Nap dresses are nightgown-esque but more functional than a silk kimono robe. Nap dresses are a spin-off of the popular prairie dress or shift dress trends, and fashion designers have elevated the nap dress look since last year. With a multitude of different styles, nap dresses come in short, medium or long maxi lengths and have many different features, like over-exaggerated puff sleeves, cap sleeves, off the shoulder, as well as square necklines to mock necks. From pleated nap dresses to smock map dresses, these top 12 styles are way more than a nightgown— they’re a fashion statement! Perfect for beach days, al fresco dining and date night at the boardwalk, you can rock a nap dress for any summer occasion (yes, this includes actual mid-day naps, too). So keep on scrolling to find the nap dress that best suits your everyday summer style, from classic solids to trendy embroidery and flirty florals. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Nap Dresses
1. The Caroline Nap Dress, $100.00 at Hill House
This is the original Nap Dress™ from Hill House that went viral. This comfy 100% cotton sheer white Swiss dot print is ideal for summertime and comes in sizes XXS - 2XL so you can find your perfect fit (just remember nap dresses are flowy so depending on how roomy you want your dress, keep that in mind with sizing). The long nap dress is also available in a beachy shell pattern print, a sheer black and a white/blue botanical floral print.
2. The Ellie Nap Dress, $125.00 at Hill House
Here’s another Hill House Nap Dress that has a unique elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders and a flattering tiered midi skirt. We love this plaid take on the nap dress because it’s a perfect transitional piece into the fall season —it also comes in six other color swatches. With an impressive 5/5-stars on average, customers swear by the Ellie Nap Dress. “I feel so beautiful in this dress and it is effortless to wear for any and all occasions,” says a recent customer review.
3. Victorian Nap Dress, $39.99 at Etsy
Head on over to Etsy for an affordable floral nap dress under $50.00. This handmade nap dress has puff sleeves and a sexy side slit so you can wear it out on a date night. Unlike other Victorian nap dresses, this nap dress is more form-fitting with a drawstring along the neckline. Choose from sizes small, medium or large and try this 4/5-star nap dress before summer ends!
4. Linen-Blend Lucie Smocked Midi Dress, $118.00 at Madewell
This nap dress would make a great outfit for a baby shower, bridal shower or birthday party. The $118.00 Linen-Blend Lucie Smocked Midi Dress from Madewell is comfy, breezy with eco-friendly fabric and comes in this refreshing mint green hue. Pair this nap dress with a casual pair of flats for a daily work look or spice it up with some high-heeled wedge sandals for a special summer occasion.
5. BILLABONG Forever Yours Print Dress, $59.95 at Nordstrom
This nap dress by BILLABONG resembles a pretty nightgown, so you can wear it to bed, too! With a chic smocked silhouette, capped sleeves and front accent buttons, this charming nap dress comes in dainty yellow sunflower print or a black floral print for $59.95 at Nordstrom.
6. Striped Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $99.99 at LOFT
Currently on a special sale for $99.99, the LOFT Striped Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress comes in two different size types: regular or petite. It has a square neck and back (which is my favorite) and a fitted waist with a flared skirt so it looks complimentary on all body types. This nap dress hits the knee, so if you’re not into the maxi dress look, you’ll like this nap dress that elongates your legs.
7. ASTR Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress, $49.97 at Nordstrom Rack
So you’re not into the super casual nap dress look? Check out this fancier nap dress that’s from ASTR at Nordstrom Rack. The Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress is under $50.00, has a square neck and cute short puff sleeves. If you describe your style as the more glam type like myself, you’ll fall in love with this particular nap dress because it’s not as boho of a dress style.
8. Women’s Puff Short Sleeve Dress - A New Day™, $29.99 at Target
You can dress this nap dress up or down for a variety of occasions and it’s only $29.99. Made of 100% breathable cotton, Target’s puff short-sleeve nap dress has functional side inner pockets so if you’re running errands you can slip your iPhone, car keys or wallet inside. This nap dress comes in this dainty lavender purple (pictured above) or a sleek, solid black.
9. The Athena Nap Dress, $100.00 at Hill House
Another Hill House favorite, this cute short sleeve Athena Nap Dress falls above the knee so it makes a good, casual day dress. You can choose from eight different colors in this nap dress, including a fancier navy glitter check print. We love the tie closure across the back—it’s such a girly touch to a flowy nap dress!
10. Shirred Bust Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress, $30.80 at Nasty Gal
The Shirred Bust Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress is such a steal right now for only $30.80 at Nasty Gal. This nap dress features a square neckline, relaxed, maxi silhouette, 3/4, puff sleeves, shirring at bust, cut out at back, and bow tie closure on the back. Pick your size from sizes 0 - 12 and find your favorite solid: purple, green, white or black.
11. Rahi Mariella Nap Dress, $158.00 at Shopbop
This nap dress screams garden party. It’s so elegant because of its embroidered eyelet detail throughout. With an elastic neckline, white ruffle overlay, smocked elastic bodice, and short puff sleeves with elastic cuffs, this Shopbop nap dress by Rahi Mariella is a winner when you wake up, you’ll head right into any activity looking super stylish.
12. Vero Moda Alina Smocked Puff Sleeve Dress, $59.00 at Nordstrom
Here’s a frock cut from the softest organic-cotton slub jersey material so you can definitely sleep in this nap dress. The smocked bodice and flared skirt makes this dress a transitional everyday dress. Up next, step up your summer style this 2021 and check out these 19 on-trend swimsuits we’re totally obsessing over.
