As a fashion editor, I had tons of fancy shymancy events to attend while pregnant. One day I was in the tub trying to cook up something creative for one such event and started thinking about my grandma Hilda’s collection of night gowns. Going to bed was a ritual for my granny. She took a fragrant bath, then slipped into a nightie/robe set. They were fifth avenue fabu, silky floor-sweeping affairs emblazoned in racy leopard, tiger & Pucci prints. I mulled it over. A night on the town in a comfy nightgown was truly the marriage of desire (staying at home and watching The Office) and professional. I went for it Hilda’s leopard night gown (worn with a boa and Chanel wedges) was a hit. Thus began my love affair of inner wear as outerwear.

TEST DRIVE INNERWEAR AS RTW: Underpinnings give major look for minor dough. A bias cut slip layered with a belted cardigan and funky jewelry offers Desperately Seeking Susan meets Mrs. Robinson cache. How to get the look? Make a pit stop at some of your chic septuagenarian relatives’ homes and mine their lingerie drawers. Nab gauzy nightgowns, caftans, “bed jackets” and slips. Flea markets and vintage shops are nightgown nirvana. Roomy black satin slips make comfy chic dresses. Bias cut long nighties, especially those with interesting swirls of color or prints, make glam cocktail frocks. Little Pucci-esque robes can be belted and worn with a heel.

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