The trending dress style celebrities are loving this summer
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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 nighty dress trend like never before (the Bridgerton effect again?).
The dream solution for a stylish heatwave wardrobe, these dresses are either described as nightdresses by the brand or designed to look and feel just like one. You've got the silky slips beloved by Kate Moss and co., which are easy to wear with sandals for a summer party, under a blazer for the office, or over a polo-neck knit in the colder months. Then there are all the lightweight, floaty styles inspired by nighties from all eras, often featuring Victoriana lace trims, pretty embroidery and girlish ruffles. What all nighty dresses have in common is how comfortable they are to wear, even when the mercury soars, coupled with an unapologetic femininity.
One scroll through fashion Instagram and you'll see how much the nighty dress is growing in popularity. I think they look particularly cool paired with clompy 'ugly' shoes like fisherman sandals, loafers or the new shiny black Birks I just bought – it's all about that edgy, heavy contrast with the delicate fabric, a la Alexa Chung at Glastonbury in her on-trend butter-yellow number. Chunky jewellery is another perfect partner for the nighty dress to make it feel cooler and less twee.
Nighty dresses overlap with the boho revival too, with poster girl Sienna Miller recently wearing a beautiful cream maxi from Chloé's spring 2025 collection to the LA premiere of hew new western movie, Horizon: An American Saga. The silk charmeuse, the lace inserts, the frills at the bodice and the tiered skirt made this my red carpet dress of the summer so far. Note also how the star wore it with knee-high black boots, showing us how we're all be wearing this look come autumn.
If you're looking for a nighty dress to buy now and love forever – another great thing about this trend is how vintage-inspired and therefore timeless it is – then make the likes of Doen (head there to buy Alexa's dress), RIXO, Damson Madder, Sleeper and If Only If your first ports of call. But don't discount more affordable high street favourites like Marks & Spencer, either – a puff-sleeved nightie from good old M&S was a sell-out holiday hit last summer, and there's a new satin printed chemise in Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's lingerie range that we're snapping up before it goes and certainly not saving for the bedroom.
It's hardly surprising that the nighty dress is really taking off, given the rise of chic but comfy loungewear and athleisure this decade. I love how it has a hint of flirty intimacy to it – a rebellious 'I shouldn't be wearing this out' vibe – while still feeling lowkey. But don't worry, we can promise you won't be alone taking your nighty for a stroll about town, to the park for a picnic, or for cocktails on the beach. Pyjamas – aka 'co-ords' – are already everywhere, after all. Just wear it in a way that makes it clear you haven't literally just tumbled out of bed and you'll look perfectly put-together.
So, ready to shop some of our favourite nighty dresses? Ready, steady, add to basket...
The fact that this number is confined to the nightwear section is a crime – but I think M&S know we'll be taking it 'out out'.
Period drama fans, don't miss this new midi with its sweet little bow and what the brand calls 'nightgown' frills. Now where's that Mr Darcy got to...
I want the Clarice dress in every colourway, but the navy polka dot is top of my wish list (after the leopard print sold out). It'd make a lovely wedding guest dress.
Our editor-in-chief, Sarah Tomczak, owns this gorgeous dress with its shimmering gold stripes, gathered sleeves and lace detailing. 'It's a dress for holidays and beyond!' she says.
New to If Only If's covetable range is this linen nighty that will be a blessing in a heatwave and so cooling to throw over sun-kissed holiday sun.
Nightwear brand Desmond & Dempsey has some cool printed nighties, including these fun jaguars. We're eyeing up the black-base floral style too.
We love everything about Alexa Chung's Glastonbury dress – and it's from one of our favourite free-spirited, Cali-cool-girl brands.
Our dream garden party dress comes from luxury loungewear label Sleeper. No other brand so deftly blurs the line between day and night.
Sarah also counts this nighty among her collection (I know, we all want to plunder her wardrobe too). It's the epitome of 1930s glamour and so stylish with simple tan sliders, as she's wearing in the Instagram picture above. 'Faune always feels so romantically French, despite being run by two of the loveliest south-east Londoners I know!' she says.
We'll be taking this sweet broderie nighty on our next beach holiday. It's nice in navy too.
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