As the pandemic persists, pyjamas have come to be entirely sensible as all-day social-distancing wear for women and men. Whether you are Zooming with the boss, running to the store or hosting your pod for cocktails and charades, sporting pyjamas from morning ’till the next morning — a style strategy once reserved for degenerate and hung-over college students — no longer provoke censure.
“People are looking for a different way to find comfort and fashion together,” said Roopal Patel, Saks Fifth Avenue’s fashion director. She noticed an increase in the store’s sleepwear sales after the world paused last March. Ms Patel observed that people are purchasing extensive pyjama wardrobes and assigning different styles to different social activities. Everyone was experimenting with how to wear these pieces with their regular appearances which they may not have done a year ago. Indeed, if you pick the right pair, pyjama dressing resolves the WFH-era dilemma of remaining stylish at home. Emulate Sofia Coppola’s marvellous 2013 Met Gala look: metallic Marc Jacobs PJs, subtle sparkly jewellery and a mid-heel sandal.
It might be counterintuitive, but a sharp pair of PJs can look more attractive and put-together than the sad WFH uniform to which so many have succumbed — sweatpants, T-shirt and hoodie. The former is crisp and happy, and the latter is sloppy and untidy; according to Mr Cortina, who is a New York fashion editor and pyjama evangelist. If you have a fresh set of pyjamas, there is something beautiful in the choice you have made. If you are wearing sweats, it’s grey and dreadful.
