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Style Q: How to Wear Pajama Pants

Nail the slouchy trend without looking like a slouch.

Three looks that nail the pajama pant trend: Altuzarra pants, $3,860 at Net-a-Porter; 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers, $450 at Shopbop; and Etro wide-leg pants, $1,010 at Net-a-Porter.

Q: I love the pajama pant trend, but I’m not sure how to incorporate it into my wardrobe. Help! —A

We’re totally on board with any trend as ridiculously comfortable as pajama pants. Is there anything better than wearing PJs to work and still looking fabulously stylish? (We can’t think of anything.) This style—printed, with an elastic waistband and an easy fit—started popping up in stores last year, and now it’s a full-fledged trend. Typically done in silk or silky synthetics, these pants are breezy, lightweight perfection for Washington’s hot, sticky summers. Here’s how to wear them without looking like you’ve just stumbled out of bed.

Choose your silhouette accordingly: This style has two interpretations—some are wide-legged and flowy palazzo shapes, and some are a bit more tapered. We think the slimmer version is slightly more sophisticated, so it’s most likely the best choice for the office. The wider take? A little more laid-back and casual.

Pick a higher-waist version for maximum leg-lengthening: Bonus points for a tucked-in or waist-cinching top, which also elongates your silhouette.

Pair with a sleek top in a solid neutral: Though top-to-toe
prints are definitely a look lately, to make pajama pants work for
everyday life we suggest instead teaming these styles with a blouse that
won’t compete, such as a silky sleeveless shell in a neutral hue like
ivory or black. If you still want a little something extra, texture or
detailing such as an embellished collar can work well here, or try
topping a simple tee or tank with a sharply tailored vest to balance the
slouch factor.

Add a sophisticated, grown-up shoe: By this we mean definitely a heel. We’d go with a feminine, bare ankle-strap sandal.

Finish with some serious jewelry and a structured bag:
This season’s dramatic statement necklaces are the perfect thing to
offset the relaxed vibe of the pants, and a structured satchel helps
polish off the look.

Fin! Comfortable and chic. Just don’t fall asleep at the office.

Got a Style Q? We’re here to help! Send us an e-mail, or tweet us your question.

Pegasus necklace, $198 at Stella & Dot; Rachael Ruddick Delphina nude doctor’s bag, $530 at Shopbop; Rosegold Zack sandals, $158 at Shopbop; blouse, $68 at Topshop; THML Clothing ikat pants, $59 at Piperlime.