As we've now hit the halfway mark of summer (sorry), our summer clothes are starting to feel a little stale, requiring us to get more creative so that we don't wear the same trusty, heat-proof outfit every day. You don't necessarily want to buy more summer clothes; it's a little late to get your mileage out of them, and the most exciting newness is Pre-Fall or Fall. So, enter the Pajama Department.
I have accumulated some great sets and nightgowns over the years. I've been utilizing these pieces recently, not to bed but to go outside! The light, breezy materials like gauzy cotton, airy silks, and linens are perfect for the NYC humidity. Plus, they are so easy and fun to personalize with your styling. And they're seasonless! You can sleep in them year-round, and having a little look for bed (instead of an oversized tee and underwear, which is what I tend to wear) adds a little *umph* to the bedtime routine.
Here are some looks and market picks to get you ready to go out for the rest of summer—or to get into bed!
The Set
Cotton
Cotton pajama sets pair well with contrast items or items that feel more polished. I styled mine with a bold, structured short-sleeve blazer and loafers to ground the look. You’ll still be cool because a cotton set like this feels as though you are wearing absolutely nothing.
Linen
Here, I used the top as my outer layer instead. While linen is great for summer because it’s a light, natural material, it can be a bit heavier and more structured than cotton. Because my set has enough weight, I wore the shirt open with a contrast-colored tube top and some accessories to personalize it.
Silk
This particular set (which I highly recommend for life and bed!) is by Lunya. The silk's movement, thickness, and shape are so good in this particular set that I didn't want to cover it up. The belt allows it to billow a bit, which puts the fabric's movement on full display. I kept the accessories minimal but added a patterned shoe because I can only pair down so much.
The Sexy Slip
I did not just have this slip lying around. I am into sexy tops this summer, so you don’t have to give me an excuse to acquire a new little lacy slip. I recently purchased it from Town Shop on the UWS (I hear they do excellent bra fittings, though that’s not my area of expertise!). It’s mesh and very lightweight, so its delicateness is well balanced by a pair of straight jeans. You can add a blazer and wear your favorite pair of straight-leg jeans in the fall.
The Nightgown
Wearing a nightgown is all about which nightgown and the accessories you pair it with. Go for a solid cotton nightgown (I like white or cream), which is really no different from a summer cotton dress. I love the ones from Eileen West for their feminine and timeless silhouettes. I added a thin, classic belt and bold accessories to make it a *look*. I suggest something other than a ballet flat, which is too slipper-esque for the shoes. I love a little kitten heel, an open-toed sandal, or dainty sneakers like Keds.
The Sleep Bottoms
Pants
I would go for silky pants rather than cotton, which instantly reminds me of bagel runs hungover in college. My pajamas here are from a set, which I wouldn’t wear outside together, but alone, these pants look like a pair of silky trousers!
Shorts
I love bloomers, and I could have easily used any number of photos of myself for this. Boxers are great here, too! The main thing with styling is that you want your top to be elevated to contrast the shorts.
The consensus is that I currently have a thing for jewel tones, particularly Citrine.
Keep your pajamas on all day ;) and have a great rest of your Sunday!
xo
Eliz
How did you know I was literally searching for the term "pajamas" on TRR the day before you posted this with the full intention of wearing soft floaty pajama things in real life?? Thank you for being psychic, I guess.