When was the last time you showered? You probably need to move your laundry to the dryer…Or, in these days that seem both long and short, and both super productive and like you’re getting nothing done, your priorities can shift, naturally. I’m right there with you!
Instead of dressing for work or brunch or crafting the perfect chic weekend outfit, getting dressed can seem like an uphill battle these days.
You probably already know this, being the intelligent and self-sufficient woman you are, but mindset is an incredibly important part of your day.
For instance, if you wake up and start to say and believe that you did not get enough sleep, you will feel more tired and groggy throughout the day. Whereas if you get up (on that same day, with that same amount of sleep) and say to yourself, “I feel well rested,” you will be more productive and feel more energized. A study by the Journal of Experimental Psychology has shown this to be true. So it’s absolutely real that mindset matters!
And the same can be said about the value of getting dressed. When you get up and don’t change out of your pajamas—for who knows how many days—you are only further signaling to your brain that the days are in fact just a blurry mess and an endless, practically futile, experience. And trust us, we get it. We’ve all been there!
It may sound a bit dramatic, but while we all shelter in place, mindset is one of the most important things to protect.
Now, I’m not suggesting you whip out your most formal evening dress, or even look in the direction of your jeans. But let’s find some medium between “I can’t remember when I showered last” and “ready to hit the town.”
As a working mom, I find that putting together a cozy and cute outfit makes me feel better in these crazy times. So, with that in mind, I’m sharing four comfy outfit ideas to help you look and feel good and lift your mood while you’re at home in quarantine. And yes, they do include sweatpants outfits and leggings!
These 4 comfy outfits might help you feel better and stay sane at home.
1. Monochromatic matching (sweatpants!) set
Loungewear is the go-to for cozy, quarantine style. But you may be thinking, I don’t look or feel put together when I wear a sweatpants outfit! And, there are a few things you can do to fix that.
- Choose a monochromatic outfit. I think darker shades look more sophisticated, but any tonal outfit works.
- Add one special detail with a fun accessory. I’m not saying to go wild with statement earrings, but a scrunchie or go-to necklace can make the look feel more complete.
- If you’re entering the outside world in this ensemble, add a lipstick or gloss and/or a coat of mascara. Adding that one little hint of makeup (even if you’re not wearing anything else) can really be the exclamation mark of this sweatpants outfit. Not to mention, it can help you feel a bit more human!
2. Leggings and hoodie
This is an easy, cozy outfit for staying in that consists of things you already have in your closet. But, how do you make it chic?
- Opt for high-waisted leggings that will elongate your legs.
- If your sweatshirt is long and you would rather have a fun, cropped look, you can tuck the hem of it into the bottom of a sports bra to get a small peak of skin.
- Add a cute pair of high ankle socks. They help finish the look off, even if you’re not wearing shoes.
3. Crew neck sweatshirt and bike shorts
This simple yet trendy comfy outfit is a must-try. The crew neck is a staple in any woman’s wardrobe, and the bike shorts are a fun, trendy addition. It has a very Princess Diana feel, and taking a cue from a style icon is a great way to stay motivated in looking (and feeling) cute.
- Keep the bike shorts on the longer side, above the knee but to at least the mid-thigh. This will provide the most flattering balance to the more oversized sweatshirt.
- Add a fun pop of color with your sweatshirt. Wearing color can positively impact your mood. Research suggests that color psychology can be powerful, and can help you shape your day with your outfit. For instance, pink is often associated with love, romance, and kindness, and blue can be associated with productivity and calmness.
- Throw your hair up in a topknot, and call it a day. We aren’t shooting for magazine-cover glamorous. We just want to feel good about ourselves while still dressing for the circumstances.
4. Cute matching pajamas
So, I know I said you have to get OUT of your pajamas, and I mean it. However, in these days there are no rules for your cozy, stay-at-home outfits. You can, in fact, get into a *fresh* pair of pajamas. Some things to keep in mind:
- Just the physical act of changing clothes in the morning is an important ritual to the start of your day. Yes, you can change from nighttime pajamas to daytime pajamas! But, if you choose to wear a pajama set as your comfy outfit for daytime, try to make sure your pajamas MATCH!
- I think non-printed, solid color pajamas usually feel more “quarantine appropriate.” They are incredibly chic and manage to skirt the line of loungewear more successfully than printed ones. That being said, if you feel beautiful in your printed pajamas, rock that coordinating set!
- Comfort is king, chicness is second. I like the shorts option for the day because it feels less “bedroom” and more easy-chic. However, whatever you pick, make sure it’s something you feel comfortable in. If you feel like breaking the rules, we won’t tell! The most important thing is that you pick a clean pajama set that makes you feel your best in these circumstances!
We are all trying to do our best, to find a balanced daily routine, to give our kids the education they deserve, and for some strange reason learn how to bake every type of bread imaginable.
But, you also deserve the same care you give to everyone in your family. You deserve to feel like your best (quarantine) self. And that can start with a simple outfit.
What comfy outfits are you wearing these days while you’re sheltering in place? We would love to see them! Share with us in the comments below.
Looking for more cute outfits using items you likely already have in your closet? Check out our article on five stylish mom-friendly outfits here.
About the Author
Gabrielle Arruda is a fashion designer and style blogger. She believes fashion is a powerful tool and that everyone can find strength through style. She has run a successful fashion design company with pieces worn by celebrities like Zendaya and Nicole Richie. Her works have been featured in British Vogue, and she even competed on Project Runway.