It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we love a good scroll as much as the next person (how else would we find our favorite outfit inspo?), we also know that the “always-on” culture can be a lot. Between the notifications, the comparison traps, and the endless news cycles, our brains deserve a recess.
This month, we’re encouraging our Aerie community to take a self care weekend – a pause to unplug, get comfy and take time for you.
Why “Unplugging” is an Act of Self-Love
We talk a lot about being #AerieREAL – no retouching, no AI-generated people or bodies. Being “real” also means being present. When we put the phone down, we stop viewing our lives through a lens and start living them through our senses.
Benefits of taking a break from the screen:
- De-stressing: Trading notification pings for some peace and quiet lowers your cortisol levels.
- Sweet dreams: Skipping the blue light helps you catch those Z’s way easier.
- Main character energy: When you stop watching everyone else’s highlight reel, you finally have the space to create your own.
Your Self Care Uniform
Sometimes self-care starts with something simple: getting dressed in a way that makes your body feel safe, comfortable, and grounded. Think of this outfit as your digital detox uniform—pieces that move with you, breathe with you, and quietly remind you to slow down.
The Base Layer: Cozy Bralettes
Start with the foundation. The best self-care outfits begin with bralettes you forget you’re even wearing. The goal here is comfort that feels effortless. A soft, wire-free bralette made from second-skin fabric gives just enough support while staying completely invisible under the rest of your outfit. No digging, no adjusting, no countdown until you can take it off.
When you’re journaling on the couch, stretching in the morning light, or drifting into an afternoon nap, this is the kind of layer that supports you without interrupting your peace.
Style tip: Try a monochromatic base—matching bralette and underwear in soft neutrals like dusty rose, cream, or cloud gray. It instantly creates a calming, put-together feel before you even add the rest of your outfit.
The Hug Layer: High-Waisted Leggings
Next comes the piece that anchors the whole look: high-waisted leggings that feel like a gentle hug. When your mind is racing, your body benefits from something grounding. Soft, flexible leggings create that “held but weightless” feeling that makes you feel supported without the restrictive squeeze of traditional athletic wear.
They move easily between moments—sitting cross-legged for meditation, wandering through the park, stretching on the living room floor, or making a slow cup of coffee without your phone in hand. The right pair becomes the comfort backbone of the entire outfit: squat-proof, distraction-free, and designed to move with you rather than against you.
The Comfort Layer: The Oversized Tee
Now add the piece that makes the outfit feel like a cocoon: an oversized, buttery-soft T-shirt. Think “three sizes too big” comfort. The kind of shirt that drapes over your leggings and feels like a blanket you can wear in public. A brushed interior or ultra-soft cotton blend adds that fresh-from-the-dryer softness that makes you want to stay in it all day.
This is your digital noise shield. When you unplug, you want to feel tucked away from the outside world. The slouchy fit gives your body room to breathe, while the longer sleeves and relaxed hem add to that cozy, protected feeling.
Style tip: Choose graphics with grounding energy, sun motifs, botanical prints, or simple words. They act as a gentle visual reminder to stay present.
The Self-Love Outfit in Action
Put it all together: a soft bralette, high-waisted leggings, and an oversized tee. It’s simple, comfortable, and intentionally low-effort—the exact energy you want during a digital detox weekend. No constant outfit adjustments. No “I can’t wait to change.” Just clothes that let your body relax so your mind can follow.