How To Get Dressed When You Don't Feel Like It

Days when you're feeling absolutely unmotivated to get dressed can strike any time of year, but these short, cold days can make them a little more frequent and harder to push through. [So occasionally, I don't.] Add that the kids are home from school and there's nothing on the calendar - plus the sheer exhaustion this season can bring - and pajamas seem perfectly reasonable many days.

But what happens if you HAVE to get dressed? I have a few suggestions for what to wear when you'd rather be in lounge wear.

Option 1 - sweatshirt dress, fleece-lined tights & tall boots

I borrowed this Max Studio lace-up sweatshirt dress from my Poshmark closet to demonstrate this outfit formula and there's a reason I had NOT tried it on previously! Outrageously comfortable and... pockets. Look for a dress that has plenty of stretch or a slightly over-sized fit. The fleece-lined tights will feel like cozy leggings while the tall boots elevate the look enough for any daytime gig.

Option 2 - chunky cardigan, cami, stretch skinny jeans & booties

A chunky cardigan over a cami is such a great mix of sweet and cozy (but with the right combo this could be a snazzy date night look). I love this option because it can go from lounging on the couch (in sweats and slippers) to out the door with just a change into jeans and booties. Pick your best-fitting denim and most comfortable booties. You could really go wild and add some layered necklaces or a scarf.

Option 3 - flannel tunic, long sleeve tee, leggings & booties

This buffalo check flannel popover tunic is really an old "dress" from Forever 21. This outfit formula would work with any boyfriend style flannel as well - if, like me, you want your bum covered when you wear leggings. Stripes are a great option to layer under a plaid flannel to add just a bit more interest to an outfit while you stay extra warm. If you're new to mixing prints, the trick here is to match the stripes to one main color in the plaid. Flat boots will get you through any errands (even slush) with ease.

Option 4 - detailed sweatshirt, button down, boyfriend jeans & casual sneakers

If bedazzled isn't your thing, look for a sweatshirt with a pretty/cool graphic or print, ruffles, lace-up detail, or some other interesting feature. Think: fancy sweats. Layer a well-loved button down under it to add a smidge more refinement (and perhaps a little pattern) or just go with a patterned long sleeve like in Option 3. Relaxed fit boyfriend jeans are about as casual as you can get and still be wearing actual pants. A pair like the ones pictured - thrifted from thredUP [Merona (you know, vintage Target) boyfriends] - that don't have any distressing will keep things comfortable but a little crisper looking. Finish the look with a cool pair of casual sneakers. Cool color combos, classic white lace-ups, or even wedges like I'm wearing are very clearly for the street and not the gym and that's the key.

Which of these looks would you be most likely to wear on a day when you'd rather be in pajamas? Send a comment if you're interested in any other details from the outfits I shared or if there's a fashion challenge you'd like me to address in a future How To post.