23. April 2026
Why dress for a night in?
A change out of work wear, maybe even work uniform, marks the end of the day, into relax mode and perhaps an escape from some pressures in life. We think about how we frame ourselves for work through what we wear, but I wonder if we do the same for our evenings in?
The last thing you want is the pressure of having to conform or feel uncomfortable in the clothes you wear to cook, maybe watch TV or walk the dog (and I would argue why should we feel that way in the day... but that’s another blog). But a night in, whether having friends round, on your own or snuggled up with the family is a time for gaining some energy back and building strength for another day. So why think about what you are wearing for a night in? I would say there are two reasons
One, you will want to feel a certain way for your time out, be that relaxing, catching up with friends, or educating the children (or your partner!). What you wear can help you get into the right frame for this.
Two, however much you think you are switching off, the endless comparisons we make to others will still be there – on screen, social media scrolling, friends or families gossiping! The clothes you choose to make you feel more you will kick any doubts you might have about how wonderful you are, into touch.
Personally it took me too long to appreciate how the time I had out of work was more valuable than the time in it, whatever it is I choose to do with my time. The me that was trying to escape for many years in a corporate role now enjoys display even while watching TV, with my oversized Tom Ford glasses frames, leopard print hot water bottle and wide leg velvet jogger pants. Feeling I have dressed as the true I generates the confidence to answer those TV quiz questions, to get on with building my business and even choosing better food to eat.
So some suggestions from me for getting more joy out of your nights in are ...
- · Identify your clothes for your evenings in – joggers and tops, jeans and jumpers. That gives them a special purpose for your valuable evenings.
- ·Treat these clothes with the same respect you do your work or daytime clothes – always on hangers, ironed.
- · Accessorize – yes you read that – you know how time you take choosing earrings for work or a night out, so think about jewellery for your night in. And remember belts for trousers
- ·Remember how much colours can influence how you feel e.g. green is calming, blue is good for communicating with others, red, well red…, pink for reminding yourself how lovely you ar
Whatever you are doing over this 22/23 New Year period, wishing you health energy and love x
Image thanks to Unsplash