Last updated on December 27th, 2021 at 11:13 pm

If you had told me (Dianne) years ago that one day I would be writing about the return of the house dress, I would have told you that you were crazy.  I always thought that house dresses were only something that your mom or grandma wore.  But, with a lot of things, the pandemic has changed how we view the house dress.  It’s a new look at an old style that provides comfort and a sense of style.  After another long winter in leggings and sweatpants, we’re all looking for new ways to look and feel good and to embrace the warmer weather.

When my mom/Jen’s grandma passed away in 2016, I had the inevitable task of going through her things. Most of her clothes we donated, but when I came across the last house dress I had purchased for her, I just couldn’t part with it. I had bought it for her just months earlier for Mother’s Day and the tags were still on it. I still remember shopping for it because just five years ago, house dresses were hard to find.  When I found the one I purchased for her, I was ecstatic because it was just her style.  And if you’re wondering if the tags were still on it because she didn’t like, it was just the opposite.  I know she was “saving” it for when her others wore out.  That was who she was.

But let’s fast forward to today. Both Jen and I had been hearing all the “buzz” about the return of the house dress, but didn’t think it could really be true.  But one Google search changed all that.  Tons of stories, images and shopping links confirmed it was true – the return of the house dress is real!

So, of course that meant we had to give it a try.  If it was so popular in the past and regaining popularity today, there must be something to it.  So, off to Amazon we went and ordered two house dresses each. The first one would be a classic, something that reminded us of our moms and grandmas and the second would be one that better fit our style today.  You’ll see the results below! (Please note: as an Amazon Associate we may earn for qualifying purchases.)

Dianne

For my “classic”, my searching came to a halt when I found this one. What made me stop was the embroidery on the collar – that was SO my mom and my grandma. My mom, especially, didn’t like anything too plain, she always wanted a little extra detail in everything she wore. She loved piping and peplums, things that provided just a little something extra.

This is also a classic because of the full button front. I don’t know if this is true, but I always felt that this was the design way back when so that it didn’t have to go over your head if you just had your hair done. It was easy to take on and off and keep your hairdo in tact! If you want to read more about the history of the house dress, it actually has it’s own Wikipedia page!

My more contemporary choice is almost like a t-shirt dress, although the fabric is more light a nightgown. It’s very soft and comfortable, but probably not something I would wear outside of the house other than to walk the dog or get the mail. I would feel like I was out in my pj’s. But for around the house, it’s perfect. I feel like it’s step up from my leggings or joggers, and a little more feminine. I can see me wearing this all summer long and am even contemplating ordering a couple more in different colors. Oh, and I love that it has pockets since I am forever using my Apple Watch to ping and find my iPhone!

Jen

I first fell in love with joggers when I was on maternity leave, and they’ve become my everyday go-to while at home. But sometimes it’s nice to feel a little more dressed up during the day. Let’s be honest there though, I’m not talking about jeans. 

That’s where a house dress comes in. In the 1950’s they were a stylish option for homemakers to look put together while they were doing things around the house or running errands. 

Going over to my Grandparent’s house, if it wasn’t a planned visit, my Grandma would be wearing a house dress. She always had her nails done, and depending on the day and time, her hair would be up in rollers. She was a total glamazon. 

My vintage-inspired house dress has stripes, so I’m automatically a fan. It’s lightweight, perfect for warmer weather, and it’s got pockets. I carry a chapstick literally everywhere I go in my house (along with my phone and Hydro Flask), so having a pocket is necessary. 

Wearing this house dress and my cute slippers makes me feel like I’m channeling my Grandma, and a total badass at the same time. 

I probably wouldn’t wear this out in public (but who goes out in public anyway?), but I wear it around the house!

I distinctly remember my Grandma’s black peep-toe slippers, so I needed peep-toes too! 

The more modern-style house dress is a super soft fabric, a pretty color, and the perfect length. The only thing is it has skinnier straps and no built-in support. So while at home I’d wear it with a bralette. 

Throw on a jean jacket and some cute shoes, and I could wear this out in public to the grocery store, or even out for lunch (when it’s safe to do so!).

I love having more options to wear around the house that make me feel more put together. Personally, it’s great for my mental health to get dressed and look cute every once in a while. Putting on a house dress doesn’t even take any thinking, it’s one piece – done! 

I’m pretty sure Mike doesn’t even recognize me out of my usual sweatpants and sweatshirt combo. I’m a whole new woman! The first time I did my makeup after the first couple months of lockdown, Mike did a triple-take! 

All-in-all, it’s a super weird time right now. So make sure you’re doing things that make you happy, like wearing a fabulous house dress!

Not sure about the return of the house dress? Looking for more “classic” loungewear? Then you need to read Jen’s post on her “Favorite loungewear to Wear at Home.”