Pajama Dressing

Pajama dressing is a trend that I’ve admired from a far. While I think so many fashion bloggers and enthusiasts can pull it off so well, I worry about looking like I just rolled out of bed. The struggle is real to keep it looking too casual, but I think in today’s outfit, I’ve been able to merge the casual cool of the pajama trend with an outfit that looks intentional.

While I try not to let what others think of me have an impact on my style, sometimes situations arise that just shock you. Let me tell you a little story about one time when I was in Florida. From across the beach, a rude man yelled at me, “why are you wearing pajamas to the beach?!” Clearly he just didn’t understand my trendy, printed knit pants were not pajama pants but instead cute and comfortable pants that were perfect for a variable temperature like Florida in January. Offended and concerned others must think the same way, I packed my knit pants away and only wore them around the house. While that was probably a little silly on my part, it got me thinking about how much fashion can impact what others may think of you.

How to Wear the Pajama Dressing Trend

What I’m Wearing
Jacket: Suedette Biker Jacket via Boohoo
Blouse: Boohoo {similar under $25, under $50}
Pants: Soft Rayon-Twill Ankle Pant c/o J.Jill
Bag: Moda Luxe “Nola” Crossbody via Stitch Fix
Necklace: Sundust Tassel Necklace c/o Purpose Jewelry
Bracelets: Forget Me Knot Cuff c/o Purpose Jewelry, Twist Bracelet via Masha Moon
Rings: Spiral Ring via Rebecca Minkoff, Druzy Ring via Two Cats Artifacts
Shoes: Guess by Marciano Sling Backs {shop similar under $50, under $120}

Photos by Megan of Diary of This Girl

Recently I decided to try the trend again. After seeing it come down the runway, again and again, it’s clear it wasn’t just something to be worn around the house. Embracing satin button ups with piping, slip dresses, and knit pants is okay! In fact, I think the trend is pretty darn cute and who cares if someone thinks you just rolled out of bed?!

I think there are several things you can do, however, to make pajama dressing look intentional, not sloppy. I thought I’d share some of those tricks I employed in my outfit with you!

Add your pajama piece

Whether you’re going for a casual pant, piped blouse, slip dress, or another pajama style piece, this will be the base of your outfit. Based on what you choose, I would recommend selecting your coordinating top, bottom, or jacket that is less casual and more on the dressy side to create contrast.

Accessorizing is key

The first trick I use to make any outfit look put together is accessorizing. A few rings, bracelets, and pretty necklace pull a look together. It’s even better when the jewelry you’re wearing supports a good cause! The knot bracelet and necklace in this look is from Purpose Jewelry, who provide professional opportunities to women rescued from the sex trafficking industry. Through their non-profit, International Sanctuary, women are giving the holistic care and help to recover, as well as teaches life skills needed to succeed. You can read about some of the survivors from Mumbai, India, and Orange County, California here.

Add another subtle trend

Since I went for a casual pant in this pajama dressing look, opted for a lovely blouse that matched the aesthetic of your pants. The delicate floral print in these J. Jill pants made me want to find a white blouse that was both delicate and statement-making. The bell sleeves added another popular trend without overwhelming the entire look. I chose my white blouse from Boohoo which is both stylish and comfy! Plus, those bell sleeves get all the heart eyes.

Trendy shoes

Just like accessorizing, picking a dressier shoe for a casual outfit can make an impact. I opted for an on-trend mule in a navy hue to go with my pants. The mule adds some interest without taking over the outfit, plus the short heel gives me a little extra height without being uncomfortable.

Coordinate your colors

I love a good monochromatic outfit, which is why I stuck to shades of blue and white in this outfit. A little different from the black and white, while still being a color combo that’s timeless.

Add some interest with your bag

The final way I dressed this outfit up was in my choice of handbag. While I don’t think you need to have hundreds of handbag choices, I do think having a few different types (dressy, fun, casual) can be helpful when thinking about outfits. When I first started blogging, I didn’t realize how much a handbag could change a look and often didn’t wear one in photos. Not only does a bag give a sense of completion to an outfit, it’s also something that can really make a statement. All this to say, I think bags are great and should be thoughtful.

Overall, no matter how you style your pajama piece, you’ll look great; That’s the thing about fashion – as long as you know you look good, that’s all that matters.