RI Beauty Expert: The Return of the Dressing Gown

RI Beauty Expert: The Return of the Dressing Gown

If you have grown to love the lingerie on Downton Abbey or you're just plain sick of your shabby and not-so-chic fleece bathrobe (and the family is making complaints), consider the feminine and elegant dressing gown. Beautiful in its detail and style, it is still a practical garment that should be in every women's repertoire. Yes, old-fashioned but oh-so lovely when worn while you are making up for date-night or for slipping into after a long hard day at work. So why wear one at all when warm fleece robes are always on everyone's holiday gift list?  Read on:

Tactile Sexiness

Dressing gowns are often made of delightfully slippery fabrics such as silk or silk blends and they feel so sexy next to the skin. Instant femininity and believe me, he will notice it too.

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Bring it on Color 

Where else can you wear your wildest colors but in your own private world? Or if you want to express your little girl aesthetic, go for soft pastels with flowery botanical motifs.

Eastern Flair

Many dressing gowns borrow from the traditional Japanese kimono which has been worn for centuries. Look for small rich patterns and flowing bell sleeves (but watch the gas burners while making the morning coffee).

It's in the Details

Dressing gowns often have beautiful dressmaker details such as French cuffs and matching self-ties. It's not unusual to find coordinating lace at the sleeve and neckline and wide sumptuous hems for maximum sashaying.

Match-It

A lot of dressing gowns have matching nighties. Why not? Put together a surprising and total look for a romantic evening in. Some nightgowns are short and sweet and some long and sweeping. Use your imagination and choose the look you most want to embrace: cute, sexy, or dreamy. I promise you, no one will be complaining now.

Sources

TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great places to scour for dressing gowns but more traditional lingerie shops also carry beautiful choices in their bridal sections. Feminine Fancies in Barrington and Deborah Winthrop in Portsmouth (and now Newport) are both terrific boutiques for browsing as well as getting expert advice.

In sum, at-home wear gives you a chance to express yourself in a different way. Opting for a dressing gown is something you choose for yourself as well as your own private audience. For even more inspiration, check out the Newport Preservation Society's online exhibit, "Private Life and the Dressing Gown" at and see if you're not moved to find your own special gown.

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com, where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.