Loungewear Pieces That Are Both Comfortable and Polished

Lounging around at home in soft, comfortable clothing was something we previously viewed as a luxury. Now, nearly one year into the coronavirus pandemic, it's part of everyday life. While there's nothing wrong with tossing on a beloved pair of sweatpants or that ultra-cozy sweatshirt that dates back to your college days for movie nights and lazy weekend mornings, it's nice to have polished, put together-looking pieces you can wear for everything from work from home days, Zoom happy hours, and quarantine dinners with your family. The good news? So many brands have really perfected the loungewear game, and they now offer pieces that pull double-duty: They're so cozy you'll never want to take them off, but they also look so good that you really don't have to—even if you have to join a video call for work. 

And there's a really practical reason for investing in some high-quality pieces of loungewear: When you look good, you feel good, and though it may be tempting to stay in comfortable pajamas all day long when you don't have to leave the house, doing so can eventually become taxing on your mental health. Plus, treating yourself to new loungewear pieces is a nice reminder that we can still feel stylish and put together even if we're still spend the bulk of our days at home.

Whether you're searching for matching sets, upgraded sweatpants, cozy hoodies, or professional-looking knitwear, know that there's a piece of loungewear out there for you. Here, we've rounded up the pieces that we think offer the ultimate trifecta: They feel good, look good, and they're timeless enough that they're worth the investment. Scoop up one or two of these cozy, fashion-forward ensembles and matching sets, and bask in the sense of knowing you'll look good, even if you have nowhere to go.

When you want to look polished but still be comfortable, you can't beat this cotton silk cardigan—perfectly oversized (not boxy, but still ideal for layering), it's a great option for a long day of Zoom calls.

Shop Now: Lunya Cozy Cotton Silk Button Front Cardigan, $258, lunya.ca.

Sometimes it's the smallest things in life that bring us the greatest joys, and the dainty floral embroidery on this cozy sweat set certainly falls into that bucket. As soft as your most lived-in pajamas but as clean and elevated as your go-to pair of jeans and a t-shirt, you'll get a lot of mileage out of this pretty set.

Shop Now: THE GREAT "The College Sweatshirt" with Seed Floral Embroidery, $225, shopbop.com; THE GREAT "Cropped Sweatpants" with Seed Floral Embroidery, $195, shopbop.com.

If you're still working from home, you understand the importance of loungewear that looks as good as it feels. This cozy set, which features a top that's a classic, tailored take on a menswear shirt, looks polished enough that you can wear it during a Zoom call.

Shop Now: Cosabella "Bella" Pajama Set, $100.50, cosabella.com.

Few things look or feel quite as cozy as sherpa, which is why a hoodie made from this fluffy cotton blend is a wardrobe staple. This one's pretty seafoam color helps it easily transition between seasons.

Shop Now: Stateside "Tawny" Sherpa Hoodie in Seafoam, $130, anthropologie.com.

Whether you're sitting down for a day of work at the computer, going for a run, or kicking back in front of the TV, this chic, cozy set will help you look and feel great.

Shop Now: Splits59 "Marlon" Fleece Sweatshirt, $128, bloomingdales.com; Splits59 "Marlon" Ultra Fleece Sweatpants, $114, bloomingdales.com.

Soft as butter, this set will be one that's hard to change out of. The tonal shibori print is fun yet classic—you don't have to worry about it going out of style anytime soon.

Shop Now: Sundry Shibori Hoodie, $154, nordstrom.com; Sundry Shibori Sweatpants, $140, nordstrom.com.

Sweatpants and sweatshirts are all well and good, but it's smart to have a few more polished pieces in your closet, too. A sweater set, like this cardigan and pair of matching knit pants, is a workwear option even once you return to the office.

Shop Now: Callahan "Billie" Sweater Set, $178, anthropologie.com.

Streamlined, well-fitted joggers have the ability to go seamlessly from couch to brunch (socially-distanced, of course), and this pair exemplifies that fact. Made from a blend of organic cotton and post-consumer recycled polyester, we also like that this set has a lighter carbon footprint.

Shop Now: MWL Betterterry Crewneck Sweatshirt, $69.50, madewell.com; MWL Betterterry Sweatpants, $69.50, madewell.com.

Investing in loungewear that pulls double-duty is a financial decision you can feel good about; we love that this silk cami pairs just as nicely with the matching shorts on a weekend morning as it does with your favorite pair of jeans for a night on the town.

Shop Now: Journelle "Celine" Open Back Cami, $100, journelle.com.

You'll feel equally fashion-forward and comfortable in these cashmere sweatpants that are appropriate for your home or any casual outing. With a relaxed fit, ribbing at the ankle cuff, soft texture, and waist drawstrings, they're a perfect fit, every time.

Shop Now: Naadam Cashmere Sweatpants in Salmon, $175, naadam.co.

We're about to let you in a little secret: You can wear pajamas during the workday without anyone ever knowing. At least, that's the case if you invest in a pair of these breezy pajamas. They go from bed to workday (and beyond!) without anyone being the wiser.

Shop Now: Recliner "Easy" PJ Set, $110, recliner.nyc.

Made from 100% organic cotton thermal, you can feel good about wearing these sets—for as good as they look, they also do a lot of good, too. Made with 73% less water and 18% less carbon than similar products that use non-organic materials, MATE is on a mission to create clean, sustainable essentials you'll wear for years to come.

Shop Now: MATE Organic Thermal Boxy Crop, $98, matethelabel.com; MATE Organic Thermal Wide Leg Pant, $138, matethelabel.com.

Perfectly oversized, we love this comfortable cardigan for the work day—layered or on its own, wearing it is a quick means to looking great, and no one will have any idea that you're so comfortable, you're practically wearing pajamas.

Shop Now: & Other Stories Oversized Button Up Cardigan, $149, stories.com.

If patterns don't fit with your personal aesthetic but you want something a little more special than a basic, single-hued sweatpant, scoop up these vintage-style joggers, complete with a fun stripe detail.

Shop Now: J.Crew Vintage Cotton Terry Jogger, $79.50, jcrew.com.

Sometimes you just want your loungewear to be fun, and when that's the case, this star-embroidered set is the one you'll reach for.

Shop Now: Lou & Grey Star Terry Sweatshirt, $79.50, loft.com; Lou & Grey Star Terry Sweatpants, $79.50, loft.com.

When you want to be as comfortable as possible, terry just can't be beat. But comfort doesn't have to come at the expense of style: Beautifully cut and complete with mother of pearl buttons, this pair of moss-green sweatpants will be your new everyday uniform.

Shop Now: DONNI Terry Henley Sweatpants, $134, shopdonni.com.

More like a sweater than a sweatshirt, you'll get a lot of miles out of this textured top and the matching pants.

Shop Now: AQUA Waffle Knit Sweatshirt, $68, bloomingdales.com; AQUA Waffle Knit Joggers, $68, bloomingdales.com.

Whether you wear it for a hike, a quick jog around town, or to watch a movie on the couch, this versatile half-zip sweatshirt will keep you warm through any adventure.

Shop Now: Everlane Women's Track Half-Zip, $60, everlane.com.

The tie dye trend is here to stay, so if you've been eyeing a fun piece for spring or summer, know is the time to scoop one up. For an elevated take on the trend, choose pale pastels, like this pretty lilac, paired with white—it's subtle yet statement-making.

Shop Now: Sundry Tie Dye Sweatshirt, $138, nordstrom.com; Sundry Tie Dye Joggers, $138, nordstrom.com.

Lunya's comfortable romper may be perfect for lounging, but it's also cute enough to show off in public. A best seller, this piece will remind you that relaxing doesn't have to mean passing up on your favorite trends. Its kangaroo pocket, customizable length, and thick material made from organic cotton are just added bonuses.

Shop Now: Lunya Organic "Pima" Romper, $168, lunya.co.

Here's a loungewear set that looks just like workwear but feels exactly like pajamas—a win-win for anyone who's trying to look more put together for video calls. 

Shop Now: Wilfred Free "Stargazer" Turtleneck, $110, aritzia.com; Wilfred Free Fleece Sweatpants, $88, aritzia.com.

That hooded sweatshirt you've been hanging on to since college might be acceptable at bedtime, but when you want to put on something that looks a little more elevated, a fresh, structured hoodie is the way to go. This ultra-soft organic cotton option is one you'll wear for years.

Shop Now: Rag & Bone "City" Organic Cotton Hoodie, $175, nordstrom.com.

Cashmere cropped trousers will make you see loungewear differently. Made from soft wool spun in Italy, these pants, complete with an elastic waistband, are also structured, cut-wise. Pair them with a silk blouse, and you could easily wear them out and about.

Shop Now: Poetry Recycled Cashmere Trousers, $269, poetryfashion.com.