I thought it was just me, but I’ve recently decided that if you have to bend over to put on a shoe, that’s too much effort. And it seems the fashion industry agrees.

I was blaming the life of an at-home journalist and the fact that, once I bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals, the days of unnecessary exertion were over.

I have a rack of perfectly good sneakers, but then I noticed versions coming through with a thick Velcro strap instead of old-school laces.

To add even more excitement, they were being worn with city dresses, as opposed to rock climbing shorts. No more bending at the waist for me.

I’ve always liked loafers, ballets and mules, which, once they’ve been sufficiently worn in, can be slipped on and off quickly.

But then Gucci introduced the backless loafer (a close cousin to the traditional Arab “babouches”, a backless leather slipper) and delivered a level of comfort to the fashion equivalent to the rubber thong.

There have been times over the years that the style world has tried to make thongs fashionable, especially during that grunge period in the ’90s, but no amount of designer Havaianas will ever convince me they are cool.

But the flat mule, aka “Scuffs” as they used to be referred to (back when I bought them for my Mum on Mother’s Day) are a fashion blessing and the world can’t get enough of them.

It is most definitely true that once you have experienced comfort, it’s very hard to go back.

There is even a movement to embrace a jewelled and embellished high-fashion version of the dreaded rubber “Croc” sandal, which I might just do if they are as comfortable as everyone claims. (My husband certainly won’t be happy as I insisted he throw his original pair out).

Luxury can often looked constrictive – skintight sequins, nipped-in waists, teetering heels and maillots that look as if they would slice you in half, Baywatch style.

But real luxury, to me, is ease of movement, of lightweight breathable layers, or cosy soft cashmeres, wools and silks. Bathrobes.

I want everything to feel like I’m wearing a robe and slippers. And why not?

This style of effortless dressing has taken hold fast — something I witnessed last week at an evening event in Brisbane. Designer Chelsea De Luca was launching a range of her beautiful silk pyjamas and robes, all intended to be worn outside the house.

One of the Chelsea de Luca creations. Photo: Instagram/Chelseadeluca

I and several other women were all wearing her pyjamas and robes, styled in very different ways; I wore black-and-white pyjamas with high heels, Chelsea layered an emerald-green robe over her tightly belted pyjamas, while another stylist put her pyjama shirt over a black polo-neck sweater and stripy palazzo pants.

The idea of wearing clothes so comfortable and easy you could sleep in them is one of the most liberating concepts in fashion, ever.

Especially after a couple of gin and tonics.