DO YOU sit up straighter, feel smarter, more alert, confident when you like what you’re wearing and think you look good? Does your mood dampen if you don’t? Even if you’re only enjoying a late-morning coffee in your pjs with your partner and/or a couple of close friends? I ask because a friend recently sent me an e-mail asking for alternatives to her serviceable but dull, gray jersey bathrobe that she’s wearing a lot and “getting sick of.” Her question made me consider my own a.m. attire—a ratty robe and/or my husband’s old undershirt and a pair of pajama pants. Of course, there’s no need to dress up for morning joe but if you rachet up that look a little, it just might motivate you for the rest of the day and for whatever that may bring.
Below, a baker’s dozen of caftans and robes for morning coffee and beyond.
—Janet Kelly
LEFT: For glamour girls, Figue’s Eliza Cotton Embroidered Caftan ($545, Moda Operandi) with playful pompoms at the hem will channel your inner movie star from morning ’til night. CENTER: We can see going wild over this Soleia Leopard Print Cream cotton robe ($249.17, Desmond & Dempsey). Practically speaking, it’s not bulky and it’s washable. Two front pockets stash your sundries and loops at the back hold the tie in place. FYI: Matching pajama pants are $124.35. RIGHT: Love the gorgeous color of this All-Cotton Block Print kimono ($39.99, Etsy). Made in India, it will take a few weeks to ship, but this light-as-air bathrobe should be worth the wait.
LEFT: Natori’s Yukata Robe ($68) is no longer available, sorry. We suggest this Cyprus Robe ($160) in malibu blue for an equally vibrant pop of color. RIGHT: The San Francisco Kim + Ono (get it?) is a family-run company specializing in silk and charmeuse botanical print kimonos; each features an original pattern that’s first sketched by hand and then saturated in rich watercolors using a traditional paintbrush. The elegant and functional Washable Silk Yuri Kimono Robe is $220.
LEFT: How cozy does this relaxed-fitting Hooded Cotton-Terry Bathrobe ($168, Matches Fashion) look?! Snuggle into it after a dip into the ocean or when you’re sitting around a fire pit this fall. Danish label Tekla Fabrics uses extra-thick fiber terrycloth for softness and absorbency. CENTER: Sleepy Jones was established in 2013 by Andy Spade who, inspired by the lifestyles of artists, created a collection of comfortable sleepwear, loungewear and not-quite-ready-to-wear for men and women. This Silk Marianne Robe (final sale, $159) that drapes mid-calf could be your morning uniform for coffee, etc. RIGHT: Recliner’s “Sleeping Pills” Print Silk Kimono Robe ($156 with SLEEPCOOL, ending August 31) is a hoot. It also rolls up neat and small, so packing it up for a sleepover is a dream. Also, 95% of Recliner products are biodegradable and carbon neutral.
LEFT: According to the V&A Museum website, patchwork is “a way of using up scraps of fabrics or of extending the working life of clothing.” With sustainable fashion becoming more popular, it’s not surprising the technique is on trend this year. And, it’s the patchwork that provides the charm on this Kasey Kimono Robe ($128, Anthropologie). Wear as a robe on its own or over jeans when you’re out and about. RIGHT: Inspired by the techniques of the weavers in the Indian village she was born in, Rujuta Sheth launched her bohemian-inspired collection in 2014, mixing traditional craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. Each piece is crafted with eco-friendly materials and dyes. Her bright and cheery Marley Caftan ($198) will make your morning and then your day.
LEFT: Hanro cotton feels luxuriously silky on the skin. If you’re looking for timeless and classic, this Najuma Robe ($298) with floral embroidery on the cuff has your name on it. Besides this pale pink, it’s also available in midnight blue. CENTER: Plush and comfy with character is how I’d describe Natori’s Leopard-Print Faux Fur Long Robe ($130, Neiman Marcus). If you spill coffee on it, no one will notice! RIGHT: Wouldn’t it be nice to have a chalet in the mountains to wear this open-front Kantha Robe ($128, Sundance Catalog), but it’s not a requirement. It’s made from the pieces of an artisan-made quilt.
MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.
Although it might be hard, I just might leave the ratty sweatshirt and sweatpants in the closet and spring for something a bit more stylish. Beautiful examples of non-sweats.