Deshabille

Deshabille (pronounced dez-uh-BEE) refers to a state of undress or partial undress, specifically the state of being dressed in a relaxed, informal, or carelessly casual manner. It often implies a lack of formal attire, such as wearing loose-fitting clothing, nightclothes, or appearing in a state that might be considered immodest or intimate. The term carries a connotation of relaxation, comfort, and sometimes a degree of alluring informality. It can describe a physical state, as well as the feeling or aesthetic that comes with it, often associated with privacy and intimacy. The term is derived from the French phrase *en déshabillé*, meaning “undressed.” It has been used historically to denote the dress of women, but is not gender specific, and has been used increasingly in recent decades. The term is commonly used in fiction, photography, and art to describe a character or scene.

Deshabille meaning with examples

• She greeted him at the door in a state of charming deshabille, a silk robe draped over her nightgown, her hair still tousled from sleep. The relaxed atmosphere immediately diffused the tension of their argument. The inviting scene created a level of unexpected intimacy.
• The artist captured the model's deshabille in a series of photographs, depicting her in a flowing dress and no undergarments. These captured an understated vulnerability, revealing her natural beauty. The exhibition garnered mixed reactions, both admiring and disapproving.
• After a long day of travel, he finally collapsed onto the hotel bed, shedding his suit and tie for a state of comfortable deshabille. He felt a sense of freedom in this relaxed state. With soft ambient lighting, he reached for the television remote.
• The novel's protagonist often retreated into the privacy of her apartment, finding solace in deshabille, slipping into a well-worn dressing gown. She felt free from social pressures, embracing her private self. The author’s descriptions evoked intimacy.