How To Master The Art Of Summer Pajama Dressing

The street-style crowd has perfected a type of dressing that's underrated outside of Fashion Week: the dressed-up, daytime pajama. It's something you want to incorporate into your everyday life—how many times do you wake up in the morning and think, "Ugh, do I have to change?"—but proves to be a little more challenging in practice. You could be going for "I woke up like this" and really end up closer to "I actually slept in this." There are a few key outfit formulas and styling tips, courtesy of the intrepid fashion folk that have paved the way for lazy dressers everywhere, that'll help you toe that line oh-so-delicately (and incredibly comfortably) this summer. Ahead, a guide to pajama dressing, as told in 15 very good looks.

Find a boxy, short-sleeve collared sleep shirt in a soft or neutral color to wear with equally structured printed shorts. Leave the last few buttons undone, to show off the bottom half of your get-up.

A silky, patterned matching set is the pajama-adjacent outfit you didn't know you needed.

Pajama Dressing 101: Start with a robe, worn over your jeans-and-a-tee.

A long, silky slipdress doesn't need much adornment—strappy sandals here, a basket bag there, and you're good to go.

That super-soft hoodie normally reserved for Netflix marathons or stay-at-home days might be the key to dressing down a loud maxi skirt for the daytime.

Fashion people continue to make the case for bike shorts—this time as a way to add some definition to an oversize sleep shirt.

Don't underestimate the power of a pop of color—use accessories as a way to bring attention to the patterns of your pajama set.

Swap wide-leg trousers with baggy, monochromatic pajama pants to make longline blouses really shine.

When it's too hot for your suit, try a loose-fitting velvet set as unexpected formalwear.

Find a statement belt to wear over a long robe, so it fits like your favorite wrap dress.

If you'd rather style the blouse as a jacket, wear a bandeau or crop top underneath in a contrasting color.

Double up on your sweats by pairing two bold separates in different colors; keep the accessories minimal.

Use your pinstriped pajama shorts as a backdrop for bolder statement pieces, like an animal-print blouse, ankle-wrap shoes, or a belt bag (or all of the above).

A little white set or jumpsuit is pretty much a blank canvas you can add your favorite summer accessories too—like a denim jacket, layered necklace, and embellished hat.

A Tan France–inspired French tuck can make a pajama-like set feel more polished.