Barefoot Dreams started in Malibu in 1994, when founder Annette Cook began making calming children's products in soft flannels, satins and knits, inspired by her three sons. Her own words on the name are the part I keep thinking about: it honors her mom and dad, with her feet standing on earth and their memories in her dreams. I love that. A bathrobe brand that began as a baby blanket and a family story. I went deeper on a related idea in Khadlaj Island Dreams, from a Family Perfume House in the UAE.

That is why a Barefoot Dreams robe feels like a point of view and not just a layer. The brand was chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2003, and the knit that carried it from blankets into adult loungewear is CozyChic. The classic CozyChic robe is plush, belted and a little heavy in the best way, the one you put on and stay in until noon.

In this first group, the length is the decision. The CozyChic Solid Robe in Dove Gray and in Teaberry stops above the knee with a shawl collar, which suits a short morning routine and a warm bathroom. The Long Solid Robes in Pearl and Willow run about 43 to 46 inches from shoulder to hem, with a doubled shawl collar and pockets, and they are the ones I would wear for slow weekends with bare feet and coffee. If you want to keep going, Robes for Lounging and Getting Ready: The Robe Edit is the one I would read next.

The classic CozyChic Robe in Lotus Pink and in White is unisex, so it is easy to borrow or to gift. The Waffle Robe in Petal is lighter on the eye, with a jersey collar and waist tie. The Front Zip Robe in graphite is the practical one: no belt to fuss with, side pockets, and microfiber that does not pill. Check the length against your height before you choose, because the short ones are cut for someone around 5'9".

Weight is the first thing to sort here, because this group is lighter than the classics. CozyChic Lite is the thinner knit, and a ribbed robe in it is the one I would pack for a hotel or wear in a warm apartment where a full plush robe would be too much.

The CozyChic Lite Ribbed Robe comes in Luster, a lilac-tinted shade, and in Faded Rose Pearl, both with a shawl collar and a belt channel at center back so the belt stays where you put it. The short black version has patch pockets and a tie belt, and it is the one I would wear with a white tee and nothing else going on. Then there is the Ribbed Hooded Robe in cream, which is oversized on purpose and was one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2021. I would take that one for cold mornings, with the hood up and the belt tied loosely.

The Dusty Rose Ribbed Robe has a jersey tubular collar and a wide waist tie. For something more decorative, the Ultra Lite Cotton Stripe Robe in cream multi is relaxed and heathered, the Variegated Stripe Ribbed Robe has a stripe running along the hem, and the Contrast Scallop Ribbed Robe is knee length with scalloped edges and pointelle at the collar.

Test the belt and the collar in the fitting room: tie it, sit down, and see if it stays closed. What I would skip: the hooded oversize pair if you are small and dislike bulk around the shoulders.

A robe is only half of the morning, so I look at what sits under it and on your feet. Lay it out the way you would actually wear it: a robe, a layer, and something for the floor.

The Thin Rib Button Front Cardigan in Blue Aura is a relaxed V-neck with coconut buttons, and it works as an in-between layer when the robe is in the wash. The Everything Ultra Lite Open Front Cardigan in ivory is long and lightweight, good over the Ribbed Lounge Set in stone, a sleeveless V-neck top with a hi-lo hem and wide-leg pant. The Ultra Lite Relaxed Pant in stone is a drapey drawstring pair with a straight leg that I would live in, and it pairs with any of the cream robes above.

For the floor, the Crossover Slipper in Petal is a plush strap style, and the Cream Slipper is a closed-toe slip-on I would keep by the door. The Waffle Socks in Petal tie with a bow and have a jersey heel, sole and toe. The 3 Pair Sock Set in Carbon Multi comes in a keepsake box and was one of Oprah's Favorite Things in 2023.

Hold the pieces together in one color family before you decide, so the stone, cream and pink all read as one set. What I would skip: two slippers that do the same job.

Here is what I would actually do with a Barefoot Dreams robe. Pick the length first: short for quick mornings, long for slow ones. Then pick the knit, plush CozyChic for cold rooms and Lite for warm ones.

Choose one color that works with your bathroom towels and your favorite pajamas, and add a pair of slippers. A CozyChic robe is a thing you live in for years, so buy the one you reach for on a Sunday.

Annette Cook wanted comfort that felt like a small treasure. A good robe still does.