Loungewear is the New Black
Here at Berkeley it seems as though our sense of style is as diverse as our student body. Walking through Sproul amidst the plethora of Birkenstocks and Patagonias, you can find everything from Berkelium t-shirts and khakis to Supreme sweatshirts and Yeezy’s. However, one trend that’s spreading as fast as a wildfire amongst Berkeley is loungewear as daytime attire. This past season, high couture fashion houses all had nightwear featured amongst their most prominent lines, solidifying this trend everywhere from streetwear to designer. At Garb, we are here to help you incorporate loungewear into your new Spring wardrobe, without looking like you just rolled out of bed for your 8 a.m.
Slips are the New Dresses
Why waste that cute nightgown you splurged on by only wearing it at night? Slips are not only perfectly acceptable in hot weather but are also hella fashionable to wear to class. If you find your slip too daring or revealing to wear to Office Hours, style it with a simple white tee underneath. Remove the white tee and you can turn this daytime look into something you rock later at night. Too cold for just a white tee underneath? Layer the slip dress under a simple knitwear item or long sleeve whose color matches with the slip. Style your slip dress with a pair of slip-on sneakers and tie a knit sweater around your waist in case the bay area fog decides to roll back in. This timeless style isn’t going away anytime soon so invest in one when you can!
Sleepshirts as Blouses
Don’t you wish you could wear that super comfy flattering shirt straight out of bed to your 8am lecture? Now you can! Nobody will know that your new silk blouse was actually bought on sale from Nordstrom’s sleepwear section. Style your blouse with some jeans and sandals. Consider opting for high-waisted jeans and knotting the ends of the blouse for a look that will turn a few heads. If you’re afraid of wearing loungewear in public, styling it with a classic street style staple is a great way to ease into it. If you’d rather opt for a more casual look, undo the buttons on your blouse and wear it open with a matching color tank underneath. Follow these steps and your fellow Golden Bears will be wondering if Blair Waldorf decided to attend Cal.
Camisoles for Days
While camisoles are one of the most feminine pieces, they are also the most versatile. The camisole can be styled over a white tee or worn all on its own. Layer the cami on top of a strapless bra for a smooth look or invest in one that comes with a built-in bra. If you have a networking event for your club or have to dress business casual, consider layering a simple blazer over the cami. Conversely, to really commit to loungewear, wear the cami under a robe with your favorite pair of jeans--we recommend a pair of loose fitting boyfriend jeans, creating a contrast between masculine and feminine pieces. Cami’s are often cut right above the chest so be sure to accessorize with your favorite necklace or choker to highlight your neckline, now is the perfect time to breakout that Go Bears necklace you made yourself.
Shorts on Shorts
Dread the thought of waiting in line at Urban to try on five different types of cut offs? Want shorts that don’t uncomfortably rub against your thighs? Look no further than your favorite sleep-shorts. Not only are they cute and match well with almost all tops, but more importantly, they are also unbelievably comfortable. Wear whatever makes you feel good on top, but just make sure you have some shape in one of your pieces to avoid frump. We recommend an off-the-shoulder top or a tight-tank. Keep the colors and print of your pieces in mind— the patterns shouldn’t clash, but the colors shouldn’t match, either. Christian Grey may have been able to rock a groutfit, but we at Garb don’t endorse it.
Robe: The New Wrap
This last tip is a little bit daring, but if executed well will be your newest go-to whenever the weather dips a smidge below 70. Slip a sleepwear robe over your outfit of the day to stay warm and comfy while you wait for the temperature to rise. Make sure your robe is a good mid-to-short length so that the person walking behind you doesn’t accidentally step on it and cause you to tumble, and so it gives your outfit a flattering shape. Opt for a silk fabric to dress up any outfit and try to stick to solid, neutral color if wearing a bright patterned outfit underneath. However, if wearing neutral colors underneath, choose a statement patterned robe. Whether you want to wear shorts and go bare legged or stick to stylish pants or dark-wash jeans, you can’t go wrong with a versatile robe.
In college, the boundaries between professional, personal, and social are often highly blurred, giving space for loungewear to flourish. Its prominence on the runway followed by its emergence into casual streetwear is setting the scene for loungewear to become the new athleisure. So the next time you think about splurging on that new Lululemon jacket, consider going for a robe instead.
Words by Zara Khan