes to my everyday looks, I share my daily outfit inspirations via my IG profile here. But speaking about home-wear - I promised that my next post from the 10x10 series would be about this clothing category, so below, I share more details about what I like to wear around the house during lazy winter evenings and weekends 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 the winter months - they are much more comfortable and easy to layer for cold weather under cozy sweaters and cardigans.
Hoodie.
When it comes to sweatshirts and hoodies - I like those with an oversized fit without a zipper or any kind of logos. I often buy them from the men's department (Arket or H&M) - I don't know why, but it seems that the material is thicker and more durable then. You can also find great wool-cashmere blend options at COS, Naadam, Lily Silk, or Quince.
Clothing Items & Accessories
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. For many years I was buying affordable leggings at Zara or H&M, 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, but it's a more sporty model that I only wear while exercising at home.
Tracksuit.
The wool tracksuit is probably the most practical element of my mini loungewear capsule. I usually wear it while going for a morning walk with my dog or during long travels. I love how it looks paired with sneakers and an oversized coat. My matching set is unfortunately sold out already, so I styled something similar but slightly lighter in today's inspirations. If you asked me if a woolen or cashmere tracksuit is a purchase 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 the same thing with my loungewear. Two jumpers you see in today's post are from Francis Stories - a sustainable brand specializing in quality knitwear that is meant to last a lifetime. 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. You can read more about the brand here and here.
The cream sweater has a deep V-neck and loose fit. It's a very comfortable jumper, great for a relaxing day. I love to wear it around the house with leggings and a simple tank top underneath, but it also looks very chic with my pleated midi skirt and classic pumps. The camel crew-neck is slightly different (I would say more boxy) but also made of a delightfully soft alpaca-wool blend. They're very versatile, so I can easily mix and match them with my regular everyday clothes - it's one of my favorite ways to create more casual and effortless looks lately. That is why I've included both sweaters in my all-year-round capsule and the 'Year of outfits' project. And no, this post is not sponsored by Francis Stories ;) I just love to support unique brands that care about sustainability and the environment. 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 just phenomenal and really worth the price. And speaking about the fair price - I love this brand because you pay not 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.
Coatigan.
And the last clothing item in my mini loungewear capsule - 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 similar model at J.Crew. Again, a great and versatile item - great 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. So if I buy winter slippers, I prefer to invest in better quality because I usually have such a pair for years to come.
And that's it for today. I hope that today's post will inspire you to make some 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 wearing the same hoodies and joggers over and over again. And what I see pretty often 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 at home’. But 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 clothes you truly need and enjoy wearing.