Image via Anthropologie Olivia Tunic Dress
After spending the first weeks of the pandemic working from home in sweatpants, many women were more than ready to wear something breezy, cheerful, and playful. Welcome the return of the housedress in bold colors and playful prints. Fashion influencers are touting the seemingly anachronistic housedress as a garment that promises to perk-up spirits while offering the comfort of sweats. This time around, the housedress isn’t the uniform of the Donna Reed crowd; forget about the shapeless seersucker zip-up of the 1950s.
Housedress styles have evolved into effortlessly chic pieces, from long cotton dresses perfect for enjoying the weather on the front porch to short and swingy baby dolls ideal for savoring breezes. The house dress is cozy but elevated above loungewear.
The housedress should suggest a mood that the wearer is happy at home and ready for the work of the day, whether that’s Zoom meetings or a morning in the garden. It should be easy to put on and take off, and above all else, the house dress should be machine washable: no dry cleaning required. Opt for lightweight cotton or linen for their breezy appeal.
Whether you go looking for vintage from the ’70s and ’80s or rely on modern interpretations, there’s a slip-on, caftan, or wrap dress that’s certain to spark joy.
Farm Rio: White Nanaju Midi Dress, ($185, click here)
This tiered polka dot and floral dress will make any summer day feel like a country vacation.
GAP: Short-Sleeve Wrap-Front Dress ($64, click here)
We love this linen and cotton dress. The ultra-cozy fabrics combine for the breeziest dress you’ll love all summer. A navy blue stripe accentuates the V-neck and tie-belt waist.
Anthropologie: Olivia Tunic Dress, ($188, click here)
This easygoing tunic boasts a medley of boho-inspired prints. You’ll love that this short, relaxed tunic is ideal for scenic strolls.
Oak + Fort: Short-Sleeve Midi Dress, ($58, click here)
The relaxed silhouette and side cutout at the waist make this dress versatile enough to wear casually with sneakers or dressed up with kitten heels.
GAP: Midi Wrap Dress, ($47.99 – $54.99, click here)
Ease into your day in this textured crepe weave dress with short sleeves and V-neck at wrap-front.
Capulet: Josette Micro Minidress, ($123, click here)
Try this minidress with its sweetheart neckline and pretty flowers, which lend charm to this Capulet babydoll dress. The voluminous silhouette makes this a swinging choice for summer.
Uniqlo x Marimekko: V-Neck Caftan, ($49.90, click here)
This bold geometric print does the fashion heavy-lifting when you don this comfy caftan.
Oak + Fort: Maxi Dress, ($46, click here)
A button-up maxi dress has a feminine silhouette with a relaxed fit and floral print, Side pockets give added function.
Faithfull The Brand: Florence Minidress, ($159, click here)
This high neck minidress sold by Revolve features voluminous sleeves and delicate frill detailing.
Zara: Embroidered Midi Dress, ($70, click here)
We love this dress with its short puff sleeves and a round neckline. Each detail gives this everyday midi dress special occasion feel.