It was pajama day at the local coffee shop, but only my daughter and I were in on the secret. On that particular morning, I sported a camouflage fleece hat—an essential for concealing my messy hair—a pair of oversized fleece pajama pants (because comfort is key), and my go-to hooded sweatshirt. I even managed to put on some earrings to ensure no one mistakes me for a man, sacrificing a bit of comfort for the sake of avoiding that awkward moment.
Honestly, every day feels like pajama day for me. I’m basically a walking advertisement for casual wear, reveling in loungewear instead of what most would consider “regular” clothing (which, let’s be honest, is subjective; my “regular” is incredibly laid-back).
My style shifted to Slovenly Chic after I became a Work-At-Home Mom (WAHM). While I have some stylish pieces in my closet, it seemed pointless to dress up when my “office” is the couch, and I’m perpetually in a state of work-life balance—always feeling like there’s something to do, with no clear transition to relaxation. So, I embraced the comfort of lounge clothes.
Living in casual wear does come with its challenges. I vividly remember visiting my mom and stepping outside for a phone call when she thought I was an intruder, mistaking me for a scruffy teenager trespassing in her neighborhood. Even my own neighbors have been startled by my appearance during walks with my dog. There’s been more than one occasion when my neighbor slowed down, eyeing me suspiciously—thankfully, she recognized my dog, and upon waving, realized it was just me, wrapped in my husband’s oversized flannel pajama bottoms with a sweatshirt tucked in (a clever trick to keep everything in place).
Shopping while looking disheveled often means being followed by overly eager sales staff. I sometimes feel tempted to quip, “Could you help me shoplift this outfit by cramming it into my pockets?” (I’ve been known to use my hands, pockets, and even my bra as makeshift bags, but that’s a story for another time.) Still, I typically bite my tongue and accept that looking unkempt comes with a price—extra attention in stores.
Yet, there are perks to my wardrobe choices. My children rarely request rides to school, preferring to take the bus rather than be seen with my mismatched outfits. One of my favorite combinations for weekday mornings is a nightgown layered over pajama pants, topped with a velour robe. Sometimes, I’ll swap my hat for a hair wrap, which makes my hair look even more wild—and by “wild,” I mean shockingly unruly.
The best part? I’m always ready for a nap and, most importantly, I’m comfortable. It’s also possible to look somewhat put together (at least in my own way) by opting for leggings or well-fitting sweatpants and tossing on a scarf instead of my usual fleece cap.
Today, for instance, I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve got on leggings, snow boots, a sports bra, and an oversized pullover (okay, it’s technically a sweatshirt, but it’s from the women’s section at Target—not my husband’s!). I added some lip gloss and mascara, and suddenly I feel “fancy” at the café. As a devoted casual dresser, it doesn’t take much to feel that way.
I know I’m not alone in this. Many WAHMs, stay-at-home moms, and weekend working moms share my preference for practicality over style. I see you out there, embracing pajama day whenever you feel like it, proving you can enjoy comfort even without a stroller in tow.
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In summary, my journey into the realm of Slovenly Chic reflects the realities of being a WAHM—prioritizing comfort and functionality over traditional notions of style. We thrive in our unique ways, embracing the chaos of motherhood while navigating our own personal fashion statements.