"Do you ever hear the phrase, “Why don’t we just stay in tonight?” in a conversation with your partner and feel like it’s music to your ears? Sure, date night is a chance to connect with your S.O. and catch up on life’s happenings, but when life is busy (or after a particularly long work week), an at-home date night is the perfect compromise. There’s no need to worry about commuting, a date outfit, or long wait times at busy restaurants—your couch and Netflix’s new most popular movie await.
The best way to approach an at-home date night is intentionally. Sit across from each other as if you were at a restaurant to eat the dinner you made, cozy up on the couch to watch something together, and most importantly, dress to signal that it’s not any old night in. If you want to treat it as a date night rather than just a night staying in together, put aside the sweatpants, throw on something that makes the night stand out, and really commit to the at-home date bit with a (comfortable) at-home date outfit.
We’re not suggesting that you throw on a full face of makeup and a pair of heels, but putting on something intentionally different than your go-to loungewear for your at-home date night really differentiates the vibe of the evening from a normal “chilling at home” type of night to a “we’re on a date” one. Think cozy, but in ways that’ll make you feel comfortable and confident. These eight outfits are the perfect inspiration for your next romantic night in.
1. A monochrome look + hair bow
flats | hair bow | sweater | pants (plus) | belt
The easiest way to feel effortlessly chic? A minimal, monochrome outfit. A cream sweater and pants gives “I just threw this on,” but in an elevated way. To take it up a notch, throw your hair into a low ponytail with a hair bow and add a black belt to the pants for some additional contrast. It’s a look that’s not too dressed up for being at home, but signifies that it is, in fact, still a date night.
2. A classic button-up and jeans
flats | bandana | button-up (plus) | jeans (plus) | tank
There’s not a situation where a button-up and jeans don’t solve your “I don’t know what to wear” problem. This outfit combination is sure to make you feel put-together while requiring the least amount of effort. Paired with a ribbed tank or baby tee, you’ll be ready for date night at home in a matter of minutes. Especially if you’re cooking dinner, it’ll make you feel like you’re the main character of a Nancy Meyers movie.
3. A comfortable maxi dress
Source: @zey.ca
dress | sandals | necklace | earrings | hair bow
A maxi dress is the simplest piece of clothing to wear at home. It’s comfy, easy to move around in, and makes you feel leveled up. Do yourself a favor and dust off your favorite one for your next at-home date. All maxi dresses are welcome, but we’d recommend one in a soft, knit fabric that feels like a second skin. It’ll feel like your wearing loungewear, but will look like anything but.
3. A crewneck sweater and boxer shorts
clogs | earrings | sweater | boxers
The boxer short trend has quickly become one of our favorites of the year. Whether you wear them out or strictly to lounge around in the house, boxer shorts are an easy yet chic alternative to your classic lounge shorts (let’s give our biker shorts a break for once!). They have a sexy “I stole these from my boyfriend’s closet” feel that’s perfect for an at-home date when paired with a chic sweater (as opposed to a sweatshirt or tee, which would lean more pajama-feeling). Don’t forget to finish it off with your favorite accessories.
5. A jumpsuit and Uggs
cardigan (plus) | UGGs | onesie | socks | earrings
A one-and-done outfit? Sign us up. Think of a onesie as the perfect base layer. Despite it being ultra-comfortable, the fitted silhouette is inherently sexy, and will boost your confidence when you put it on in ways that sweats couldn’t. Whether you opt for a button-up, cozy sweatshirt, or drapey long-sleeve shirt, what you layer it with will totally determine the vibe of your look. UGGs or your favorite slipper socks are a must to top it all off.
6. A long-sleeve tee and lounge pants
Source: @amaka.hamelijnck
sandals | lounge pants (plus) | top | claw clip | pendant necklace
There are sweatpants, and there are lounge pants. We’d define lounge pants as the type of pants you wear around the house when you don’t want to necessarily wear sweats all day, but still crave the semblance of productivity a pair of trousers would provide. Pair your lounge pants with a cozy (but form-fitting) long-sleeve tee to settle in on the couch with your partner and a well-deserved glass of wine.
7. Leggings and a sweater
sweater (plus) | slippers | leggings (plus) | socks
You can’t go wrong with a classic sweater-and-leggings combo. Cozy on up with your partner and your fuzziest slippers to turn on that movie you two have been meaning to watch together. Whether you opt for monochrome from head-to-toe or match your slippers to your sweater, having a little fun with your color choices will take the look up a notch. This classic at-home date look is one to return to time after time.
8. A matching lounge set and ballet flats
flats | wide-leg pants (plus) | cardigan (plus) | tank (plus) | headband
Nothing makes me feel more put-together than a matching set, especially if I’m just wearing it around the house. Wide-leg lounge pants are an essential for at-home activities, and we’re dressing ours up for date night with a cozy cardigan, ballet flats, and a cute headband. Careful: This is going to be the only outfit you’ll want to wear all season long.
