admin Although the nap dress hit its stride during the summer of 2020, we’re still obsessed with its nonchalant qualities. The flowy, Victorian-meets-minimalist-chic frock formerly understood as a nightgown is now accepted as daywear. Now, it’s a viral investment worth making and a style that is needed within the wardrobe of every dress fanatic.
How does this new and improved style differ from nap dresses before? The difference is 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.
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. 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.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress
Imagine yourself frolicking through a meadow in a blue-tiered maxi dress. The smocked waist, balloon sleeves, and skirt give a subtle cottagecore flair with the delicate embroidery adding an eye-catching touch.
Shop Free People
Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress, $, available at
Summersalt The Silky Luxe Smocked Maxi Dress
Glide into a dress that says it all with its print, color, and style. Summersalt’s silky-smocked maxi dress is available in five joyful designs and requires minimal accessorizing.
Shop Summersalt
Summersalt The Silky Luxe Smocked Maxi Dress, $, available at
Pilcro Smocked Puff-Sleeve Denim Dress
Meet the transitional nap dress that is perfect to wear in between those iffy seasons wear the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Pilcro’s denim nap dress gives off a structured appearance, while the V-neck, puff sleeves, and tiered skirt exude a soft touch.
Shop Pilcro at Anthropologie
Pilcro Smocked Puff-Sleeve Denim Dress, $, available at
ASTR The Label Enola Dress
Introducing the silky soft date-night nap dress. It’s the elevated sister of the original casual linen style. Flirt to your heart’s content while staying comfy in this stunning slate blue sateen one-piece. The romantic color and details deliver the perfect amount of sultriness.
Shop ASTR the Label at Revolve
ASTR The Label Enola Dress, $, available at
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
Hill House Home is home (sorry) to the most iconic collection of nap dresses. You’ll be able to find various frocks in whimsical patterns, hues, and lengths for any occasion — work events, bridal showers, lounging at home, you name it.
Shop Hill House Home
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at
Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Textured Smocked Waist Maxi Dress
Lightweight and easy to throw on, Abercrombie & Fitch’s maxi dress will become your go-to beach dress for relaxing by the waters with a book and a sun hat.
Shop Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Crinkle Textured Smocked Waist Maxi Dress, $, available at
Madewell Ingrid & Isabel Smocked Maxi Dress
Gift a new or expecting momma a breezy maxi that they’ll adore. It’s bump-approved and long enough to style with a jean jacket for early fall.
Shop Madewell
Ingrid & Isabel Smocked Maxi Dress, $, available at
J.Crew Twist-Back Smocked-Waist Beach Dress
Don’t skip out on a nap dress for your last-minute vacays. J.Crew has a soft apricot orange halter neck dress with an open back, so you’ll be free of any pesky tan lines.
Shop J.Crew
J.Crew Twist-Back Smocked-Waist Beach Dress, $, available at
Boden Smock Waist Jersey Maxi Dress
Monochromatic jersey dresses are easy to have on hand, but do you have one with a bit of drama to it? Have fun and let loose with a print frock with fluttery sleeves and a V-neck. It has character that you’ll appreciate.
Shop Boden
Boden Smock Waist Jersey Maxi Dress, $, available at
Eloquii Smocked Bodice Asym Neck Dress
Barbie is calling, and she wants her nap dress back, please. At first glance, it might just seem like a cute puff-sleeve dress, but with a closer look, it has a striking asymmetrical neckline.
Shop Eloquii
Eloquii Smocked Bodice Asym Neck Dress, $, available at
City Chic Floral Smocked Waist Maxi Dress
Add a charming vintage-inspired maxi to your dress collection for fall. It has elbow-length sleeves, so you don’t need a jacket or cardigan, and the floral print against the black background is gorgeous.
Shop City Chic at Nordstrom
City Chic Floral Smocked Waist Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Altar’D State Blakesley Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
It’s all about the dainty sleeves with this nap dress. Elegance and gracefulness are the main factors for this fitted silhouette.
Shop Altar’D State
Altar’d State Blakesley Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at
Asos Design Curve Bow Bust Midi Sundress In Brown Polka Dot
Tap into your retro side with a white maxi with burnt orange-brown polka dots. The cute adjustable straps and flirty-shirred bust are the focal points of this one-piece.
Shop Asos Design Curve at Asos
ASOS DESIGN Curve Bow Bust Midi Sundress In Brown Polka Dot, $, available at ASOS
August Sky Women’s Smocked Bodice Midi Dress
Fly to the sky in this angelic blue midi dress. The fluttery sleeves and neckline give off a feminine touch that is perfect for a daytime date or weekend picnic with friends.
Shop August Sky at Target
August Sky Women’s Smocked Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Target
And Now This Trendy Plus Size Smocked Ruffle Maxi Dress
Romantic and dreamy, And Now This has created an elevated white frock with a faint gold print that would look stunning with heels, sandals, or sneakers.
Shop And Now This at Macy’s
And Now This Trendy Plus Size Smocked Ruffle Maxi Dress, $, available at
ASOS CURVE Crochet Poplin Maxi Dress In Blue Gingham, $, available at ASOS
Christy Dawn The Maggie Dress, $, available at Christy Dawn
H&M Smocking-detail dress, $, available at H&M
AE High-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at AE
Lulus Super Sweet Light Blue Smocked Ruffled Tie-Back Mini Dr, $, available at Lulus
Everlane The Smock Dress, $, available at Everlane
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Free People Azure Maxi Dress, $, available at
Tanya Taylor Lina Dress, $, available at Tanya Taylor
En Saison Shay Smock Bodice Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Steve Madden Tropical Splash Dress, $, available at Revolve
J.Crew Tie-Back Tiered Dress In Floral Print, $, available at
Madewell Plus Sophia Smocked Midi Dress in Windowpane, $, available at Madewell
MINKPINK Vera Tiered Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Love The Label Squareneck Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Miessial Striped Linen Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Reformation Greyson Linen Dress, $, available at Reformation
Free People Oasis Midi Dress, $, available at Free People
Zesica Strapless Beach Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Draper James Deana Smocked Dress in Picnic Plaid, $, available at Draper James
Express English Factory Tiered Midi Dress, $, available at Express
UO Tessie Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at
Ellos Smocked Bodice Tank Dress, $, available at Amazon
& Other Stories Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
ASOS DESIGN Curve Shirred Bustier Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Max Studio Paisley Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
Topshop Smocked Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Everlane The Smock Maxi Dress, $, available at Everlane
H&M Smock-Detail Dress, $, available at H&M
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
24 Dresses From Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
A Guide To The TikTok Dresses That Have Gone Viral
The 13 Best Linen Dresses To Prep For Summer Heat
