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Now, we know what you’re thinking: wearing nightwear as daywear is nothing new—or, at least, it hasn’t been since the ’90s. That may be true, but what’s different is the explosion of choice this season, thanks to fashion influencers embracing the romantic nightgown trend like never before (the Bridgerton effect again?).
The dream solution to your stylish wavewave wardrobe, these dresses are described as night dresses by the brand or designed to look and feel just like one. Kate Moss and co.’s beloved silky slips are easy to wear with sandals for a summer party, under a blazer for the office, or over a polo knit in the colder months. Then there are all the light, floaty styles inspired by nighties from all eras, often featuring Victoriana lace trims, pretty embroidery and girlish ruffles. What all the evening dresses have in common is how comfortable they are to wear, even when the mercury rises, combined with unapologetic femininity.
Just scroll through fashion Instagram and you will see how much the night dress is growing in popularity. I think they look really cool paired with clumsy ‘ugly’ shoes like fisherman sandals, loafers or the shiny new black Birks I bought just after they were bought – it’s all about the heavy, edgy contrast to the fabric sensitive, a la Alexa Chung at Glastonbury in her. -trend butter-yellow number. Chunky jewelery is another perfect partner for the nightgown to make it feel cooler and less twee.
Evening dresses also overlap with the boho revival, with recent poster girl Sienna Miller wearing a beautiful cream maxi from Chloé’s spring 2025 collection to the LA premiere of the new western film, Horizon: An American Saga. The silk charmeuse, lace inserts, frills at the bodice and this tiered skirt is my red carpet outfit of the summer so far. Note also how the star wore black knee-high boots, showing us how we will be wearing this look in the autumn of the year.
If you’re looking for a nightgown to buy now and love forever – another great thing about this trend is how vintage it is inspired and therefore timeless – check out the likes of Doen (shop there to buy the Alexa dress), RIXO, Damson Madder, Sleeper and If Only If are your first calls. But don’t be put off by more affordable high-street favorites like Marks & Spencer, either – last summer’s holiday sale had a big sleeve night from M&S, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s lingerie range has a printed satin chemise. that we are snapping up before it goes and certainly not saving for the bedroom.
It’s no surprise that the nightgown is really taking off, given the rise of chic yet comfortable loungewear and loungewear over the past decade. I love how it has a hint of flirty intimacy – a rebellious ‘I shouldn’t be wearing this’ vibe – and still feels lowkey. But don’t worry, we can promise that you won’t be alone in devoting your nights to strolling the town, to the park for a picnic, or for cocktails on the beach. Pajamas – or ‘co-ords’ – are already everywhere, after all. Wear it in a way that makes it clear you haven’t just rolled out of bed and you’ll look perfectly put together.
So, ready to shop some of our favorite evening dresses? Ready, fixed, add to basket…
The fact that this number is limited to the nightwear section is a crime – but I think M&S knows we’ll be ‘taking it out’.
Fans of period drama, don’t miss this new midi with its sweet little bow and frills that the brand calls an ‘evening dress’. Now, where did Mr. Darcy get…
I want the Clarice dress in every color, but the navy polka dot is at the top of my wish list (after the leopard print sold out). It would make a beautiful wedding guest dress.
Our editor-in-chief Sarah Tomczak features this gorgeous dress with its shimmering gold stripes, gathered sleeves and lace detailing. ‘It’s a dress for holidays and beyond!’ she says.
This new range of linens will be a blessing in the heat of the day and just as cooling to wear over a sun-kissed holiday sun.
Nightwear brand Desmond & Dempsey has some cool printed nighties, including these fun jaguars. We are also looking at the black floral style.
We love everything about Alexa Chung’s Glastonbury dress – and it’s from one of our free-spirited, Cali-cool-girl brands.
Our dream garden party dress comes from luxury loungewear label Sleeper. No other brand blurs the line between day and night.
Sarah counts this night among her collections (I know, we all want to raid her wardrobe too). It’s the epitome of 1930s glamor and as stylish as simple tan slides, like she’s wearing in the Instagram pic above. ‘Faune always feels so romantically French, despite being directed by two of the most beautiful south-east Englishmen I know!’ she says.
We will be bringing this sweet broderie a night on our next beach holiday. It’s nice in navy too.
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