This article is part of spring fashion month, we’ll be breaking down your must-have fashion pieces over the next few months. From denim jackets to cozy sandals, we asked editors, influencers, and experts about their must-haves for spring and beyond.
Easy, effortless and totally comfortable. Nap Dress, trademarked by lifestyle brand Hill House, is just one of the latest styles in loungewear. While house dresses have been around for decades, if not centuries (the style is said to have originated in Victorian gowns), romantic clothing is experiencing quite a renaissance.
Nightdresses are ‘loose, flowy and feminine’, says lifestyle expert and stylist to celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Rock and Jennifer Coolidge Amanda Sanders said. Often, the only part of the dress that fits is around the bust, with other key features including “heavy pleats, overly exaggerated puff sleeves and a typical maxi, slightly pleated skirt.” While nightdresses may be comfortable enough to sleep in, Their uses go far beyond pajamas. The beauty of nightdresses and similar loungewear is that they’re often dressy enough to wear to the office, comfortable enough for running errands, and romantic enough for a weekend date.
In the future, we have not only tried, but also nap Wear our favorite nightdress we own and love. They check all our boxes when it comes to comfort, versatility, and of course style.
When I think of nightdresses, I immediately think of Hill House, the brand that definitely started the viral trend. Everyone wants to get the Ellie Nap Dress, I was lucky enough to try it for a size inclusivity test, and I got involved on our social channels (coming soon!). As expected, the fabrics are absolutely top-notch, and the French-inspired “pink striped vines” pattern is delicate and feminine. It’s comfortable enough to take a nap in, but the ruffled shoulders, elasticated blouse and tiered midi skirt are regal and sophisticated enough to wear for fancy drinks or dinner this spring and summer. It’s also important to note that it never creases after hours of sleep or general exercise in the skirt! One becomes: Obsessed. — Stephanie Griffin, Head of Social
I love how flattering the Daphne is, and the pockets are deep enough for my phone, which is always a plus in my book. While the dress does feature a structured bodice, making it more restrictive than Ellie’s top, it’s still just as comfortable to wear (yes, for a nap)! Basically, I love everything about this dress, from the cute, whimsical print to the elegant ruffled shoulders to the flowy bottom. — Rachel Dennis, Editorial Coordinator
This dress lives up to its name! The fabric feels cool and soft, like my sheets, so I don’t really notice it while I’m sleeping. It feels like the perfect dress to wear to the park or the beach. Definitely recommend! — Hannah Lauson, Senior Digital Content Strategist
Behold, a puff sleeve dress that won’t overwhelm you! I’m only 5 feet tall and the puff sleeves often make me look like I’m going to fly away. These on the Louisa Nap dress fit my exact proportions and are really comfortable. I got it in black cotton and although it feels stiff at first, it gets softer and softer with each wash. It’s very stretchy and I definitely recommend ordering a regular size or a size down, especially if your soldiers are narrow because the neckline is so wide. Speaking of the neckline, it fits really well, so I can really wear it over a bra, and it can easily be worn with heels and jewelry, or really the perfect nap dress. — Rachel Lubitz, Senior Lifestyle Editor
This is a classic reason. The Ellie Nightdress from Hill House Home is so light and flowy, it’s really easy to take a nap in.This checkered print reminds me of a picnic in the park, perfect for summer, the ruffled sleeves are fun and make this dress cute and adorable and Comfortable. — Chelsea Stone, Senior Editor
The brightly colored material is actually a rayon/cotton blend (not just cotton), which makes it super lightweight and silky against your skin. I was concerned that the fabric would overwhelm my 5’4″ frame and I was repelled as soon as I put it on. While it does have a loose fit, the dress is definitely not bulky. The midi length is my favorite detail as it hits a flattering point between my knee and ankle. This dress — which others pay $300+ for from high-end designers — transitions easily from drab to pretty, allowing you to live out your country-chic fantasies. — Courtney Thompson, Underscored Contributor
I’ll just say it right now: This will be the dress I’ve worn (or slept in) the most this year. Not only does it have the staples of a nap dress—a heavy, ruched bodice, exaggerated puff sleeves, and a loose maxi skirt—but it’s literally the cutest, comfiest, flattering dress I’ve ever worn. The 3D embroidered flowers are a unique, spring-inspired touch, and the sleeves aren’t too puffy, which I love. As I’m short I’m often swallowed by the maxis but it fits perfectly and fits everyone in a t-shirt. No need to explain, the other seven colors are now in my Free People cart! — Stephanie Griffin, Head of Social
If you’re looking for a really chic nightdress with a material that will last you until the end of the day, don’t sleep on the Daily Sleeper (pun very intended). The material is very thick and durable, yet lightweight and breathable enough to wear in the warmer weather months – and a variety of occasions, I might add. The elasticated blouse and skirt accentuated the body in all the ways a woman could want, and were so comfortable, I didn’t really want to take it off. My favorite, though, are the sleeves, which are exaggerated to perfection and can be draped over or off the shoulders. Take it from me: it’s worth every penny. — Stephanie Griffin, Head of Social
Well, yes, the dress looks dark and heavy, but listen – it’s really the simplest, most breezy dress I own. I first wore it to an absolutely stuffy wedding last summer, and it’s been in my work-from-home closet since then because it feels like wearing the lightest cotton I can imagine. The two slits add some sexiness and also make it cool to walk in, and it has tons of stretch so it really hugs your curves in a beautiful way. I wear it with a (synthetic) diamond necklace like I would wear it barefoot at home. Yes, you can wear a regular bra! — Rachel Lubitz, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Every time I put this on, I don’t want to take it off, which is ideal because it doubles as pajamas too! Cut from super soft, lightweight material, this cheerful orange and pink dress is perfectly oversized with shirred bust and elasticated cuffs that can be worn up or down. The keyhole back is the perfect feminine touch and overall, it’s extremely versatile and can be worn for all occasions. — Stephanie Griffin, Head of Social
If you’re looking for shorter, less expensive super-comfy nightdresses, check out The Athena.
Ready to add more rustic touches to your summer wardrobe? Featuring a delicate floral print, this maxi dress from Lulus is perfect for all your parties, everyday errands, or just relaxing while soaking up the sun.
With a sweet tie back, square neckline and ruffled hem, this maxi dress from Free People has us completely swooning. Perfect for those days when you want to feel more feminine, but want easy, all-day comfort.
Sanders recommends using larger patterns instead of small florals for a more stylish look that doesn’t look like you’re sleeping in your pajamas. The embroidered dress featured a bolder pattern, which critics said garnered numerous compliments.
This selection from Lulus is one of our favorite places to buy affordable yet high-quality dresses, featuring the nap dress’s signature ruffled bodice and flowy skirt, but swapping out the large sleeves for an off-the-shoulder crop . With a thigh-high slit, the overall dress is stylish and a little sexier than your typical nap dress.
Many maxi nightdresses can be “overwhelming for most women under 5-foot-7,” Saunders explained. Short nightdresses have everything we love about maxi dresses, but are better suited to petite figures. This option from Free People comes in seven stunning colors and has a cute tie tie on the back so you don’t have to worry about buttons or zippers.