Life

Loungewear life: Four ways to give your comfies a style boost this winter

Update your working-from-home wardrobe with these snuggly and stylish pieces, says Katie Wright

Marks and Spencer Collection Cosy Lounge Cuff Jogger, £15; Cosy Lounge Hoodie, £18, available from Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer Collection Cosy Lounge Cuff Jogger, £15; Cosy Lounge Hoodie, £18, available from Marks and Spencer Marks and Spencer Collection Cosy Lounge Cuff Jogger, £15; Cosy Lounge Hoodie, £18, available from Marks and Spencer

WHO could have predicted that loungewear would explode into the biggest fashion story of 2020?

According to Google data, searches for 'loungewear' have increased by 119 per cent in the past year, seeing a 140 per cent spike in recent weeks.

With working from home still the norm for many, slouchy separates have become our daily uniform – and as we head into the colder months, it's time to stock up on winter warmers for days spent largely indoors.

That doesn't mean style has to go out the window, however. Here are four trends to try, if you want to take your loungewear game to the next level this season…

1. Velour vibes

Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton have declared that velour tracksuits are back, so who are we to argue?

Thankfully, this time around, the touchably soft trackies don't come with slogans emblazoned across the bum. The modern update on the Noughties favourite is all about simple separates, in cool greys and warm autumnal tones.

Boux Avenue Burgundy Leopard Panel Velour Top, £25; Burgundy Leopard Panel Velour Joggers, £25

Cotton Traders Velour Cowl Neck Tunic, £29; Velour Pull-on Trousers, £25; Lace-Up Trainers, £32

Cotton Traders Velour Cowl Neck Tunic, £29; Velour Pull-on Trousers, £25; Lace-Up Trainers, £32, available from Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders Velour Cowl Neck Tunic, £29; Velour Pull-on Trousers, £25; Lace-Up Trainers, £32, available from Cotton Traders Cotton Traders Velour Cowl Neck Tunic, £29; Velour Pull-on Trousers, £25; Lace-Up Trainers, £32, available from Cotton Traders

2. Neutral knits

Latte, cream, oatmeal, biscuit… there's something rather tasty about the shades of this season's most minimalist loungewear offerings, which come in soft knitted and ribbed fabrics.

These subdued hues are ideal if your home is a haven of calm colours, and you want to mix and match your knits while blending in with the furniture.

Marks and Spencer Collection Cosy Lounge Cuff Jogger, £15; Cosy Lounge Hoodie, £18

Wallis Stone Wool Blend Waterfall Cardigan, £35

Wallis Stone Wool Blend Waterfall Cardigan, £35, available from Wallis
Wallis Stone Wool Blend Waterfall Cardigan, £35, available from Wallis Wallis Stone Wool Blend Waterfall Cardigan, £35, available from Wallis

3. Sporty brights

If you've been living in black or grey marl joggers for the whole of the pandemic, why not switch it up with some mood-boosting colour and Eighties-style sweats?

In popping pinks and bold blues, these sporty, vintage-inspired pieces are guaranteed to brighten up even the greyest autumn day.

Oliver Bonas Animal Print Pink Sweatshirt, £39.50

Oliver Bonas Animal Print Pink Sweatshirt, £39.50, available from Oliver Bonas
Oliver Bonas Animal Print Pink Sweatshirt, £39.50, available from Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas Animal Print Pink Sweatshirt, £39.50, available from Oliver Bonas

Topshop Blue Fleece Panel Funnel Sweatshirt, £29.99

Topshop Blue Fleece Panel Funnel Sweatshirt, £29.99, available from Topshop
Topshop Blue Fleece Panel Funnel Sweatshirt, £29.99, available from Topshop Topshop Blue Fleece Panel Funnel Sweatshirt, £29.99, available from Topshop

New Look Teal Jersey Cuffed Joggers, £15.99

New Look Teal Jersey Cuffed Joggers, £15.99, available from New Look
New Look Teal Jersey Cuffed Joggers, £15.99, available from New Look New Look Teal Jersey Cuffed Joggers, £15.99, available from New Look

4. Cosy cashmere

For the ultimate in loungewear luxury, what could be better than cashmere? The ultra-soft wool can be on the pricey side, so look out for mid-season sales where you can pick up a bargain jumper or cardi.

But remember, always follow the washing instructions to avoid shrinking your precious knits. If you look after your cashmere, it'll look after you.

Figleaves Bliss Bliss Cashmere Zip Hoody, £98 (was £140); Bliss Cashmere Cuffed Jogger, £84 (was £120)

Figleaves Bliss Bliss Cashmere Zip Hoody, £98 (was £140); Bliss Cashmere Cuffed Jogger, £84 (was £140), available from Figleaves
Figleaves Bliss Bliss Cashmere Zip Hoody, £98 (was £140); Bliss Cashmere Cuffed Jogger, £84 (was £140), available from Figleaves Figleaves Bliss Bliss Cashmere Zip Hoody, £98 (was £140); Bliss Cashmere Cuffed Jogger, £84 (was £140), available from Figleaves

Cocoa Cashmere Hazel Olive Jumper, £185

Cocoa Cashmere Hazel Olive Jumper, £185, available from Cocoa Cashmere
Cocoa Cashmere Hazel Olive Jumper, £185, available from Cocoa Cashmere Cocoa Cashmere Hazel Olive Jumper, £185, available from Cocoa Cashmere

Pure Collection Cashmere Lofty Cropped Sweater in Peach Blush, £49 (was £140)

Pure Collection Peach Blush Cashmere Lofty Cropped Sweater, £49 (was £140), available from Pure Collection
Pure Collection Peach Blush Cashmere Lofty Cropped Sweater, £49 (was £140), available from Pure Collection Pure Collection Peach Blush Cashmere Lofty Cropped Sweater, £49 (was £140), available from Pure Collection