11 House Dresses You’ll Want to Live in This Summer
Caftans, muumuus, dusters — whatever you want to call them, we're loving them.
When we saw Hilaria Baldwin’s recent post on Instagram proclaiming that she’s “embracing the muumuus” during her current pregnancy, and that husband Alec Baldwin — father of their four, soon-to-be five children — better get used to it, we knew immediately that she was on to something.
Muumuus, also known as house dresses, caftans, or dusters, aren’t just for pregnant women. In fact, they used to be the nearly exclusive domain of grandmothers. But we think house dresses are the perfect garment for this moment in time, when many of us are staying at home more often, summer is coming, and our comfort-food consumption is way up.
Whatever you want to call them (“caftan” has a more glamorous air than the frumpy-sounding “house dress”), these dresses are loose, flowy, feminine, forgiving, and easy to throw on in the morning and wear all day.
We’ve found 11 options (including the house dress Hilaria is sporting in her Instagram post) that range in price from just a few dollars (really!) to luxurious pieces that are more of a splurge. Some are casual, and some are more sophisticated, but all are relaxed, cool, and stylish. Whatever your taste — and your budget — you’ll find one (or a few) you love.
Keep scrolling to shop our selection of house dresses you’ll want to live in all summer long!
National Print Sundress
Where to buy: $9.95, Amazon
This is the one: the “house dress” that Hilaria Baldwin bought on Amazon for less than $10. We love the blue and red cherries and flowers pattern, but it also comes in a turquoise version with butterflies, and a red anchor-printed nautical style. The cotton-polyester blend is machine-washable and can be tossed in the dryer. We’re sold!
YOZLY House Dress
A modern take on the “housecoat,” this one snaps up the front and is available in six sassy striped hues. Pockets on both sides give you a place for your phone, keys, sunglasses — and a wad of tissues, just like grandma always carried. Machine wash this cotton blend house dress, and size up for the comfiest fit.
Where to buy: From $13.99, Amazon
YESNO Swing Dress
Where to buy: From $22.99, Amazon
Our personal favorite, this swing dress comes in a dizzying array of options: 38 different prints! And at this affordable price, you’ll want to pick up a few. We can’t think of an occasion where you can’t wear this stunning “house dress” that’s made of 100 percent cotton, comes in 10 different sizes, and falls beautifully to flatter any figure.
Talulah Midi Dress
Where to buy: $178, Anthropologie
Available in a blue, red, or neutral print, this pretty peasant-inspired dress pulls over your head and will float effortlessly around you all day long. It’s dry-clean only, and the price point is a little higher than your typical house dress, but it’s just as feminine and easy to wear as your grandmother’s favorite housecoat. And we love the tasseled collar detail!
AmeriMark Sundress
Another super-affordable option from Amazon, this ruffled sundress comes in 22(!) different colors and prints, and has a side pocket to stash your stuff. It can go in the washer and dryer, so it’s perfect for everyday wear, including gardening and getting messy with the kids. You’ll want to pick up a few!
Where to buy: From $15.96, Amazon
Nesting Olive Modern House Dress
Where to buy: $45, Amazon
It’s not a nightgown — but it could be! Maybe we should call it a daygown? This super-soft, heather gray lounge dress has pockets and snaps in the front (in case you have a little one who needs easy access). Made of polyester with a touch of spandex for stretch, it’s washer-and-dryer-friendly. Perfect for cozy mornings with slippers and tea, you can leave it on for running errands and after-dinner walks.
Crosby by Mollie Burch Talulah Dress
Where to buy: $284, Red Dress Boutique
Feeling blue? The colorful ric-rac details and bright red braided tassels on this dress will cheer you up. And if you’re worried about the see-through possibilities of wearing white, don’t fret: It’s fully lined for modesty’s sake. Just pull it on and go, without feeling squeezed or having to fuss. Crafted from 100 percent tencel, this dress is super soft and needs to be hand washed in cold water.
Mordenmiss Linen Dress
Where to buy: From $9.99, Amazon
That’s not a typo — some sizes and colors of this adorable dress with its big pockets are really less than $10. However, some are $35, so keep an eye on the price when you put it into your cart. Even at more than $30, this dress is a bargain. Made of a linen and cotton blend, this sweet shift features rolled-up sleeves and comes in six muted shades that go with anything. Throw leggings on under and put a sweater on top to transition seamlessly right into fall!
Free People Maxi Dress
Where to buy: $168, Free People
We love the bohemian vibe of this dress, with its voluminous sleeves and V-necked tie front. It’s perfect for those times you want to feel a little fancy but still be completely comfortable, and the pretty pattern is a nice pick-me-up anytime. Wash this one in cold water and hang it to dry in the sun!
Ganni Poplin Dress
Where to buy: $325, Shopbop
Have a dress-up occasion, but still want to feel like you’re wearing a house dress? This printed cotton poplin dress will turn heads and keep you comfy through any dinner party or beach picnic. Made of 100 percent cotton, it’s not stretchy, but won’t dig in anywhere, as it skims your figure and lets you breathe.
Line & Dot Breeze Dress
Where to buy: $120, Shopbop
Nothing says summer like a white sundress! This sweet embroidered number is demure yet sophisticated, comfortable yet a little bit dressy, too. With straps that tie at the shoulder, it’s adjustable to fit the way you like it. Dry clean only — so don’t sit in the grass!
