Nashvillians have very active lifestyles, whether it’s running errands all over town or carting the kids to various activities. And given that athleisure is all the fashion rage at the moment, it’s really not uncommon to see people who are out and about wearing loungewear — and even PJs — in public. But there is definitely a right and wrong way to pull off the loungewear-in-public look, and the goal is to be practical and comfortable while still looking put together.
We stopped by Habit, where you can always find on-trend looks that are as stylish as they are comfortable. We wanted to find out the most common pitfalls for wearing certain loungewear looks in public and garner some tips for how to avoid those pitfalls. Plus, we styled some looks that are both comfy and perfect for public consumption. Three staple pieces we recommend incorporating into your wardrobe are an oversized sweater, a fun color/pattern legging and an overcoat.
Here’s how to wear loungewear and athleisure in public — and look great doing it!
How To Make Leggings Work
Look for the perfect fit!
Leggings are the mother of all leisurewear and are a great option IF they fit properly and aren’t transparent. They may look fine in the comfort of your own home, but sometimes lighting in public places can dramatically impact transparency. Avoid that pitfall with Spanx, which has a great legging option that is not too thin, provides the right amount of coverage and comes in a variety of fun patterns and colors. The newest line that Habit carries incorporates metallics, too, which can be a really fun way to take your loungewear to the next level (and out in public).
Avoid shirts that are too short.
When wearing leggings, keep this in mind: short shirts that minimize coverage can create an unflattering look. Therefore, be mindful of what you style your leggings and workout pants with. If you lack longer tops, one solution is to tie a flannel or sweatshirt around your waist to add some flair. Another solution is to throw on a longer shirt or oversized sweater and elevate the loungewear by accessorizing like you would with any other outfit. Grab your favorite hat and necklace, and you are out the door in less than 10 minutes!
PJs Should Never Leave Your Home
We get it. It can be hard to get out of your jammies in the morning. Not only is it chilly outside, but frankly, pajama options are getting more stylish and comfortable further blurring the line between. Habit is stocked with tons of amazing sleepwear options, which are fabulous to lounge around in at home. They also have some fabulous looks that are as comfy as jammies but that are appropriate to wear in public. Take a look …
Invest in a Jogger Set
A jogger set is an optimal solution for loungewear. “These comfortable sets are a great option for a lot of people,” says Meg Blackney of Habit. Indeed, they are flattering, versatile and can be styled a variety of different ways. We styled this set with a great pair of sneakers from The Perfect Pair and a fall hat.
Keep an Overcoat On-Hand
Yes, there will ALWAYS be those mornings where you’re in a rush to get the kids to school, or perhaps you’re under the weather and just dont have it in you to get out of your jammies before running to the store for some staples. In these special circumstances, having a stylish coat can go a long way. Here are two options:
The first way we styled this look was perfect for an afternoon sporting event — perhaps a kids’ soccer game, or a high school basketball game. Pair it with a ballcap and tennis shoes to keep with the theme. SB TIP: Try to match your pants to the same color family as your overcoat, and keep the shirt solid and neutral.
The second way we styled this approach was a bit more edgy with an oversized sweater. The leather in the jacket really makes the look pop paired with a camo legging, which is very in style this season. Take note, though, when it comes to camo — there is a right and wrong way to wear it, so be mindful of how you wear it!
When you’re ready to give your loungewear a tasteful refresh, stop by Habit, with locations in Franklin and Green Hills, where you can shop these looks and more.
This article is sponsored by Habit. Photography by Leila Grossman of Grannis Photography. Fashion styling by Molly Russell of Molly Russell Styling.
