How to Style 5 Sleepwear Pieces as Outerwear

What do you look for when you shop for sleepwear – comfort, breathability, a stylish look? If one thing on your checklist is ‘bedroom to brunch versatility’, you wouldn’t be alone. Women today are often shopping for multi-functional pieces that will work for all sorts of occasions. After all, more wears means more value!

But if heading outside in your sleepwear seems daunting, allow us to share some practical inspiration. The looks below include options for everything from the beach to a fancy dinner, and no one would ever know that they feature sleepwear.

Shadowline® Rochelle Satin Adjustable Strap Camisole

Camisoles

An easy, beginner-friendly way to try the lingerie as outerwear trend is to style a lingerie camisole as a top. Choose satin and lace for a touch of glamour, or opt for cotton when you want a look that says ‘everyday casual’.

This is an option that works practically year-round; when the weather cools down, simply add a cardigan or blazer on top.

Top from our Shadowline® Satin Touch Flutter Sleeve Pajama Set

Pajama Tops

The loose, floaty fit and breathable nylon fabrication of many of our pajama tops makes them excellent daytime tops for hot summer weather, such as a trip to the beach.

The trick to making them look less pajama-y is to avoid wearing the full sleep set together and instead, pair the top with a more structured fabric on your lower half such as denim or woven cotton.

Pant from our Shadowline® Petals Short Sleeve Button Down Pajama Set

Pajama Bottoms

Similarly, many PJ bottoms make great casual everyday pants but you’ll want to style them with a different top so that the outfit doesn’t read as sleepwear.

To minimize transparency, choose our Opacitrique® nylon (it’s less sheer than Satintrique®) and pick a darker color, which provides enhanced coverage. If you’re still worried about your underwear showing through, simply add a pant liner below.

Shadowline® Charming Satin Wrap Robe

Robes

A short robe (or a long one for a bolder statement look!) is a stylish alternative to a classic tailored jacket. Choose a beautiful fabric such as satin or lace, and pair with jeans or pants and a simple top – the elegant drape of the robe creates an elevated yet effortless look that’s a real winner.

You can make a lingerie robe read less like loungewear by removing the fabric belt (if it comes with one). Either leave it without for relaxed glamour, or swap the fabric belt for something structured to add polish and highlight your waistline.

Shadowline® Satin Essentials Wide Strap Chemise

Chemises & nightgowns

Some nightgowns have sleepwear written all over them, but others are much more versatile. To style a nightdress as outerwear successfully, choose a solid fabric (unless you’re just throwing it on as a cover-up at the beach) and use accessories such as jewelry, tights or a chic neck scarf to create a look that feels outdoors-appropriate.

Wear a simple satin slip over a t-shirt or under a slouchy cardigan or denim jacket for a cool casual look, or go for evening elegance by pairing our lace-trimmed Rochelle Satin slip dress with heels and an up-do.  

For more underwear as outerwear styling advice, check out these 7 ways to wear a camisole.