I Live for Elevated Loungewear—These Under-$40 Pieces Are Everything

by Anna LaPlaca

Photo:

@anna__laplaca; Pictured: Who What Wear High Rise Wide-Leg Silky Pants ($35)

Twenty-twenty has been the year of loungewear. Since spring, my closet has taken a sharp pivot into the comfortable category and over the past several months, I've really graduated from my basic leggings and standard sweats to more elevated and fashion-forward staples that are no less easy to wear but definitely look and feel a step above the rest. Yes, I've even become somewhat of a loungewear snob in the process. (What can I say? I just have an eye for it.)

Since I'm passionate about cool loungewear, I figured I'd share some of the outfits I'm wearing as of late in the hopes it might inspire your own at-home rotation. With a little help from the rather affordable pieces our namesake clothing line is serving up right now, I put together four outfits that define my current lounge aesthetic. The best part? None of the pieces featured here top $40, so I mean it when I say that they only look luxurious. If you're ready to dive in, simply keep scrolling to see my 'fits and shop the pieces.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Wearing: Who What Wear Bell Sleeve T-Shirt ($25) and Wide-Leg Pants ($28); Merrell Alpine Sneakers ($90); Jenny Bird Stevie Necklace ($125)

Ribbed knitwear has a way of looking expensive, no matter what you actually spend on it and this set is certainly no exception to that. Although this outfit feels just as comfortable as any pair of sweats, it looks a lot more pulled-together thanks to details like the ribbed texture and rich marigold color. Both items are perfect for styling solo, too. The top has subtle bell sleeves and a low back, which gives it an elevated feel that would make it look good with jeans or a skirt while the pants have a high waist and flared legs which remind me of trousers.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Wearing: Simonett Sweater Sleeves ($90); Ganni Mesh Turtleneck ($135); Who What Wear Silky Wide-Leg Pants ($35)

Speaking of loungewear items that only look luxurious, we need to discuss these pants because they're perfect. The silky material is stunning and the ultra wide-leg fit makes them a current pick, too. I honestly felt so fancy even just wearing them around the house and to WFH, so it's safe to say I'll be living in these all winter.

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Wearing: Who What Wear Balloon Sleeve Jumpsuit ($40); Tatuo Detachable Collar ($16)

A jumpsuit made of sweatpants material? While a piece like this isn't the kind of thing I'd pick out for myself normally, once I tried it on I realized it's actually kind of genius. It's just as comfortable as you're thinking and the kind of one-step outfit that takes zero effort but doesn't look it. I especially appreciated the balloon sleeves which make it feel fashiony and the cinched-in waist which gives it a nice overall shape. Also of note: pockets.

affordable loungewear from Who What Wear

Photo:

@anna__laplaca

Wearing: H&M vest; Who What Wear Joggers ($30); Tamara Mellon Clash Boots ($695)

Say what you will, but I couldn't talk about loungewear without mentioning joggers and this pair gets a stamp of approval from me. With an elastic waistband and slouchy fit, they're true joggers but the cotton fabric is more like a trousers material so they're easily dressed up or down. I could even see wearing them into the office (once that's a thing again).

More Comfy Staples I'm Eyeing

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