Back Away from those Sweat Pants...

It's getting cold out now, and for many people cooler weather means, yes, sweat pants. Don't do it. Cut them into rags to use for dusting and polishing those candlestick holders that you've meaning to polish for so long or give them to a kid on the track team or donate them to the Humane Society to use to line dog beds. But except for trips to and from the yoga studio, you'll be better off without sweat pants.

Some of you may be nodding in agreement, but others say, "What? What do you expect me to wear when I sit on the couch eating microwave popcorn and watching reruns of Entourage?" At the Xtabay, we're always at the ready with glamourous options.

Option number one: Dressing gown. There is little more wonderful than feeling a full-skirted 1940s dressing gown swishing around your legs as you jump up to the refrigerator to see if there's any milk for hot chocolate. When it's cold, pull on leggings underneath and wear a knit shrug. When the OSPIRG canvasser knocks on your door, you can bet he or she will put a couple of stars next to your name.

Option two: Lounging pajamas. Preferably leopard or Chinese silk. You know what is really comfortable with lounging pajamas? Men's calfskin slippers. The pajamas are easy to layer with cardigans or wear with thick, cashmere--or, heck, even rag wool--socks.

Option three: Caftan. Oh, I know you're thinking of Elizabeth Taylor in her zaftig years, but a caftan can be really sexy and supremely comfortable, especially if it shows a little cleavage. An African dashiki or a Mexican caftan works well, too, if it suits your style. Just keep it on a hook on the back of your bedroom door, and you can toss it on when you strip off those constraining work clothes.

I know there are plenty of other non-sweat pants options for leisure time, and I'd love to hear them!