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Lou & Grey

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Socially-Acceptable Loungewear, a Guest's Guide

It's a sleepover... with the in-laws.

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Home for the holidays rarely means your home. It's the place your parents scaled down to after the kids left, it's your in-law's house, it's your grandma's Florida timeshare. Sharing space with your loved ones, or your loved one's loved ones, means altering some of your behaviors — including what you laze around in. (Braless in an old tee and bleach-stained cotton shorts is totally cool at home, but a little weird around your boyfriend's dad.) Here are the four most common lazing-at-home uniforms, all with necessary family-friendly tweaks.



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Polished PJs

There is nothing as in-your-face put-together as matching sleep clothes. If this image aligns with your best self, go for it (especially if you're spending the night at your judgy aunt's house).

People fawn over Eberjey's 'Gisele' set, which has classic piping and a dozen or so color options ($102 for a short-sleeve and shorts, $120 for long-sleeve and pants, pictured right). Sleepy Jones specializes in matching sets, from traditional pajamas in artist-designed prints to coordinating leggings and thermal shirts. COS just launched an "Essentials" line, where you'll find a heather gray flannel cotton top ($59) and matching bottom ($49). Your best bet for an inexpensive set comes from Target's Gilligan O'Malley selection, which starts around $20 and is pictured here.


Leggings + Lazy Top

The most "you already have these things" option is a T-shirt and leggings; just be sure to pack your "nice" ones. Need those? More than one Racked editor swears by the boxy 'Dan' tee ($28) from Reformation, and Brandy Melville is always good for "one-size" basics (check out the 'Bryn' style, $18). Oh, and you might want to toss in a bralette; Cosabella fits a vast range of cup sizes (As and Bs, try the 'Never Say Never' soft bra; C and above, give the 'Edith' a shot).

To layer up for family coffee time (or stingy-with-the-heating-bill households), Lou & Grey has great lounge-y long-sleeve options. We like the brand's cowl tunic ($60) and the 'Easygoing' cardigan ($55), which has a sleek, open front and a smart back vent. In the flattering sweatshirt realm, H&M has this lightweight version with a V-neck and a slim, but not tight, cut ($18, shown here).

For your bottom half, pick a pair of opaque leggings; Nordstrom's active brand Zella makes a pair ($52) that are flattering and substantially thick, but not too constricting for sleeping. For a super-cozy experience, go fleece-lined.


Nightgown + Robe

So you hate sleeping in pants. We can make this work. Naked has a family-friendly henley sleep shirt ($78); Skin makes a long, jersey style ($105); and American Apparel has a simple, inexpensive short-sleeve T-shirt dress ($32) perfect for sleeping in.

When it comes time to take the lewk from the bedroom to the living room, throw on a robe like Splendid's sherpa-lined style ($98, pictured); a no-frills, calf-length version from Jockey ($58); or a menswear-inspired, organic cotton style from made-in-New York brand Only Hearts ($92).


Glorified Sweatsuit

You're always freezing and you sleep in the warmest sweatpants, sweatshirt, and socks you own. The look is "aerobics fanatic who hasn't realized she's two sizes smaller than her sweatsuit."

Upgrade just a touch with Alternative Apparel's 'knockout suit,' a fleece-lined hoodie and slim sweat pant set ($98, shown here), or Solid & Striped's raglan sweatshirt ($158) and lounge pant ($178).

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