How to Dress for a Pajama Party

Last night our PTA hosted an auction party to raise funds for the kids' school. It's an annual, adults-only event, and every year the party has a different theme. This year's theme was PJ Party, so more people than usual came in costume. Dressing for a pajama party has got to be the easiest thing ever: just put on your regular PJ's, or a tshirt and sweatpants, and you're good to go. You don't even have to get undressed after the party; just kick off your shoes and fall into bed.

But if you're like me, and you love a good excuse to don a costume, regular old PJ's just aren't going to cut it. I went to Macy's and found a set of pajamas that were cute, girly and flirty without being overtly sexy (this wasn't the Playboy Mansion, after all), but so comfy that they're now part of my regular sleepwear collection. They're bright pink, with black ribbon and lace accents and a cute stiletto heel print. Obviously I'm not the only one with the same idea, because there was another parent at the auction with the exact same outfit!

I was totally happy with the outfit I chose, but I also saw some other great pajama outfits at the party. For those of you who have a pajama party in your future (and if you don't, plan one!) and don't want to wear your boring old pajamas (or sleep in your birthday suit!), here are some unique pajama party costume ideas to help you stand out:

* Wrap a bedsheet under your arms and pin it securely (fold it so it's not too long and you can walk around with it!). What you wear -- or don't wear -- underneath the sheet is really up to you.......

* Wear one-piece footed pajamas.

* Wear a Snuggie; the more hideous the design, the better. For extra "awful" points, have your spouse wear the exact same Snuggie -- or have both of you wear the Snuggie-for-Two.

* Take a cue from Hugh Hefner and wear a smoking jacket.

* Take a cue from Annie's Miss Hannigan and wear a flamboyant dressing gown over a lace nightie. Wrap a feather boa around your neck, smear your eyeliner down your cheeks and carry around a flask of gin and a cigarette in a long holder.

* Wear your brightest, gaudiest, heart/smiley face/reindeer print boxers, calf-length black socks and grey tshirt.

* Must-have accessories include a sleep mask, hair curlers, teddy bear, stuffed sheep.

* Wear a sleepshirt and a nightcap, hold a candlestick, and go as Wee Willie Winkie or Ebeneezer Scrooge. That's more or less what Alfie would have worn to last night's party. We didn't find a sleepshirt, but I found a nightcap on Amazon and had it shipped all the way from England (shipping cost more than the cap!).

Unfortunately 3Po was too sick to go to the childcare center that the PTA had set up for auction night, so Alfie graciously let me go to the auction while he stayed home with 3Po and the others. Alfie's 50 year-old teddy, Teddy, seemed disappointed that he wasn't going to have the chance to party, but I think Alfie was slightly relieved. I think Alfie and Teddy would have looked great!


Does anyone have any other pajama party outfit ideas to add?