Shitters! Here in New York, it seems like we’re (knock on everything!) turning a corner towards spring! If you had asked about this a couple weeks ago, I couldn’t have been more excited! But now that it’s actually happening, I’m feeling a little reluctant to let go of our winter hibernation era?
There’s something so comfortable about cocooning at home, and knowing that the world around you is doing the same—it’s the embodiment of the comfort zone!!! But seasons change, so I’m doing my best to savor these last few days before spring is really here and life really gets going again.
The point of today’s newsletter isn’t to wax poetic on the cusp of change (though I could see why you wouldn’t think so…). We’re actually here to discuss one of my favorite topics—loungewear! I’ve amassed quite a collection over the years that has kept me feeling comfy and cozy this winter, and replicates that feeling all throughout the year. Here are some of my favorites:
Jenni Kayne Sweatpants: I’m here to tell you that these are worth the hype and have eliminated the need for 80% of my other sweatpants. Out of all my pairs, these are the ones I reach for most often. They’re a really great cut—not baggy or oversized, but not too closely fitted either. They’re soft and comfortable, and a great weight for spring/fall, so if you get them now you won’t have to wait another nine months to wear. And I feel like they’re perfect for people who’d otherwise consider themselves too put together for sweatpants? This is not me, but I know you’re out there! The colors are great neutrals and will play nice with the things you already have (I took mine in light gray, but my sister has a pair in cream that I also love), plus there’s a matching sweatshirt, so you can go all in on the look and feel like you’re in an outfit rather than a random mishmosh of lounge attire. Every time I’ve seen a friend wearing a particularly good pair of sweats recently, they’ve always been these. They run pretty true to size, IMO.
The Great Socks: Ok, by now you all know I’m a sucker for a good pair of socks (I cannot help that my feet are perpetually freezing), and though these are a splurge as far as socks go, they are incredible. They’re super thick, made from the same fabric as The Great’s sweatshirts (big fan of those too), without any of the itch factor or pilling issues that wool/cashmere pairs can have. I got them in cream and they pair with pretty much everything. These to me are strictly at-home socks—they have not been sullied by the inside of my shoes—but that’s a temptation I fight on a daily basis. If you treat yourself to just one pair of cozy socks, let them be these ones. Highly, highly recommend!
Skims Straight Leg Sweats: I’ve written about their underwear before (I’ve slowly replaced my entire drawer with these), but Skims did something with these sweats too! Of course they’re super soft (I’d expect nothing less!), but what I really like about them is the straight leg cut. To me, this style looks way better than most jogger-style sweats in terms of presentability outside of the home. I throw them on with sneakers and a long coat for errands/ appointments/ flights, but they’re still comfy enough for a night in. I took my usual size in both pieces (I probably could’ve gotten away with sizing down in the pants, but I like the roomier fit).
Thermal anything: Is there anything better than a soft, vintage-feeling waffle knit henley?? My favorites are by Re/Done, which I find via Poshmark because they don’t make them anymore (annoying, but ultimately ok, because they were priced at almost $200 a piece), but I’ve also heard good things about this unisex option by Uniqlo. Re/Done also makes thermal long johns—you have to track them down secondhand too, but I found a pair recently and they are THE BEST for sleeping/lounging/working from home (I write every single one of these newsletters in some version of sweats, and at this point, they are essential to my creative process). I feel very adorable in my full thermal sets, and you probably will too!
The Great Quilted Set: As you have probably gathered, I love a matching set, and this one in particular is my chilly weather go-to. Luckily for you all, it’s now on sale, so you can save a bit! Aside from having the cutest details, this is also the absolute softest of any sweat set I have ever worn—to me, they really feel more like pjs that are made out of the same material as baby blankets. They’re lighter than fleece, so you can still wear them to bed or around the house in the spring/fall. Final sale can be scary, but both pieces have a relaxed fit—I took the smaller of my two sizes in both.
The Great PJ pants: I think of old school Man Repeller whenever I see a drop crotch, and these set my repell-o-meter off big time! These will not be for everyone. They will not be for most people. But they are 10000% for me (I’m literally wearing them as we speak). They’re so lightweight, breezy and drapey, and I just love the shape! I tend to get hot in the middle of the night, but I still like sleeping in something, and more often than not, these are what I’m reaching for. I wear them all year round, and for anyone else eyeing the drop crotch with more curiosity than skepticism, this is your sign to give them a go! I took the larger of my two sizes, plus they stretch with wear. (For dedicated fans of the drop crotch, I also love these sweatpants by Nili Lotan—available here and here in white. I can’t say that they do the best things for your booty, but they are cool, and sometimes that’s the price you have to pay.)
OK! Clearly a topic I am passionate about! And, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, but this isn’t even all of it. I have even more recs when it comes to athleisure-y loungewear, but in the interest of your attention spans, I’ve decided to split that into a part two! A little something to look forward to!
Other things I’ve been loving lately: I recently found my new favorite Chelsea boots via TheRealReal (they run TTS)—the shaft is a bit taller/slimmer than most, which I really appreciate, and they’re very comfy as far as errand running goes. Been making big batches of this healthy cashew chicken stirfry for lunch lately—so easy and so tasty! Tried this dress on at Doen and bought it on the spot (I took the smaller of my two sizes)! This over the door shoe organizer has freed up so much space in my closet, and the mesh makes it easy to see the pairs that are up high. This is the best price I’ve ever seen for my favorite (splurgy!) pre-event face mask. Random, but this peppercorn blend is so fragrant and delicious (can we tell I’m making good on my resolution to do less ordering out!).
Maybe it’s spring in the air, but I feel like I’m BURSTING with ideas lately. More coming your way so soon because I simply cannot keep these recs to myself!!!
xx,
Priyanka
Have you tried Vuori yet? Specifically their dream knit pieces?? Sooo soft! I get them on sale at REI (and for every holiday from my mom, who is obsessed)