We are approaching the season of cozy sweatpants, hot cocoa, and curling up for a good movie, which means it’s time to hunt down the best loungewear to add to your wardrobe. Many of us have been living in pieced-together comfy separates since our WFH lifestyle took over in March, but these may not have been our proudest, most fashion-forward looks. It’s time to change that!

Loungewear has been undergoing a major facelift as the holiday season nears and temperatures drop. Designers for every style and price point are creating exciting new ways to do casualwear.

In particular, we’re seeing a flood of matching loungewear sets that will keep you looking put-together from Netflix binges to Zoom calls to running errands. It would be foolish not to take advantage of a time when you can be this comfortable while still looking fashion-forward. Make the most of being stuck at home and get in on this 2020 trend now to maximize wear.

About the Trend

Before discussing what pieces to look for and how to style the best loungewear for this trend, it’s important to review where it came from and why it’s not just a fleeting trend. The loungewear set look evolved from the intersection of a couple of major trends: most notably, athleisure and the matching set/monochromatic looks that have exploded in popularity within the last 10 years.

Athleisure has a long history, with early sportswear and the rise of street style as the predecessors, and recent high-tech fabric developments launching the style forward. Athleisure looks of patterned and cut-out leggings, oversized hoodies, fashion sneakers, and scrunchies took over in the early 2010s.

Now, it’s getting a sleeker, more modern update in the form of matching sets. We’ve discussed matching sets and monochromatic outfits in recent weeks. They’re the perfect way to put together a polished and effortless look. It was just a matter of time until the coordinating separates look leaked into the athleisure trend, too!

Not only is this loungewear trend a safe bet to invest in because it has been years in the making, but it’s also gained traction due to the increased interest in comfort as we spend time at home and social distance. This appetite for practicality and ease won’t be going anywhere for years to come.

So, what does a matching set look like, and what pieces make the best loungewear investments? You may notice that stores are filling with matching sweatsuits (a nod to those of the early 2000s, another popular trend right now!). You can find these in rich jewel tones, statement tie-dyes, or shades of muted grey and tan. These are traditional heavy cotton or terrycloth, but you can now find options in softer, slinkier, and higher-stretch material.

Coordinated sweatpant-sweatshirt combos are not your only option, however. The rise of knitwear over the last couple of seasons has brought us matching sweater sets in luxe fabrics like cashmere and wool blends. Personally, I can’t think of anything more exciting than a perfectly matched knit top and pants. Another option is matching silk sets that can look great outside of the bedroom when styled with care. Sets are meant to be worn together for maximum impact, so no matter which fabrication you prefer, you’ll have a head start on styling.

How to Wear Loungewear Outside the Home

Styling loungewear sets for at-home wear is simple: just throw on the full set, add a slipper, and consider an earring or headband to pull it all together. But, if you truly want to make the most of this season’s best loungewear, you will want options to wear your sets out of the house. There are a few things to keep in mind when styling.

First, never lose sight of practicality. You’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather, which likely means a layer or two on top of your set to keep the elements out. Think loose, easy knitwear set with a wool trench, scarf, and bucket hat thrown on top, then round it out with a pair of lug sole boots. You will be wearing these basics over outfits all season long to keep out the cold, so all you’re changing is the base of the look to seamlessly incorporate loungewear into your wardrobe.

Another consideration for styling loungewear sets is how to break up the look. Maybe you are wearing a particularly bold print head to toe. Again, layering a jacket on top is often the best solution to give the print a break. A long-line trench coat keeps the look effortless, and a leather moto jacket adds a little edge to softer, less structured pieces.

The final consideration is striking the balance between looking like you’re wearing pajamas out of the house and looking like a polished woman ready to take on the day. The pieces you style your loungewear set with will set the tone. Style your sweatsuit with an oversized denim jacket and bright white sneaker for a casual daytime friendly version or bring it into the night with a pair of pumps and layered jewelry. Adding some shine in the form of jewelry or hardware and layering a structured piece on top are the easiest ways to elevate your cozy look into something appropriate for out of the house.

Mixing and Matching with Pieces in Your Closet

As you may have already noticed, matching sets are easy to style with pieces you already own. Invest in an incredible set or two you love, keep the guidelines mentioned above in mind, and get to styling!

The best loungewear sets to start out with are neutrals and solids because they’ll give you the most versatility in styling options, but feel free to experiment. If you don’t know where to start, think about if you have a day-to-day winter uniform. If you always wear skinny jeans, a t-shirt, combat boots, and your favorite puffer coat, wear the same but simply replace the base layer with a jogger + sweatshirt matching set. The best way to incorporate any new trend is to do it in a way that feels true to your existing style!

The combat boot will add an edgy flair and the puffer coat will add an interesting play with the volume on top. Throw on your everyday hoop earrings to make the look feel thoughtful and refined. Experiment with a variety of outerwear layered onto your loungewear—try a cardigan, denim jacket, shearling-lined coat, leather trench, and wool overcoat. Combine layers to make it even more interesting.

Most closed-toed shoes will work well with your matchings set, too, including sneakers, nearly any style of boot, pumps, and mules. Mix and match shoe and outerwear combinations with your set until you find a look that works for you, then add jewelry, scarves, hats, and other accessories. When in doubt, stick to simpler pieces layered onto your loungewear look.

Wrap Up

This era of loungewear as everyday wear is a dream come true for those of us enjoying the WFH lifestyle. No longer is it something you’re embarrassed to be caught in when making a quick run to the grocery store—in fact, loungewear sets are one of the hottest trends this season! Try out these tips for some surprisingly versatile looks that will take you into the months ahead in style and give new life to your cold-weather wardrobe. Interested in trying out this trend? Contact us for help picking out and styling this season’s best loungewear.