How to Wear Pajama Pants

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Keeping Pajama Pants Casual

Since pajama pants have the potential to be slightly baggy, it’s important to create a contrast between your upper and lower body. Use a form-fitting T-shirt with a V-neck or scoop-neck to emphasize your waist and torso area.^{[1] X Research source}

You can wear a band or graphic T-shirt to spice up your look.

You can also use a cropped T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt to accentuate your waist.

A blue V-neck with gray pajama pants would be a great casual outfit.

If you don’t want your outfit to scream “pajama set,” pair your patterned pants with a white, gray, black, or cream top. These neutral colors really let your pants stand out and create a chic and casual look.^{[2] X Research source}
Blue pajama pants with white polka dots look great with a white tank top and cardigan.

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Keeping things casual is all about comfort. Choose some sneakers that go with your pajama pants to walk around wrapped in coziness all day.^{[3] X Expert Source Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.} You can wear low top or high top sneakers depending on your preference.^{[4] X Research source}
High top sneakers, a band T-shirt, and black pajama pants is an outfit that works for a casual day out.

Low-heeled booties look great on a cold fall day. Tuck your pajama pants into your booties to stay warm while also creating a nice silhouette up and down your body.^{[5] X Expert Source Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.}^{[6] X Research source}
Light-colored pajama pants, brown booties, and an oversized sweater is a cozy look for the fall or winter.

Tip: Wearing knee-high boots with pajama pants can look strange since the fabric tends to bunch up. Stick with ankle booties when you wear pajama pants.

Since pajama pants are nice and comfortable, you can play that up by adding a large scarf to your outfit. Keep it neutral with a tan or cream scarf or add a pop of color for a nice accent.^{[7] X Research source}

Gray pajama pants, a white shirt, and a pink scarf make a nice outfit that you can wear almost anywhere.

Pair some black sneakers, a gray scarf, and some teal or green pajama pants for a great contrasting look.

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Dressing up Pajama Pants

Silk pajama pants create a simple elegance within your outfit automatically. Pair these pants with a silky, structured blouse for a nice contrast between fits.^{[8] X Research source}
Wear a navy blue or black blouse with some tan or cream pajama pants for a nice distinction between colors.

If you are planning to wear your pajama pants to a more formal setting, make your upper half look professional by adding a structured blazer. This gives the appearance of a pantsuit while contrasting with the casualness of the pajama pants.^{[9] X Research source}

A black blazer paired with black pajama pants can even mimic a pantsuit entirely.

You can also wear a jean jacket for a non-work event, like a party or a family gathering.

The best way to make your pajama pants more formal is to pair them with heels. Since pajama pants can be baggy, use thin stiletto heels instead of chunky ones to lengthen your legs and provide some nice structure to your lower half.^{[10] X Research source}
Patterned pajama pants look great with black or tan heels, while neutral pajama pants could use a pop of color from red, blue, or pink heels.

Tip: Adding heels to your pajama pants works best with satin or silk pants. Cotton blends can look strange when they are paired with more formal shoes.

Since pajama pants have a tendency to add bulk to your lower half, they are not often paired with chunky heels. However, you can put on some pajama pants that are cinched at the ankles with some chunky heels for a nice contrast.^{[11] X Research source}
Brown chunky heels paired with some gray pajama pants and a bright shirt creates a great outfit for a friendly get-together.

Jewelry has the potential to elevate an outfit automatically. Throw on a thin necklace, a few bracelets, and a pair of earrings to really dress up your pajama pants and move away from the sleepwear look.^{[12] X Research source}

Adding jewelry to your outfit works well to dress it up since you probably wouldn’t sleep while wearing a necklace or bracelet.

Put on a pair of satin pajama pants with a small pattern, some cream heels, a jean jacket, and some gold bracelets for a night out look.

Elevating pajama pants is all about adding structure back into your outfit. Large handbags that hold their shape well do this effortlessly while also being very functional.^{[13] X Research source}
A black and white handbag paired with some paisley pajama pants and thin heels looks great for a lunch get-together.

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