26 Stylish, Comfy House Dresses You’ll Want to Live in 24/7
Updated: Aug. 22, 2022Get ready to fall in love with this season's most effortlessly cool house dresses—perfect for every style, size, mood, and budget.
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The cutest house dresses for every occasion
The house dress is the modern era’s answer to unmatched comfort and style all in one package. It’s a perfect blend of the casual coziness that loungewear offers and an elevated take on typical leggings and stylish tops on the days when you can’t be bothered to put together a full ensemble. House dresses are even trendy and stylish enough to wear out of the house, taking you seamlessly from Zoom meetings to the grocery store to get-togethers with friends.
In short, these classic dresses are one-and-done fashion solutions without any added effort. They’re simple, effortless, elegant, and, perhaps best of all, comfortable and cool on even the hottest days.
What’s the best dress to wear at home?
The best house dresses are made from comfortable, breathable materials like cotton, linen, or viscose blends and offer easy movement. Ideally, these frocks can be paired with your favorite slippers at home—and also with a cute pair of sandals and a few affordable jewelry pieces for a casually chic going-out look.
How do you wear a house dress?
Creating a stylish look with a house dress requires little more than choosing the right dress for your body and personal taste, and then pairing it with the right underpinnings and accessories. While some house dresses for women have built-in shelf bras, most require a good bra and the right underwear to provide a smooth silhouette.
Read on for our favorite house dresses of the summer that offer effortlessly cool style, whether you’re hanging out, going out, or even working out. The only challenge? You’re going to want them all.
Best overall
Hill House Home Ellie Nap Dress
You don’t have to choose between comfort and style with the Hill House Home Ellie nap dress—a viral Internet sensation that comes in plenty of eye-catching prints and simple neutrals. The flattering A-line silhouette is accented with elasticated smocking, ruffled shoulders, a tiered midi skirt, and pockets you can actually use. Plus, it’s available in sizes XS through 2XL to suit a variety of body types. Wear it on its own at home, or gussied up with kitten heels and statement accessories to be the best-dressed guest at a casual wedding.
Best sustainable
Quince Fit & Flare Knit Dress
The Quince Fit & Flare knit dress is the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. It offers a subtly sexy square neckline, as well as two front pockets that make carrying a phone and lip balm easier than ever. And you can feel good about this purchase: The dress is constructed from sustainably sourced wood that’s been converted into Tencel Lyocell fibers, and the dyeing, washing, and manufacturing processes are certified under RCS (Recycled Claim Standard). The production also uses less water, and the dyes are environmentally friendly, making this stunner an excellent eco-friendly gift for fashion lovers.
Best for curvy body types
Madewell Button-Front Tank Midi Dress
Stay cool in this timeless Madewell midi dress that’s chic on its own or downright genius when paired with a belted cardigan or fall sweater when the weather turns crisp. Available in petite, standard, and plus sizes through 4X, it comes in two modern neutral shades. The soft light-spun double-layered cotton gauze is easy to care for and even easier to wear. Pair it with flats for casual days, or dress it up a bit with espadrille wedges and a structured rattan purse for Sunday brunch out on the town.
Best budget-friendly
Universal Thread Balloon Long-Sleeve Dress
You don’t have to spend big money to get one of the most elegant house dresses for women, and this Universal Thread balloon dress from Target is the proof. It’s made of soft cotton fabric for comfy, breathable wear and works just as well on the sofa as it does on a boat. The chic long sleeves put it over the top style-wise, and it comes in an array of colors, from basic navy and black to a summery teal. Simple dresses are definitely one of the things you should be buying at Target, because they’re typically under $30 and offered in expanded size ranges.
Best for lounging at home
Splendid Sylvia T-Shirt Dress
The Splendid Sylvia T-shirt dress is a stylish, modern take on the cozy sleep tee, and it will take you from night to day in an instant. It’s definitely comfortable enough to sleep in, but with a long-sleeve shirt tied around the waist or a chic belt, it becomes an elevated essential that you’ll love wearing to run errands and when catching up with friends. This versatile house dress boasts a flattering relaxed V-neck style, cuffed sleeves, and a nearly mini length that hits above the knee. You’ll wear this one all summer long and then pair it with fleece-lined leggings when temperatures start to drop.
Best organic cotton
Summersalt Going Places Gauze Midi
Get ready to fall in love with the flirty silhouette of this Summersalt organic cotton gauze midi, which offers a slightly more modest take on typical sundresses and summer gear. The tiered skirt makes it breezy and easy to move in, and the tie-style belt cinches to your waist. It pairs well with a variety of sneakers, sandals, and walking shoes for carefree summer days at home or on the go.
Best for working from home
Loft Hi-Lo Shirtdress
You’ll look completely professional while still maintaining sweatpants-level comfort in this versatile Loft Hi-Lo shirtdress that comes in a light red hue. It features clever buttoning and a tie waist that hugs curves for a polished business casual look, and the hem hits at the mid-calf. But the best part is that it’s made of a machine-washable linen blend that’s breathable, easy to care for, and wrinkle-resistant. Try these casual work dresses for when you head into the office.
Best for vacation
Grey State Emily Dress
If you pack just one dress for your next vacation, let it be this Grey State Emily dress that you can wear to the beach or to a Michelin-starred restaurant. It self-ties at the shoulders for a somewhat custom fit, and the back smocking is accented by asymmetrical seamed, pleated panels with shirring that offer high-end visual appeal without the high-end price tag. It’s also made of 100 percent cotton that can be machine washed and tumbled dry, so you don’t have to worry about dry cleaner bills.
Best splurge
Trina Turk Kaufmann Dress
Elevate your look instantly in this Trina Turk Kaufmann dress that’s dripping in rich, vibrant colors. You’ll look like fashion royalty, thanks to the brightly patterned A-line silhouette, delicate spaghetti ties at the neckline, puff sleeves, and drop hem. Wear it as loungewear or an effortlessly elegant hostess outfit at home, or as an out-to-lunch dress when belted. Just note that this stunning house dress is made of 100 percent natural silk, so be gentle with it.
Best nightgown style
Eileen West Grace Nightgown
This Eileen West Grace nightgown is one part sleep shirt, one part romantic frilly dress, and it looks like it stepped right out of the pages of your favorite romance novel. Available in two soft feminine blue-toned prints and a cream-based color, it boasts a flattering square neck and back that show just the right amount of skin. Wear it to bed, accessorized for daytime functions, or to your next Zoom conference call without anyone ever realizing you’re in your pajamas.
Best for working out
Halara Everyday Cloudful Flare Activity Dress
Get in some exercise or do nothing at all in this trendy and super practical Halara dress. It comes in dozens of colors, as well as in regular and plus sizes, and is made of the same workout-style material you love in leggings. The attached shorts feature pockets on both sides for storing essentials like your phone and keys, and the top boasts a built-in bra that reviewers can’t stop raving about.
Best denim
Bella Dahl Long-Sleeve A-Line Shirt Dress
Denim is always a winner for relaxed comfort, and this Bella Dahl A-line shirt dress checks all the right boxes. The relaxed long sleeves can be rolled up for laid-back summer living, or rolled down and paired with thick tights when winter is on the horizon. The high-low hem also allows the front to be neatly gathered or loosely tucked if you want to switch up the silhouette. Bonus: It comes in the same medium wash as some of the best jeans for women, but it’s made of an environmentally friendlier Tencel Lyocell fabric that’s harvested from sustainable sources.
Best preppy style
Lake Pajamas Veranda Dress
Embrace the prim-and-proper side of your personality in this perfectly preppy Lake Pajamas Veranda house dress that comes in a classic navy-and-white gingham check. It features puffed sleeves and smocked detailing at the neck and hits just above the knee. The loose, unlined style is perfect for warm-weather lounging or layering with a cardigan. It’s also easily machine washed with mild soap and tumbled dry, so you can keep it in constant rotation.
Best caftan
Pitusa Caftan
Let your glamour flag fly with this colorful cotton-blend Pitusa caftan that can be worn over a slip at home, as a bathing suit cover-up on vacation, or as a layering piece when you’re out and about. It features embroidered details throughout the entire body, a side slit that makes moving around easy, and detailed hemming that turns plain days at home into high-fashion relaxation moments. While it’s meant to be worn loose and flowy, you can also add a braided belt to accentuate your waist.
Best built-in bra
Pact Fit & Flare Midi Dress
You’ll love this stylish organic cotton Pact Fit and Flare midi dress for a variety of reasons, but particularly for its built-in shelf bra. This customer favorite is a one-and-done fashion statement that you can get in a variety of trendy color options, from solids to patterns to color-blocking—and trust us when we say that you’re going to want them all. It’s also a sustainably made dress that uses far less water than conventional cotton and no toxic chemicals, and it’s manufactured in a Fair Trade–certified factory.
“I just got this dress in black and elderberry,” writes verified reviewer Adrienne. “LOVE! The material is heavy enough that you cannot see through it and light enough that it can be your summer go-to dress. So comfortable, the shelf bra is great, the pockets are a plus, and the length is just how I like it.”
Best slip style
Carve Designs Macy Dress
The effortless slip-style silhouette of the Carve Designs Macy dress has reviewers singing its praises. It offers a relaxed fit, adjustable straps, a smocked waistband, and just the right amount of waist cinching, thanks to the included waist tie. It’s a flawless day-to-night option that comes in six modern neutrals and can be worn casually around the house and then dressed up when you want to go out. And you don’t have to put away this house dress when the weather turns cool. Pair it with a denim jacket and boots for a crisp autumn look.
Best for athletic builds
Public Rec Go-To Dress
Sporty types and those with athletic builds will quickly fall in love with this Public Rec Go-To dress, a moisture-wicking, cap-sleeved gem that will become a closet cornerstone. It’s made of stretchy performance fabric that feels like a tee and can flex for every occasion. With the right accessories, it’s ideal for an evening out, but when dressed down, it’s one of the comfiest and most breathable house dresses out there. It’s also wrinkle-resistant and features figure-flattering gathering at the waist.
Best on Amazon
Anrabess Maxi Dress
With more than 6,200 five-star ratings, the Anrabess maxi dress is by far one of the most popular dresses on Amazon. Stylish and super affordable, this sleeveless house dress comes in dozens of shades and prints, in sizes S through XXL, and it hits just around the ankle.
“Love, love, love these dresses!” shares verified Amazon reviewer Catherine. “I bought two because I couldn’t decide, and I’m so glad I did. It’s a perfect length for me and so comfy. I’m 5’2″ and 165 pounds, and a large fits nice and loose. The length is just to the top of my feet without dragging. I’ve washed and dried them a few times, and the color has held up, and they don’t seem to wrinkle too terribly, if at all, when you leave them in the dryer overnight.”
Best dressy
Ann Taylor Floral Flutter-Sleeve Dress
Don’t let the sophisticated style of this Ann Taylor floral flutter-sleeve dress fool you—it’s comfortable enough to wear at home all day and seamlessly transitions to in-office meetings and dinners out. The waist is gathered with shirring for a trim, cinched look, and the flowy skirt offers easy movement and refined style at a reasonable price. And the happy, seasonal print, which once graced a popular nightgown from the brand, makes it a shoo-in for “favorite summer dress” status. Bonus: It comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes, so you’re sure to find the right fit for you. Now you just need to figure out which of your classic handbags to pair with it.
Best plus-size T-shirt style
Dia & Co. Tara Panel Dress
The Dia & Co. Tara panel dress is a major upgrade from your typical tee, but it doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of comfort. It features a pullover cotton style that’s easy to care for, useful pockets, and a flattering scoop neck. Offered in women’s sizes 14 through 32, it can be dressed up for going out or dressed down for hanging at home—and either way, you’ll never want to take it off.
Best rib knit
Cozy Earth Rib Knit Tank Dress
The soft, forgiving drape of this Cozy Earth rib knit tank dress makes it an easy winner in this category. Most rib knit dresses are clingy and show every lump and bump, but the double-layered tank style of this beauty loosely hugs curves in the most flattering way possible. It’s also made from bamboo viscose for a sustainable take on trendy fashion and is easy to wash and wear repeatedly without worry. The clean lines lend well to office wear when topped with a blazer and accessories, but it’s so soft and cozy that you may just want to wear it snuggled up beneath warm flannel sheets. It comes in four neutral colors and is offered in sizes XS through XXXL, so there’s a perfect option for nearly everyone.
Best linen
Tentree Button-Front Linen Dress
Hot summer days are no match for this effortlessly cool Tentree linen dress that offers just a bit of stretch in two soft, neutral shades. It comes in sizes XS through XL and is finished with elegantly earthy coconut-shell buttons. Wear it on its own at home, or jazz it up with metallic sandals and mixed-media jewelry to run errands in style.
Best off-the-shoulder
Bobeau Puff-Sleeve Midi Dress
The puffed-up off-the-shoulder style of this Bobeau midi dress is balanced by a delicate, feminine ditsy print that works marvelously in just about every setting. Choose from three modern neutral shades, and stick it in the washing machine to clean—it doesn’t even require a delicate cycle or any special care. The square neck is a flattering touch that exposes flirty collarbones and all-too-often hidden-away shoulders.
Best maternity
Kindred Bravely Esme Tie Nursing & Maternity Dress
Investing in a Kindred Bravely Esme maternity dress just may be the best pregnancy fashion decision you make, because this casual dress transitions to growing (and shrinking) bodies without any added effort. It’s also a nursing dress that allows moms to feed their new babies modestly, comfortably, and in style. Made of sustainably sourced materials, it comes in maternity sizes S through XXL.
Best from Walmart
Time and Tru Flutter Tiered Dress
This Time and Tru flutter tiered dress costs less than $15, which means you just may be able to buy it in every one of the seven happy-looking colors. It’s made of soft, comfy 100 percent cotton that machine washes and dries with ease, and comes in an expanded size range to that reaches from XS through XXXL. Wear it to bed, cuddle up in it on movie night, and wear it to brunch with your favorite two-strap sandals and a chic oversized hat.
Best shirt style
Quince Button-Up Linen Dress
This Quince midi linen dress is made of fine, eco-friendly European flax fibers, and it’s the ideal blend of elegance and comfort. It boasts classic front buttons, two pockets at the waist, and a removable belt that can be adjusted to create the perfect fit. You’ll love kicking back in this timeless frock, or heading out to show it off. The best part? It’s an affordable, under-$50 find that comes in a range of neutral colors and sizes, so you can order more than one totally guilt-free. Pro tip: While you’re perusing the Quince site for the best house dresses, see if you can snag this $50 cashmere sweater that sells out every year.
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