Written and Directed By Mavis Parks with help from Ashlyn Sorrells

Photography By Mindy Welland

Modeled By Lilly Templeton, Vivian Rodriguez, Koli Croy, & Daisy McDonald

Gone are the days when pajamas, slips, boxers, and bloomers were strictly confined to the bedroom. Today, a growing number of people are embracing the delightful freedom of wearing sleepwear beyond the walls of one’s own home, stepping out in both style and comfort. This trend is not only a fashion statement, but a rejection of the traditional standards in clothing that are “acceptable” and “appropriate” to wear out of the house. 

So why is wearing sleepwear in public frowned upon anyways? The general consensus is that wearing sleepwear in public shows a disregard for social norms and a lack of effort in personal grooming. Many argue that wearing these items out is socially unacceptable because they aren’t practical and make one appear lazy. In addition to this, those who wear sleepwear items out, especially garments such as lingerie tops and slips, are often critiqued for appearing too indecent. Sadly, the latter argument is one of the most common. While people of all genders can face scrutiny for wearing “immodest” fashion, this criticism is primarily directed at women. This is a result of many factors: the tendency for society to be more critical of women’s appearances compared to men's, long-standing notions of modesty, and deeply-ingrained gender roles and stereotypes. 

Luckily, we live in an age where individuality and dispelling these preconceptions are celebrated more than ever before. By wearing sleepwear out, you are not only prioritizing your own personal comfort, but subverting tradition. Taking part in this trend can help redefine fashion norms and promote a culture that values personal style and comfort over one that follows outdated standards.

Another reason why this trend is so appealing is due to the eccentricity of common sleepwear items. Silk slips, vintage bloomers, and flannel pjs, to name a few, can create interesting silhouettes and often utilize funky fabrics that aren’t as commonly seen in mainstream clothing stores. Despite being so unique in appearance, these items are often some of the easiest to find when thrifting, which has made this trend even more popular.

So, if you’re ever running late for school or work, fear not. You can easily turn the outfit you slept in into something stylish, yet comfortable. I would first begin this process by finding pieces to layer or style with your sleepwear. The feminine, dainty look of slips and other silky pieces are well juxtaposed with more boxy, masculine pieces such as cargo pants, bulky jackets, and thick cardigans. An outfit with boxers can be easily upgraded by incorporating flowy button downs, simple tank tops, or a vintage baggy tee. And if you’re feeling more courageous, try styling a pair of ruffled bloomers with a printed baby tee, milkmaid top, or even a denim jacket. Next, focus on accessorizing your outfit. Personally, I love the look of ribbons with sleepwear. They’re perfect for if you want to make your outfit look more delicate, or if you enjoy the coquette/bloquette style that’s been popularized on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. If you’re looking to create more contrast within your outfit, you can instead try chunky necklaces, earrings, or rings. You can also try stacking your jewelry, or adding a beret or fuzzy hat into the mix. Lastly, focus on footwear. Some of the most popular shoes to use as accessories to these looks are cowboy boots, loafers, or sneakers such as Adidas Sambas. With the right mix of layering, accessories, and footwear, you can quickly convert last night’s pajamas into something high-fashion.