A few years ago, I made it a resolution to dress like a star at home. I thought of my existence at home as a substantial chunk of any week and decided that dressing for the occasion of day-to-day life seemed like a worthy goal. However, I didn’t want to be uncomfortable, so I thought of the elegance of vintage loungewear and hostess garments. Maybe this interests you too?
The allure of vintage fashion extends to at-home style
There’s a timeless elegance in the comfort and glamour of wearing vintage loungewear and hostess garments at home. In an internet-paced world, where comfort often takes precedence over style, vintage fashion offers an escape to an era where time, beauty and sophistication intertwined.
Imagine yourself lounging in a silk robe adorned with delicate lace trim or bold embroidery reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. The feeling of the fabric against your skin, combined with the craftsmanship, transports you to another era. Vintage loungewear is not just clothing; it is an experience, a way to embrace the worthy arts of relaxation and self-care.
Hostess garments, worn by our foremothers for informal-but-stylish entertaining at home, exude an air of charm and sophistication. Whether you are entertaining guests or simply enjoying your own quiet company at home, wearing a vintage hostess outfit instantly elevates the ambiance and invokes refined glamour. Look for intricate details, flowing silhouettes, opulent fabrics and beautiful prints that allow you to channel the grace and poise of hostesses from eras past. Even your cat may notice!
And another thing: You most definitely can wear these pieces outside the home now! The taboos surrounding clothing meant for in-home wear are no longer observed (at least for some of the world), and it looks great to head out with a leather or denim jacket over a vintage satin nightgown, or a vintage kimono robe over a simple black dress.
But it’s not just the aesthetic appeal that makes vintage loungewear and hostess garments irresistible and more versatile than you might expect. The quality and attention to detail that define these pieces ensure a level of comfort that is hard to beat. The fabrics used are often natural and breathable; silhouettes are designed to flatter without constraint, allowing for ease of movement without compromising on style.
In a world where comfort often comes at the expense of finesse, vintage loungewear and hostess garments allow you to have the best of both worlds. These represent a celebration of the artistry, craftsmanship, and beauty that can elevate your day-to-day life.
All items from Vintage Fashion Guild members
Top Row: 1960s to 70s leopard-print rayon/acetate robe from NobleVintageCothier on Etsy; 1940s to 50s white rayon and lace robe from vintagerunway on Etsy; 1930s Art Deco dressing gown from VintageFanAttic on Etsy; 1930s hand-sewn silk kimono with a metallic jacquard pattern of pekinese dogs from magsrags.myshopify.com; 1920s pink silk and lace dressing gown from daisyandstella on Etsy.
Bottom Row: 1950s rose-print polished cotton house coat from VintageFanAttic on Etsy; 1980s butterly-print silk caftan from Wyogems on Etsy; 1950s printed silk hostess dress from StralightVintage on Etsy; c. 1970 wool long tunic dress from my denisebrain shop on Etsy; 1960s black rayon velvet palazzo pants jumpsuit from TheBlackLotusVintage on Etsy.