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Ugh, theme birthday party

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

So I'm invited to a fiftieth birthday party this Saturday. I just discovered there's theme, a pajama party, and to be really specific Rockabilly Pajama.
It's outdoors, on a rooftop deck.
I want to wear real clothes, dang it!
Friend suggested I do Sandra Lee from Grease. I made some crack about doing it when she turned "bad', or a Pink Lady. Too bad I sold my hot pink stilettos. I know that's not Rockabilly, but...
Weather is supposed to be in low-mid 70's F (low 20's C)

ETA I could have an excuse that my pajamas are in bad shape or something

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Diana

Muffin

Veteran

I don’t even understand Rockabilly Pajama! Lyle Lovett in pajamas? I cannot unsee.
I’m sorry. I really dislike costume theme parties for anything besides Halloween. I am an adult, trust me to dress like one.

Anonymous

The host/hostess must have some special outfit ready that they want to wear? Something a little too over the top but also fabulous?

"Pyjama" is pretty vague, really. Maybe you could "pyjama" just the top of your outfit?

Anonymous

Rockabilly pajama?! Wth?!

I say do the rockabilly bit and skip the pajama bit!
Quick Google search-bad A Sandy would do, dots, gingham, fit and flare dresses, rompers maybe, hair scarves (usually red), red lipstick, pompadour hair, ponytail, black leather. Black, white and red in general.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What is up with all the pajama theme parties lately? I’m with you — that would not excite me at all.

I would be tempted to do the hair and makeup in a 50s rockabilly style, and find a short-sleeved button front pajama top, roll up the sleeves, tie the waist, and wear a pair of rolled up jeans. Sort of James Dean meets Dita Von Teese. I dunno.

Preppy Pear

Veteran

That is very specific! I might try to do one or the other mainly and incorporate an element of the other half - maybe a rockabilly dress with a sleep mask worn on your forehead, or pjs with a rockabilly scarf in your hair?

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I think I’m extra annoyed because I also traded call so I could attend
I should clarify the updated descriptor said pajamas

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Why do people want to go to a party in pyjamas?Is it to save time when you get home afterwards and can just fall straight into bed?

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

What a weird combo. I bet Isabel’s right about why they’re doing this.

I agree with the general flow here—wear jeans, rolled up a bit and some kind of pj top, with a bandana in your hair. Footwear could go either way—your rockenist shoes or some kind of house slippers.

Or you could ask the host what they mean.

Ginger

Veteran

That's bizarre! I have some friends who have talked about doing a pajama/loungewear party... but that's friends who collect and wear vintage clothing as a hobby. We've all got some pretty great hostess gowns, negligees, smoking jackets, satin slippers, etc. that ordinarily never get seen out of our homes. But this?! I have no idea! I happen to have a very I-Love-Lucy quilted house coat that would fit the theme literally, but I have an idea that's not what the host of this one has in mind!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Do you really have to go?

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Angie, my thought exactly.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I don’t know that you owe it to anyone to wear pajamas outside the house.

rachylou

Veteran

Lol, Angie!

I rather like Janet’s idea there.

Or wear real clothes, a robe, red lipstick and a bandana - red lipstick and a bandana, they make everything rockabilly, right? Lol.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

I wouldn’t wear anything outside the house that I wouldn’t be okay with a photo of. Not necessarily proud of (I can be a bit lazy) but ok with.
Is there a version of this you can be okay with? Soft denim colored pj bottoms, maybe cropped length, similar or contrasting top, and an accessory to make it rockabilly? Or big hair or big hoops,

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

There will be some people there that I haven’t seen in a while. And I would like to see them
I don’t think I’ll be ostracized if I don’t do the theme exactly. Dad’s staying with me. I can probably come up with some excuse regarding outfit. He thought the shorts I was wearing the other day were pajamas, as in you’re not going to change ( hahaha)
ETA maybe I’ll do Rockabilly & make some crack about forgetting my overnight bag, or Marylin Monroe’s infamous quote involving Chanel
No. 5

rebekahphoto

Veteran

I hear you with the theme birthdays! we just attended a 30th party on a boat a couple of weeks ago...Theme was "EXTRA!"--ie: wigs, glitter, glam, drag, you name it. Since it was a boat I based it all on a swim suit (since I was going in!) We loosely did a "jungle" theme so I wore lots of leopard!

For "Rockabilly PJ" I immediately thought a sexy cute cherry print PJs (or leopard or gingham--) + some glam 50s makeup & hair. Im sure you would make it amazing--either real pj top or similar.....maybe more on the camp vibe

I kinda love this Dolce top! & there are matching sets sorry cant do a real find from MyTheresa

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Whitney Print Shirt

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Mixed Gingham Cotton Pajama Top

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Woodland Lace Inset Top

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Kate Spade New York Charmeuse Cherry Cropped Pajama Set

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Hell Bunny Women's Sweetie Cherry Print 1950's Pinup Style Off Shoulder Peasant Blouse - Regular & Plus Size

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Cherry Bomb Retro Vintage Old Style T-Shirt Tank Top

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Jules

Veteran

Frenchie in her curlers and negligee at the sleepover. Seriously though, maybe an outfit you like with one clever or punny nod to the theme would do? Wish I was good at coming up with those

Gretchen

Veteran

Ugh... especially when you are seeing people you haven't seen in a while. Can you go with a simple dress and just do hair/makeup/accessories on theme? I'm thinking a kimono top over the dress, or a short bathrobe, stockings & heels, great ponytail, lashes, bold lipstick and sleeping mask.

That way, if you aren't feeling the theme, you can revert to a normal party look easily.

And your stock answer can be: only very special people get to see my pj's.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I would definitely interpret the theme very loosely and have fun with it.

unfrumped

Veteran

What shevia said!! At the end of the day no one will care that you did not wear pajamas or whatever . I say figure out the best combination of clever + flattering/ comfortable ( meaning in your zone)— something you feel great in, authentic ( authentic can still have fun, clever aspects). You may find others that did the same , or wish they had.

Lucy

Veteran

I'd say that I was coming from another event, where I could not wear my pyjamas!

JAileen

Veteran

I think I’d say I slept in the nude...

Jane

Veteran

Irritating! Forced fun, not for me!

Kimono top with jeans, or not go!

Sal

Veteran

I like lots of the ideas. It is an unusual theme.

I love costume parties - but I won’t buy much for a costume unless it is second hand. Love the idea of a few curlers and maybe slides ( tape on some fake fur to make them look like slippers). Your shorts and top of fancy. Definitely lipstick!

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

JAileen’s answer & Gretchen’s variation on it are the best!

Sal

Veteran

Found this pic which may or may not provide inspiration

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Bijou

Veteran

I would wear a silk leopard print slip dress, long cardigan and cowboy boots and have my hair and make-up fully done, ready to party.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Ooh Bijou like the leopard slip dress idea, might do a camisole
And I have those new cowboy boots

Anonymous

I'm with Angie. I'm busy that night. This is beyond obnoxious.

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