I Found the Chicest, Most Comfortable Loungewear Ever

After a long day at the office, this is the very first thing I would do when I got home: I’d take off my jeans and immediately slide into a pair of comfy sweats. It was always the highlight of my day. In fact, sometimes it felt like the start of my day, when I would finally get to be ultra comfortable and, thus, my happiest self. 

That, of course, was when going in to work from an office was still a thing. Now, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have found ourselves living and working from home 24/7. The couch is the office and loungewear is workwear. 

For those of us who are newly working remote, the change presents a bit of a sartorial dilemma. Can I get away with wearing my comfy clothes a Zoom meeting? Do I still need to dress up for a presentation?

Here’s the good news: You can do both, at the same time, always. 

Over the years, I've amassed quite the collection of sweats. My drawers are overflowing with every color and kind of legging, jogger, jumpsuit, and silky pajama set. At this point, I like to think of myself as a comfort connoisseur. I know all the best cozywear. 

And here’s what I’ve found to be true: You never (I mean NEVER) have to sacrifice style in order to be at your most comfortable. There is zero reason to be ever be wearing a faded, baggy pair of sweats with the knees all stretched out. The Comfort Gods have bestowed upon us super chic versions of all kinds of loungewear, so you can definitely wear your most relaxed attire — and do it in style. 

For your hanging around and bingeing The Real Housewives, I've sorted out the very best loungewear options that check both boxes: super comfy and super sophisticated. 

Quality loungewear sets can be pricey, but retailer Z Supply proves they don't have to be. The brand's Feel Good Lounge Set, part of their Z Lounge collection, rings it at $68 for the set, making it our most affordable outfit on the list. The relaxed crewneck pullover has an oversized yet cropped fit, so it's just as stylish as it is cozy. On the bottom, the high-waist joggers have convenient large pockets, and an elastic waistband for peak comfort. This set is so soft and comfy, and it's my absolute favorite day-to-night look right now (for 2020, "day-to-night" means I wear it to lounge around the house all day and then keep it on when I slip into bed and sleep in it). 

The Perfect Tie Dye Set

Tie dye is having a moment right now — and nowhere is that more clear than in the loungewear department. If you're going to be stuck at home more than ever, at least you can add some fun to your wardrobe with jazzed up prints and patterns. If you're looking for the perfect mix of style and comfort, look no further than celeb-loved brand Onzie. The brand's heavenly, super-oversized Boyfriend Sweatshirt comes in seven eye-catching designs, including a moody take on tie dye called Night Swim (pictured above). The fleece crewneck pairs well with anything from bike shorts to leggings, but as the temps drop, you should absolutely couple it with the matching Fleece Sweatpant, which completes the duo that everyone will be complimenting you on (trust me). 

The Perfect Sweater Set

This is not your basic loungewear. Lunya’s grown up matching set, made from a cotton-silk blend, is the epitome of sophisticated comfort. The oversized sweater, with bubble sleeves and an elegant buttoned collar, pairs perfectly with the cozy, waffle knit slim pant. The result: your absolute favorite winter outfit for everything from Zoom meetings to a movie night in. 

Here are two truths: Leggings don’t have to be frumpy, and shapewear doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. If you’re skeptical, get ready to be amazed because I have found the perfect pair of leggings that proves both points. Yummie’s new Rachel Cotton Stretch Shaping Legging with Side Pockets (yes, the same Yummie founded by RHONY alum Heather Thomson!) is my new favorite go-to. Crafted from breathable cotton, the pants have plenty stretch — but they’ve also got plenty of shaping support in the form of a comfortable wide-panel high-waistband. The best part? Pockets! 

Is there anything quite like slipping into a buttery soft silk robe to make you feel like you’ve reached peak Real Housewives-level luxury? Bravo superfan Chrissy Teigen has sported Soma’s heavenly pure silk version, which will make you feel instantly relaxed the second you put it on. In fact, I'm pretty sure you'll absolutely never want to take it off. It's truly a beauty, and it makes the perfect holiday gift — especially to yourself! 

Slide into this cozy warm fleece while feeling good about how the stylish sweats were made. Richer Poorer’s cult-favorite oversized fleece got an environmentally friendly upgrade with this version made from recycled polyester. Each garment is made up of approximately 40 plastic bottles, which reduces CO₂ emissions and the use of petroleum. The super warm sweatpants and relaxed-fit hoodie come in an array of neutral hues, so you can create a color-coordinated set or mix and match as you please. You're going to want one in every color.

The ultimate indoor-outdoor slipper has landed. Bearpaw’s Puffy Slipper is an actual wool-lined puffer coat for your feet (yes, you read that correctly). The super warm slip-ons, which come in six fun colors, are comfy enough for trotting around the house, but sturdy enough to wear while you run errands. Your coat will be so jealous. 

Ultra comfort meets fashion-forwardness in this jumpsuit that was just made for Sunday lounging. (Seriously, it's slated to be my weekend brunch uniform from now on.) Crafted by charitable fashion brand n:Philanthropy, this slouchy one-piece has the label's signature collar tear, which celebrities from Jessica Biel to Ashley Graham to Gal Gadot are obsessed with. And while the not-so-basic basic (also available in gray) is totally comfortable enough to take a little afternoon snooze in, it's so stylish that it barely even qualifies as loungewear. 

But what really sets this jumpsuit apart is that the brand behind it has a *huge* heart. Ten percent of proceeds from all n:Philanthropy sales go to pediatric cancer research and the ASPCA. So you can show a little love to yourself, and to those in need. 

The cooler sister of ThirdLove's jogger set, this summer-friendly outfit is made from the same heavenly soft organic cotton and breathable bamboo. It's got the perfect slouchy top with just a hint of sleeve, which would also mix and match really well with the jogger bottoms during in-between seasons. And the shorts are roomy and have plenty of stretch, so don't worry about them riding up at all.

An unexpected perk: the set is packaged in a drawstring bag that's emblazoned with the ThirdLove logo, made of the same material as the set. At first I wasn't sure what to do with it (it's too pretty to toss), but then I came up with a brilliant idea — I'm going to use it as a dirty laundry bag for when I go on overnight or weekend trips! — and now I'm totally on board. 

As far as bathrobes are concerned, this is the Rolls-Royce. (Luckily for you, though, it rings in at a much more affordable pricepoint.) In fact, this bathrobe is held in such high regard, that when cult-favorite bedding brand Parachute first released it, there was a 2,000 person waiting list to go through before you could even get one. 

Here's why: Crafted from 100 percent Turkish cotton, the slouchy robe (also available in a charcoal hue) is about as soft as robes come, while still being super absorbant and quick-drying. It's the same fabric that is used in Parachute's classic bath towels, which are widely regarded as some of the best on the market. And if something a bit lighter is more your style, I suggest the brand's waffle robes, which come in tan and a heathered gray.