Everyone loves dressing gowns - they're the comfiest garment around, keeping you warm and cosy all winter long. Even in the summer an elegant kimono dressing gown makes for the perfect loungewear, comfortable yet sexy, especially when made from silk or satin!
Some dressing gowns are detailed enough to make a fashion statement all on their own - we just love this Japanese inspired kimono dressing gown from Lunn Antiques!
Then again, perhaps plain and simple is more your style. After all, if you're trying to channel that Chanel-chic look plainer is always better! Our top pick for a simple yet beautiful and elegant dressing gown is this white dressing gown by designer brand DKNY - the lightweight yet warm fabric is perfect for those cool autumn nights and early mornings, whilst the above-the-knee cut means it's more sexy than frumpy!
Sometimes though, it's nice to have a bit of fun with your clothing - after all, it's those small details that take it from an everyday garment to a super special one!
If you can't find the dressing gown for you why not buy a classic style such as the white dressing gown above and then nip to your local fabric store in search of a unique trim or other fashionable feature?
Here are our top 3 ideas for customising your own dressing gown...
1. Replace the Sash
Here's one that doesn't even require sewing! Replacing the sash on your dressing gown gives it an instant update and the best part is that you can pick something that's truly 'you' - imagine the dressing gown above with a leopard print sash or a hot pink satin one instead of the white sash, it gives off a totally different vibe doesn't it?
To maintain that luxury look that comes from buying a designer dressing gown such as those on sale here at Idlewild London, make sure you buy a sash that's equally good quality - a thick length of double-sided silk-satin ribbon will look so much better than cheap polyester ribbon of the kind you might see tied around a cake!
You could even try replacing the sash with a belt but make sure it's a soft, flexible fabric such as nappa leather or it's just not going to provide the same level of comfort.
2. Dip Dye
Dip-dying is a big trend right now, seen on everything from clothing to furniture! The idea is to make it look like you've just dipped something in a pot of contrasting coloured paint, and the great thing about doing it with clothes is that you can literally do just that!
Buy a packet of dye from your local haberdashery, then mix it up in an old bucket according to the instructions. Simply hold your dressing gown from the center top and dip it gently into the dye, either just at the hem or a good twelve inches up the fabric if you prefer!
Be warned - you'll need to leave it to dry outdoors, preferably over grass rather than a patio as it's likely to drip. We also don't recommend this crafty idea if you don't know what you're doing, as once the dye touches the fabric there's no going back!
3. Lace Trim
If you're handy with a needle and thread, why not add a delicate lace trim around the hemline, the sleeve cuffs or even the neckline?
Lace adds a touch of glamour, elegance and sensuality to a dressing gown and is an easy way to make it look instantly more luxurious! Just be sure to choose a high-quality lace such as Venetian lace or French chantilly lace if you're sewing it onto a premium quality designer dressing gown, so that you're enhancing that luxury appearance and not detracting from it.
