The New Nightwear: From Bed to Street (But Chic)

Somehow, without anyone officially declaring it, “nightwear” has stopped being that thing you only wear when you’re home alone. Gen Z has basically taken the clothes we used to keep strictly indoors. Soft jerseys, ribbed tanks, lounge sets, slouchy knits—and styled them with enough edge to make them look like real outfits. Not pajama-core, not loungewear-as-daywear. Actual fashion.

The biggest shift? Fit and intentional styling. We’re not doing the droopy, mismatched lockdown look anymore. Now it’s about silhouette. Nightwear pieces are cut cleaner, worn with shape, and paired with actual going-out elements. Think wide-leg joggers that pool perfectly over a pointed toe. An oversized hoodie balanced with a sharp-shoulder leather jacket. A ribbed tank tucked into parachute pants with a cinched waist. Still comfortable, but sharper.

Textures matter too. Brands have really levelled up the fabrics: brushed rib, modal blends that look expensive, fleece that’s smooth enough to pass as knitwear. People are gravitating toward sets that match in colour and texture—but then breaking the softness with one bold element. A chunky belt. A sleek bag. Glossy earrings. Basically, the “I know I’m wearing joggers but watch how I style them” energy.

And shoes are doing most of the heavy lifting. If there’s a formula everyone seems to be following right now, it’s this: nightwear + elevated shoe = outfit. Ugg minis are still around, but we’re seeing more pointed flats, clean sneakers (like Sambas or Reeboks), and even block-heeled boots under fleece trousers. It immediately turns the outfit from “I’m tired” to “I meant to look like this.”

Outerwear is another big part of it. Oversized bomber jackets, cropped motos, longline coats—basically anything structured. That contrast between slouchy and sculpted is what makes the whole nightwear look modern instead of sloppy. If joggers are the comfort, the jacket brings in the confidence.

Colour palettes have shifted too. Instead of the classic greys and blacks, there’s a lot more muted plum, olive, latte, stone, and deep navy happening. They look more elevated under low lighting and actually photograph better, which is half the point.

Accessories? Minimal, but intentional. Slim hoops, soft bags, clean hair (slick bun, claw clip, or middle part). Even the makeup pairs with the aesthetic: skin-looking-skin, soft blush, glossy lip. Nothing heavy—just enough to say “I’m awake and I look good.”

What’s interesting is how this trend isn’t about dramatic styling at all. It’s the small tweaks that make the biggest difference: rolling the waistband once, cuffing the sleeves, layering a fine-knit under a zip-up, adding a structured jacket on top of a lazy outfit. It’s effortless, but with strategy.

Nightwear used to be for disappearing into your room. Now it's for turning up to a late dinner, running errands, studying, lounging, or even grabbing a drink—while still being comfortable enough to literally fall asleep in.