How to pull off pyjama dressing in public
Pyjama-rama
Easy to wear and decadent, pyjama dressing has been wafting around for some time, now. As someone who has never felt comfortable in formal attire, I find this low-key glamour hugely appealing – it’s just taken me a while to actually find the confidence to venture out in pyjamas in public. But if Julian Schnabel can do it, then so can I. Worn the right way, an easy-going, co-ordinated two-piece can take you from bedroom to boardroom. Pyjama dressing is also a chic way to stay fresh and unflustered when your kaftans are in the wash and it’s hotter than a palm house in a heatwave.
The trick to getting this look right is to think polished and professional, not pyjama party (Schnabel wears a tuxedo jacket over his PJs for red carpet events). The ease of the silhouette provides a nonchalant kind of slouch that encourages slinking around. Just add pulled-together hair and make-up to avoid looking like you’ve rolled out of bed – and steer clear of slip-on mules, or any footwear that could be mistaken for slippers.
Photos: Claire Pepper
Personally, I prefer to play pyjama pieces off against low-key, sporty accessories. My co-ordinates (Nancy shirt in green check and Peggy palazzo pants) are a gift from small independent label Phoebe Grace, a mother-daughter team based in South London who specialize in effortless glamour and gorgeous prints. I’m 5′ 10″ but I had to have the super-long palazzos shortened so that I could style them with flats and sneakers. The trainers are Adidas Everyn slip-ons, a few sizes still available on The Outnet HERE. My packable tote is from Arket. Worn head-to-toe this look can feel quite bold, so often I style the set as separates: the vintage-inspired silk shirt looks a treat with cargo pants and the pyjama bottoms work well with a military shirt (or cashmere sweater in colder weather). For pyjama style with pizazz, statement earrings take this look into evening.
And sometimes actual pyjamas will do. Toast are pretty good when it comes to print or plain cotton, as are Desmond & Dempsey. And I’m always eyeing up the lovely Liberty print versions HERE and HERE. Olivia Von Halle’s silk-satin sets are hugely popular (and reduced in the sale HERE), and Robin Wright’s Pour Les Femmes initiative has lovely cotton PJ’s and nightshirts, the sale of which supports women in war-torn regions of the world.
If you’re taking pyjama dressing to work, wear matching co-ords with pointed flats and a lightweight jacket – and try not to fall asleep at your desk.
More pyjama-rama style:
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Discussion (17 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
I’d never think to bracket you and Julian Schnabel but whereas he dresses like this to cover his pauch and because he can in custom made pjs doubtless. I’m sure with your height and slim figure the effect is quite other, especially if in a lovely silk. I’d wear a pj type silk shirt in a print in silk with piping and pocket, like a red print one I tried in Whistles at the beginning of summer. But for me not both bits at once. But a cool loose square cut top in a cotton lawn sounds good. I might try this with my pretty lawn Liberty print Brora pj top if it’s not too sheer. New ideas on refreshing existing wardrobe with pieces one already has always most welcome.
I’ve been wearing pj seperates out and about for several years now. I find that cotton or linen pieces in beautiful prints work best, especially in the summer. Best sources for me have been J Crew, Anthropology and fair trade shops in the US. Today I’m wearing the block print PJ top you have pictured from J Crew with white linen pants to speak at a conference—no one will ever guess it’s a pajama top!
Oh yes, I meant to mention J.Crew – who often collaborate with Liberty: win-win!
Isobel says:
Love it! But would I dare? Probably only as separates, with items I already own and therefore am comfortable wearing.
Anne says:
That’s gorgeous and, more so, fabulous on you. I will have consider getting braver. You are such an inspiration Alyson.
maudie says:
Brilliant form of non-faff dressing! I am not brave enough (yet) to sport silky PJ’s but always think that my linen trousers and floppy linen tops are just another form of my jim-jams and equally comfortable. I might just be brave enough now to Just Do It (tick!).
Sara says:
Think this is the first of your choices I cannot appreciate, which is fine, as difference is part of the fun in style. You look pretty good, Alyson but I’d look either clownish or as if I really had gone out mistakenly in my pjs. This is an awful thing to say, so hope it isn’t too outre, but the concept to me is redolent of the shell suit era, whether the pjs are silk, cotton, bargain basement or top of the range. You DO NOT look like that, but I fear I would, and so many others without your height and style sense might. Think I might try the jumpsuit again which I have resisted so far because:
1. I wore it the first time round
2. I can still recall the lavatory dilemmasHello Sara, I think it’s a fondness for jumpsuits that has eased me into pyjama dressing….
(And no toilet trauma involved)
Ramit says:
Works great on you, Alyson! But not for me, I think. I’m too short and wide, and not that graceful. I do, however, like print or solid palazzo pants with solid color tops, which serve the same function for me – fuff-free and totally comfortable bit of glam.
Martine Large says:
I’ve just read Swan Song, a novel about the beautiful people around Truman Capote, and there’s a scene when Jacquie O is taken to buy silk pyjamas on Capri. The glamour!
I see that I’m going to have to start looking at sleepwear with a new eye! This is the second fashion post that I’ve read recently about wearing pyjamas as daywear. I can definitely see myself wearing a classy looking pyjama top in public, but I don’t think I’m ready for the head to toe look. You pull it off well though. Much better than the gal we saw walking through the Louvre in pink print pjs this spring!
Lou says:
Dear Alison have you seen Poetry clothes. Beautiful natural fabrics which can be somewhat hard to find on the high street.
Mel McGrath says:
I love this, you look wonderful. But as a shortish (5ft 4″) woman (though now I think about it isn’t 5ft 4″ average?) I do feel more restricted in what I can wear. I wonder if you could do a feature or two on what to wear if you’re average height or less?
Elise More says:
Do you add latish comments? I often find I’m slow to react but wanted to say that this article inspired me a lot. Judging by the comments the pyjama dressing idea is something of a marmite one; however it had me rescuing a silk Equipment black and khaki shirt from my ‘maybe I can sell on ebay’ pile and finding a Uniqlo pyjama-style pair of trousers that have turned into a stylish hot weather work outfit for very little outlay. And I found a pair of Jigsaw pyjamas by following one of the links you gave that are in a navy, teal and yellow mini animal print. I’ve yet to wear the whole outfit yet but the trousers paired with plain navy sleeveless tops have wafted me out to dinner in Crete several times this past week and I know the top will go well with jeans. Your point about avoiding slipper-shaped footwear is a good one; I’d have been inclined to go for mules but found flat metallic strap sandals worked very well. I do think the not-obviously-pyjamas nature of the colour combo and pattern of your outfit make it easier to carry off in public than if it featured some the more typical characteristics of ‘real’ pyjamas, e.g. contrast piping, little flat mother of pearl buttons, pale stripes/florals.
And a question: how do you find the amazing small, independent companies you feature in your articles? Or am I asking you to give away a massive trade secret?!
Jean Bragg 
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Fun! I have a lovely pair of pink silk (3 piece) lounge wear/pj’s. I wear them out sometimes and get so many compliments. You wear your’s Very well, cute!