Gilly Ferguson
Off-duty looks you’ll want to wear 24/7 – because nothing feels as good as bra off, knits (and Netflix) on…
Winter is coming – and as sure as searches for ‘occasionwear’ soar in spring, so too will ‘loungewear’ spike from September through to May.
Now a fashion category in its own right, loungewear has nonchalantly moved into the mainstream, its strokably soft, cashmere-encased cosiness laced with just enough cool to take it ‘out out’.
Style points aside though, the real difference between luxe-look loungewear and standard sleepwear is that loungewear is made of slightly heavier fabrics, which not only make it infinitely less embarrassing to accept deliveries in, but also bring maximum comfort to your leisure time – both inside and out.
Think lazy Sunday lie-ins, laissez-faire brunches with the girls or marathon sofa sessions in front of the TV. Want in? Here are the seven best off-duty essentials for when you want to relax, reset and recharge in style.
Hush Soft Knit Loungewear Hoodie in Blushed Oatmeal, £110
A must in every off-duty wardrobe, hoodies can feel like a snug hug when you need it most. Cocoon yourself in an alpaca wool-blend hoodie, and you’ve got winter dressing all wrapped up. Exclusive to John Lewis & Partners and Hush, this neutral number has a suits-all boxy fit, looks chic, feels incredible and will last a lifetime if you look after it.
John Lewis Badgely Floral PJ Set in Pink/Blue, £39
Wave goodbye to baggy borrowed T-shirts: we say low-key weekends were made for posh pyjamas and clean sheets. Take John Lewis’ Badgely set as a case in point – they’re your new ridiculously cosy, bedtime BFF. Crafted from 100% brushed cotton (and approved by the Better Cotton Initiative, no less), this stylish duo is super-chic for sleepovers and has enough pizazz to greet the postie guilt-free. And the plush feel will boost your Sunday snoozing. Bonus.
John Lewis Edge Cardigan in Light Grey, £29
Part jacket, part cardi, this luxe-looking ‘jackardigan’ was thoughtfully designed to seamlessly blend the barrier between layering and outerwear, and features a dipped-hem finish for that stylish silhouette we all love, too. Destined to be the hardest working item in your off-duty wardrobe, slip it on for September sunsets and Netflix binges or those Monday-morning moments when you fancy a cardi-shaped cuddle, stat.
Hush Linen Blend Deep V-Neck T-Shirt in White, £35
Nothing looks or feels as good as finding the perfect white tee. Cool, comfortable, and the linchpin of any successful loungewear wardrobe, this suits-all-shapes, take-it-easy staple is made from a soft linen-cotton blend for light, breathable wear, and boasts a deep V-neckline and relaxed sleeves for a breezy, boyfriend fit. Warning: You will want one in every colour.
John Lewis Jersey Wide Leg Trousers in Navy, £35
Designed to easily slot into your existing wardrobe, these timeless jersey trousers are undeniably chic and, thanks to the fluid, soft and stretchy viscose, pack in all the comfort of a pyjama trouser. So, with the trend for slow living in mind, whip them on for everything from brunch dates and park walks to pottering around the house.
Brora Cashmere Blend Socks in Ash, £45
Need to beat the autumn brrr? Treat your feet to one of life’s little luxuries: the spirit-lifting, sole-warming cashmere sock. Guaranteed to fast-track the feel-good vibes at home, nothing purrs ‘loungewear’ quite like a luxury bed sock. These beauties are crafted from a 90% cashmere blend, so they’re a touch hardier than your average, plus they’re by high-quality brand Brora, so you know they’ll become a seasonal staple.
John Lewis Sheepskin Mule Slippers in Mid Grey, Chestnut or Night Sky, £49
Hold the webpage: these hot-fuzz favourites may well be the smartest sheepskin slippers we’ve ever stumbled across. Cleverly designed with hollow fibres to ensure that they stay warm in winter and sweat-resistant in summer, you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds every time you mule up after a long, hard day. So, slip on and savour the sensory satisfaction – trust us, your feet will thank you for it.
