Loungewear, but make it colorful
Remember our mothers saying, “put on your play clothes and go outside”? In my mother’s case, she probably just wanted to get us out from underfoot 😆 but I was happy to oblige. (Even if I sometimes grabbed a book 📕 on my way out, and spent several hours curled up with it in the shade.)
This post is sponsored by Nordstrom. All ideas and opinions are my own.
My childhood “play clothes” were usually fun, colorful, and (most of all) comfortable. I think we adults need our own version of play clothes too: easy and comfortable styles for hanging out, playing with grandkids (or the dog), gardening, or whatever else constitutes “play” in our lives.
I could never get excited about most loungewear; so much of it just seemed so drab and lifeless. But add color…and you’ve got Play Clothes!
For this post, Nordstrom asked me to feature pieces from their Nordstrom Made brands.
- The top is from Zella, an activewear line. It’s generously cut, and I’m wearing the X-Small here. (I’ve previously purchased other Zella tees for working out, and they tend to run TTS.)
- The linen joggers are Caslon (Plus here), and I really like these. I’ll wear them as a jeans alternative on hot days. I’m wearing the Petite Small in Navy Peacoat. Several other colors available too.
- The slides are also Caslon, and wow, are they comfy!! Really well cushioned and “smooshy,” like slippers but for summer. The yellow color is on the cool side, but I’m keeping them anyway. (Disclosure: all items were purchased, not gifted.)
(I also love this Caslon jacket; you can see how I wore it here.)
Nordstrom is always my first stop when I’m shopping for something specific. They carry a wide range of brands and sizes, shipping is free, and returns are easy. And you can often order online and pick up at your local store if you need something sooner.
More Nordstrom picks…
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I love this look! Inspired me to purchase the grey joggers for hot days. I’ve had really good luck with Zella active wear purchases in the last, just don’t need another t shirt. Will be visiting Zella later!
I love your play clothes!
I consider my yoga clothes my play clothes, and often go around in them all day unless I have to go out to the market, run an errand, or otherwise out in “public.” They are not fancy, but they look colorful and I feel good wearing them. I guess this is my life in retirement lol.
Those sandals are so cute, but I’ve never had good luck keeping backless shoes on my feet!
My mother had terrible taste in fashion – I’d say her taste was all in her mouth, but she was also a bad cook – and she would buy the most hideous clothes for cheap at JCPenney outlet and offer them to me to “wear around the house.” I’d say, “I don’t wear things around the house that i would have to change out of if I’m going to go anywhere. Things I ‘wear around the house’ with no intention of going anywhere are called PAJAMAS.”
Your dog is sweet! We need more posts including the cutie please!
My very first venture into leggings for barre class was with Zella, six years ago, they’ve held up well with regular wear. Zella is my GO TO brand for anything active, I have many other leggings and tops that are comfortable and wear well. And they have a lot of sales that make them easier than some other brands.
Love the color. It makes for a fun look and sets the mood for the day. I do have a few boyfriend shirts that are slouchy and comfortable and thinner pants with elastic waist that I wouldn’t wear out. That’s why they call them lounge wear. You lounge around, play with cute puppies or in my case my sweet cat and eat in the backyard.
I have always liked Caslon. Good quality that doesn’t break the bank.
Great colours on you, Susan! When I was a kid, my mother used to sew overalls with matching colour shirts in gingham as play clothes for me. Now in her late 80’s, she still sews and just finished making me 2 shirts from Liberty fabric I bought in the UK.
I want to thank you for the very informative video with Red Leopards, Rachel & Marina. I hope you can feature them again, maybe discussing rare colour designations, like blue springs, colour combos to suit different figure types.
Fun shirt. I don’t do sweatpants or loungewear either, so these are good ideas. Nordstrom does have some good basics like this. I also want to thank you for the Madewell scarves you recommended the other day. I ordered three and love them! So light you forget you are wearing them. Great beginners scarf. Thanks for all the great recommendations. Always learn something here.
I bought the Caslon sandals in orange and love them!
Another great post! I have a style question Susan: I’ve had a consultation with Annie. Apparently my ‘style’ is dramatic gamine. I’m supposed to be getting structured pieces and am wondering what in the world I’d wear for joggers! Do I stick to leggings?? Are these joggers (which look great) too unconstructed and soft looking? I keep googling to learn more about structured clothing for women–I have the concept I think but don’t know quite how to translate beyond clothing for work or more formal looks. Suggestions?
Hi Sally, I think you’d probably want to stick to leggings, or lightweight trousers with a set-in waistband, not gathered.
I am seeing a lot of “joggers” these days. I find that they are not a good look for me. All my weight is in my middle section and the jogger style just emphasizes the weight in the middle. They look good on you, Susan, but not for me. Yoga pants, skinny jeans or wide leg pants are best on me.
Do you mind my asking what color of toenail polish you are wearing? It is so cute and summery!
Thanks, Debbie. It’s Chanel “Coralium.” It’s from my stash from a prior season and doesn’t seem to be available currently. But the color “Turban” looks like it might be very similar.
Susan, thank you so much for answering my question! I have never used Chanel nail polish before. Do you find it to be long-lasting? I was just wondering if it is less likely to chip than some of the more standard brands. That color sure is beautiful.
Hi Debbie, yes, I do think it’s quite long-lasting. I’ve rarely had it chip.