What do you wear when you’ve got nowhere to go? Haute loungewear from brands like For Restless Sleepers of course
This moment in time feels like the beginning of a drastic new reality for everyone, across the world. There’s no longer a standard definition of ‘normal,’ but it’s safe to say that we’re all trying to adjust, adapt, and find pleasure in everyday moments and rituals as best we can, while staying as healthy as possible too.
That may be cooking comforting meals, giving yourself a DIY spa day, donating to worthy causes, or rearranging your closet to reflect what you need most right now: a repertoire of around-the-house, around-the-apartment loungewear that is beautiful and cozy, and helps put the little bit of the structure of “getting dressed” into your day.
Loungewear: Robes & Caftans
Breakfast for dinner? Wine at lunch? Why not? But don’t give up on your style.
The best way to up-level your pajamas-all-day look is with a silky, cozy overgarment in the form of a beautiful robe or caftan. Both are pieces you can throw on over your underwear and tie at the waist, and both are quintessential loungewear staples.
One brand to know in this niche segment: For Restless Sleepers. Founded by Francesca Ruffini, who has admitted she is ‘obsessed by all kinds of piping,’ its delicate silk garments are designed to go beyond strictly nighttime wear, comprising prints and cuts that look good anywhere, anytime. We first heard about it from our friend and style icon Hilary Walker, the queen of Milanese resale.
For Restless Sleepers makes full-length dresses and robes, as well as separate tops and bottoms in a curated range of gorgeous prints (see header image and above left).
Our other favorites of the season come from, for women: Alanui and Balenciaga (above), and for men: Greg Lauren (especially his iconic kimono jackets), Fendi, and Palm Angels (below).
Bodysuits, Dresses, & Lingerie
Craving something other than a robe to wear all day long? Try a stretchy one-piece bodysuit (MM6 Maison Margiela makes a nice one) or a semi-sheer dress to go over your undergarments. Missoni is a classic choice for that, and Gucci makes the ultimate in luxury underwear with a GG-knit bra and panty set.
If you have the need for a shorter, hybrid piece that goes with pajamas or as a topper to jeans or leggings, try this Dsquared2 Chinese kimono (above left).
For the gentleman of the house, consider a pair of stylish, fun novelty socks (like the Star Wars x Etro collaboration), and perhaps a new pair of briefs. Tom Ford is our go-to for feeling sexy in our own skin.
Slippers & Accessories
Aside from a classic overgarments, stylish lounging means finding a good pair of house slippers or slides to put on before you leave your bedroom, to collect deliveries, or to walk the dog.
There are many to choose from, but our favorites are simple, stylish, and comfortable indoors or outdoors. For men (above), we like Thom Browne’s Hector slippers, which are inspired by his personal Dachshund Hector Browne, and a totally luxed-up option made with Bottega Veneta’s classic intrecciato woven leather, both above.
For ladies, we suggest something bold in black, with a bit of blingy embellishment (Dolce & Gabbana) or vivid branding (Givenchy and Chloé), or a summery white and tan mix on a thick, cushy sole (Clergerie). Whatever you choose, make sure it makes you smile as you glance down at your feet.
During this collectively and individually challenging moment, of course the top priority is the health and safety of you, your families, and all those working around the world to treat sick patients and prevent others from exposure. But in the meantime, many of you have asked us: what do I wear around the house to maintain some sense of normalcy, stylishness, and personal enjoyment?
We hope you’re staying calm, prudent, and positive, as we are, and you enjoyed this post about our best loungewear, including learning about a brand you probably never knew—For Restless Sleepers.
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About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.