The second half of summer has us wanting to wear as little clothing as possible. But we also deeply desire to live out our best “European Summer” and look effortlessly chic. The solution? An easy-breezy summer dress, in particular a nap dress. While loose-fitting, smocked dress styles have been around for a while, the flowy Victorian-esque frock has evolved from a nightgown to a mainstream day (and night) wear alternative ever since lifestyle brand Hill House Home released its Nap Dress in 2019. Since then, the dress silhouette has cemented its status as a summer must-have.
Since the newest wave of popularity, many interpretations of the versatile style have spawned. The nap dress therefore doesn’t look like just one silhouette anymore. Yes, typically the dressy-yet-laidback dress has signature details like smocked bodices, puff sleeves, and midi-length skirts, but you can also find it with frilly straps, tiered maxi skirts, and drop waists in solids, colorful hues, and eye-catching patterns now. Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite flowy dresses that we’d love to live in all summer.
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Banana Republic Linen-Blend Drapey Midi Dress, $, available at Banana Republic FactoryWe all have our fair share of fancy dresses from wedding guest options to snazzy holiday ones, but the one style we steadily return to are nap dresses. The flowy Victorian-meets-minimalist-chic frock has evolved from a nightgown to daywear. Now, it's a viral investment worth making and a silhouette that is needed within the wardrobe of every dress fanatic.
How does this new and improved style differ from previous nap dresses? It's subtle, but apparent. For starters, the frock features more structure with a smocked bodice, and the loose sleeves have evolved into delicate puff sleeves or frilly straps. Also, nap dresses are no longer only one tone and simple. Now there are eye-catching patterns, embroidery, and colorful hues to choose from.
Where the nap dress was inherently bedroom-born as a sleepwear piece that took to the streets, the nap dress 2.0 is a comfy daywear that can go from napping to brunching to lounging about your day. Halloween costumes and holiday dresses, too! Hill House Home has created Wicked-inspired designs for their famous Ellie Nap Dress. These free-flowing frocks are truly the perfect foundational piece to layer with cardigan sweaters, wool coats, and cropped jackets. If you’re still not sure how to picture this all-purpose frock, scroll forth to see the best nap dresses that we’ve lined up ahead.
Hill House Home Glinda Ellie Nap Dress
This pink girly dress is crafted with striped organza, which aligns perfectly with Glinda's aesthetic — maybe yours, too?
Summersalt The Countryside Poplin Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at Summersalt
Boden Halterneck Detail Maxi Dress
Monochromatic jersey dresses are easy to have on hand, but do you have one with a bit of spunk to it? Have fun and let loose with a floral-print frock with puff sleeves and a crisscross halter neck. It has character that you'll appreciate.
Ava & Viv Balloon Long Sleeve Smocked Midi Bodice Dress, $, available at Target
Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress
Frolic through cornfield mazes and apple orchards this fall in a burnt orange maxi dress. The smocked waist, balloon sleeves, and tiered skirt lend subtle cottagecore flair while the embroidery adds a delicate touch.
Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
ASTR The Label Enola Dress
Flirt to your heart's content in this date-night nap dress, the older sister of the original linen style. The blue sateen brings the romance, while the low cut and fitted bodice deliver the perfect amount of sultriness. Layer with a leather jacket for a chic touch.
ASTR The Label Enola Dress, $, available at Revolve
J.Crew Twist-Back Smocked-Waist Beach Dress
Don't skip out on a nap dress for your tropical vacays. J.Crew has a soft apricot halter-neck dress with an open back that will make warm breezes all the better.
