When I'm not getting dressed in order to improve my mood [1] during this quarantine, I'm in PJs — what else? Part of my fashion research during this downtime has been to test the waters when it comes to channelling my inner boudoir queen, this being a trend that we're going to see on the streets [2] once we go back outside, anyway. Silk slips, dreamy prairie dresses and tops, and slipper-inspired mules are all high on my Spring 2020 shopping list [3] right now, and I don't think it's just because I'm sleepy. I'm sure the designers who sent romantic loungewear down their runways would agree.
Of course, I take influence from some of the best films with stylish sleepover moments too, and I traced these as far back as the late 1970s — I couldn't leave out Rizzo's iconic "Sandra Dee" moment in Grease — late'90s, and early 2000s [4]. From oversize menswear to silk slips and sleep masks (Jenna Rink did the combination best with a trench coat and heels, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase "I woke up like this"), I'm counting down the best pyjama moments from the big screen.
Rizzo in Grease, 1978
Rizzo made fun of "Sandra Dee" at the Pink Ladies pyjama party in a lavender oversize button-down, sleeves rolled up to the perfect spot. I always loved this sexy, menswear inspired look.
Jenna Rink in 13 Going on 30, 2004
Jennifer Garner [5] pulled off this lingerie slip so well with the groovy multicolour sleep mask that she later wears onto the street and straight into the office with a trench coat and heeled sandals.
Rosemary in Shallow Hal, 2001
Gwyneth Paltrow [6] nailed this ultrasexy moment in a sheer ruffled minidress, lingerie set, and pumps before she gets into bed with Hal.
Lux Lisbon in The Virgin Suicides, 1999
Kirsten Dunst [7] set the tone in romantic prairie girl nightgowns in Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides.
Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City: The Movie, 2008
I will never forget how Sarah Jessica Parker [8] wore a purple silk tank and one long strand of pearls as she read "Love Letters of great Men" to Big in bed. "Ever thine, ever mine, ever ours."
Susanna in Girl, Interrupted, 1999
Winona Ryder [9] looked so effortless with nothing but a guitar in wool floral print pyjamas. She definitely makes a loungewear set look cooler than most — and she's sitting next to Angelina Jolie [10], mind you.
Lucy in Crossroads, 2002
Britney Spears [11] takes me back to my Limited Too days, when I used to watch Crossroads on repeat. The only thing that's missing from her butterfly PJ pants and tiny little camisole look is a pair of butterfly clips for her crimped hair.