FASHION
THIS IS HOW TO MASTER COCOONING SEASON
By Emma Strawbridge, 8 December 2025
We all love dressing up, but after weeks of festive drinks and endless parties, the promise of spending a few days in our pyjamas is perhaps the biggest gift of all. That delicious, fudgy lump of a week between Christmas and New Year's is a time for relinquishing all self-restraint. Hours on the sofa, one hand firmly submerged in a box of chocolates, and blissfully unaware of what day it is. This level of heady relaxation requires clothing that’s seriously comfortable. But like any fashion enthusiast, we’re still looking for pieces that make us feel put-together. If you’ve indulged in every other department, why not optimise your loungewear, too?
These cocooning looks are soft and sophisticated, serving rest in various forms. Whether impromptu guests call for last-minute host duties, or an unexpected work call requires something more considered – these pieces justify a week spent (mostly) horizontal.
FOR IMPROMPTU GUESTS
Much of the festive season is spent in close quarters with family – the kind of intimacy that welcomes unkempt lounge sets and a few arguments over the cheese board. But occasionally the extended circle drops in, and for this scenario you’ll want a comfy co-ord that feels fresh and stylish. Consider this your effortless Christmas Day outfit, too – cosy but still put-together. Nothing conveys sophistication like an impeccably dressed couch potato, after all.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN pyjama set in red stripe with velvet trim, £42
Free People printed satin pyjama set in ivory and blue, £78
Calvin Klein cotton poplin pyjama bottoms in blue stripe, £50
Miss Selfridge striped co-ord trouser, £29.99
FOR AN UNEXPECTED WORK CALL
One of the more unsavoury contingencies likely to crop up during your festive cocooning, an unplanned work call requires a few wardrobe reinforcements. No need to brush up with a shirt and tie, but quietly cosy staples are good to have on hand. Think neutral soft wools and delicate knitwear – the kind you could wear to a restaurant without ruffling feathers. This kind of loungewear is a worthy investment, both for its lasting quality and versatile wear.
GET THE LOOK:
ARKET super soft alpaca and wool relaxed sweater in dark brown, £85
OYSHO Soft rib knit jacket in grey, £39.99
OYSHO High neck rib t-shirt with lyocell in mink melange, £29.99
Aim'n Black alpaca knit sweater in black, £146
FOR SOFA DAYS
There’ll be no messing about here: a sofa is the domain of purely snug ensembles. Given you’ll be pleasantly wedged between cushions for much of the day, opting for soft fabrics like satin and brushed cotton will ensure you don’t emerge from a languid movie marathon like a crumpled tissue. They also make for the best Christmas Day PJs, because they're feather-light, breathable and will keep you comfy for hours.
GET THE LOOK:
Cotton On sleep recovery grey rib racer vest pyjama top, £18
ASOS DESIGN mix & match soft rib button through pyjama cardigan in light pink, £20
ASOS DESIGN knitted super soft lounge trouser co-ord in ecru, £30
ARKET mix and match pure cotton lounge soft pyjama bottoms in grey melange, £25
FOR GETTING A FEW STEPS IN
After a day-long love affair with the snack cupboard, there’s a chance you’ll fancy a plod around the block. Either that or an empty milk carton will demand a momentary outdoor excursion. And if you don’t fancy being seen in public dressed like a heartbroken Bridget Jones, it’s best you have a quick ‘going out’ look on standby. Structured joggers – like this barrel-leg pair – create the illusion for trousers without any discomfort, while elevated activewear implies you’ve been hitting the treadmill rather than the TV remote.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN premium 500gsm seamed barrel leg jogger in navy, £36
4505 Icon soft touch studio baby t-shirt in chocolate, £18
4505 Icon soft touch high waist wide leg dance pant in chocolate, £28
Tala graphic oversized hoodie in oat marl, £62
AS FOR YOUR FEET?
Inside or outside, your feet also deserve some cocooning TLC too. Slippers are a great addition to your composed but comfortable sets – and ideal for pottering around the house on chilly afternoons. As for the great outdoors, a sturdy pair of slides and thick wool socks will keep you warm and well turned out. Birkenstock and UGG are two failsafes given their classic aesthetic and annual tendency for summer virality.
GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN 2 pack wool boot ankle socks in light grey and oatmeal, £12
UGG Classic mini platform boots in black, £175
Birkenstock Unisex Boston clogs in faded khaki suede, £140
ASOS DESIGN Zabby clog mule slipper in cream borg, £22
AND THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Pictures: ASOS
Cocooning wouldn’t be quite the sumptuous ordeal without a little Face + Body. Between mouthwatering food and great TV, a plush beauty roster is the cherry atop festive hibernation. This includes fragrant lotions, supple potions and the kind of shower routine that could put most spas out of business. When it comes to the latter, nobody does seasonal cleansing like Susanne Kaufman. While a decadent face mask and soothing skin oil will keep you nourished from tip-to-toe.
GET THE LOOK:
L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil 100ml, £40
BIODANCE Hydro Cera-Nol Real Deep Mask Box - x 4, £15
Caudalie Premier Cru The Rich Cream 50ml, £85
Susanne Kaufmann Bath for the Senses 250ml, £55
