Lounging Around the House Dress

Tons of people get dressed nicely to go out, but for those of us who enjoy our clothes, dressing has little to do with stepping out.  Some of the most sumptuous garments around are strictly for wear in your own castle, and hopefully you’ll get a chance to sport some lounging around over the holidays.

The image of the guy coming home from work, pulling of his poorly fitting suit, and jumping enthusiastically into some logo-adorned sweats is probably foreign to few of us.  Not that it’s Simply Refined readers themselves doing it.

Derek Guy, of Put This On and Die, Workwear!, advocated pretty strongly for the humble house shoe a few weeks ago.  I’ve got to say I agree with him whole-heartedly.  It’s a rare moment that you’d catch me without something on my feet.  In the summer, when I’m wearing most of my shoes sock less, I have a pair of basic navy espadrilles I sport around the apartment, and come sock-wearing weather I bust out my burgundy leather grecians.  All the models Derek recommended are good choices, and Mr. Porter has the Derek Rose ones on sale right now for less than half-price.  Sizes are going quickly though.

A good pair of PJs are always a good move, but we can talk about those another time.  Something about spending a good chunk of the day in cotton pyjamas makes me feel useless and tired.  Instead, opt for something like a pair of lounge pants and a quality knit shirt with a dressing gown for warmth.

Yes, I’ll admit I own a pair or two of jersey lounge pants, and I wear them for just that: lounging.  Not running out to the grocery store, not attending a symphony, but lounging.  Uniqlo tends to have some good, trim models with trouser pockets that forgo the dreaded ankle elastic.  That’s never a good move.  Other standards like the Gap and J Crew tend to have them a pretty reasonable prices too.  Plain colors, just cotton, nothing more simple.

Up top toss on something like a knit shirt, either a long sleeve polo or something similar sans collar.  Kent Wang’s polos are obvious popular, and fairly affordable.  John Smedley makes one that has to be felt to be believed, but at about $200 they’re on the pricier end.  Unlike your lounge pants though, these make great casual staples, so they do more than double duty.  Just like PJs, sitting around in a t-shirt all day gives me that gross “I never really got up today” feeling.  Maybe it’s just me.

Finally the real envy-worth stuff.  A serious dressing gown.  I was just in Paul Stuart’s flagship on Madison the other day and saw a grey wool gown with a light blue windowpane and peak lapels that had me nearly drooling on the counter.  Made the rest of their awesome gowns pale in comparison.  If you’re looking for a real holiday indulgence, hit up Paul Stuart or the new New York location of Turnbull & Asser if you can.  Inexpensive options are tough, since the line between dressing gown and bathrobe tends to be a financial one.  Marks & Spencer in the UK makes some decent cotton gowns under $100, but getting them can be tough or expensive if you’re stateside.

So while you’re hopefully enjoying some well-earned rest around the house, don’t give up the opportunity to make it that little bit more special.  You don’t have to go full velvet smoking and grosgrain tie, but staying relaxed at home doesn’t have to mean not getting dressed.