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CNN
a few seconds ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
People are wearing nightgowns anywhere but to bed
This is not your grandmother's nightgown. Or maybe it is. The same style of sleepwear that was once strictly relegated to bedrooms and boudoirs has now become the summer dress of the year. Reformation's Holly Sleep Dress ($128), a floaty mini dress with a scrunched 1950s-style neckline with scalloped edges, was inspired by 'vintage nightgowns that you can probably get away with wearing out and about,' the brand's website read. Similarly, fellow cool-girl label Damson Madder noted that its Elspeth Nightdress ($67), which features dainty floral embroidery and a broderie hemline, is 'effortlessly wearable from night to day.' Meanwhile, If Only If — the British brand behind the scene-stealing nightgowns worn by Megan Stalter in Lena Dunham's Netflix series 'Too Much' — photographs models wearing their nighties with woven basket bags at the farmer's market or out in the countryside. On TikTok, videos made using the hashtag #nightgown have increased 200% in the last 12 months. Content creators on Instagram are showing equal enthusiasm. 'I literally cannot stop buying vintage nightgowns,' influencer Bridget Brown told her 99,000 Instagram followers in a recent video,as she unboxed an embroidered, scoop-neck cotton nightie that flowed past her knees, bought secondhand from Facebook Marketplace. 'This is sexy for an Edwardian nightgown, let me tell you,' she added, her mouth agape with glee. But braving the outside world in your intimates is not an entirely new concept. In the late 18th century, French artist Elizabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun painted a portrait of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, wearing a sloping straw hat and chemise dress — a typical undergarment for women at the time. The picture was initially displayed at Vigée Le Brun's first-ever exhibition at the prestigious Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1783, though the exposing nature of the queen's nightie was deemed too inappropriate for public viewership and quickly removed. For years, designers have tried to harness that same feeling of shock, exposure and titillation by reimagining lingerie staples such as corsets, bras and nightdresses on the runway. For his Spring-Summer 1992 show in London, John Galliano honed in on the romanticism and sensuality of 19th-century slips typically worn in the French court. Named 'Napoleon and Josephine,' Galliano's collection included sheer nightdresses that revealed the bust entirely. At Calvin Klein's Spring-Summer 1995 show in New York, silky lace-trimmed nightgowns in black, stone grey and champagne hung off the frames of models like Kate Moss and Stella Tennant. If Galliano's collection was about capturing a theatrical sleepwear fantasy, Klein offered a version of nightgowns that were surprisingly sophisticated and even, at times, office appropriate. In 1997, Stella McCartney's debut as the designer of Chloé added to the conversation even further: With delicate spaghetti straps and pastel colors, the nightgowns that appeared on the runway were perhaps the most faithful to what could have really been worn to bed. The tide has well and truly changed since the days of Marie Antoinette's portrait — even Princess Diana wore an inky blue and black lace-trimmed slip dress from Dior to the 1996 Met Gala. But where nightgowns have previously been used as a visual shorthand for sex appeal, with their skin-baring cuts and silky fabric, today's trend is driven by frumpier, more historically-accurate silhouettes. Rachel Tashjian, fashion critic at the Washington Post, who also writes an invite-only newsletter called 'Opulent Tips,' has a cotton nightgown from the late 1800s she likes to wear while walking her dog in New York's Central Park on the weekends. 'The fabric is quite starchy, and it almost reminds me of wedding cake frosting,' she said over the phone. It once belonged, she thinks, to her husband's great grandmother. 'Pieces from that time, especially underpinnings, have all these incredible details of lacework and pin tucks and pleating,' she added. Sandeep Salter, the co-founder of the New York-based clothing and homeware brand Salter House, says that organic cotton nightdresses and PJs are her most popular categories. 'New Yorkers know us for it and we continue to launch new designs periodically,' she wrote in an email. The frocks are inspired by a range of references — from the nightgowns first received by Salter from her mother when she was 13 years old to the original nightdress worn by Wendy Darling in 'Peter Pan.' One of Salter's designs, an oversized square-neck white cotton frock called 'The Lamb', was modelled after traditional 19th century French undergarments. 'We see our nightdresses styled into daywear in really nice ways,' Salter said. 'With a cardigan tied like a sash around the body, with a mini-heeled Mary Jane or ballet flats and a sharp purse.' She herself likes to pair a Salter nightgown with an oversized scrunchie and a baseball cap. No matter how it's worn, the common thread between these romantic, loose-fitting gowns is comfort. It's a hangover, perhaps, from the pandemic-induced lockdowns of 2020, when people were mandated to stay home and sales of sweatpants surged (even Anna Wintour succumbed to their siren call). Two years later, when restrictions lifted post-pandemic, we slipped back into our jeans and slacks — but the hankering for comfort never left. 'It feels good, physically,' Salter said about the continued interest in gauzy gowns. Tashjian agreed, noting that nightdresses offer a more put-together alternative to baggy sweatpants. The enduring popularity of nightwear styles isn't only being driven by women, either. At Milan's Men's Fashion Week in June, Dolce & Gabbana showed loungewear, slouchy separates and matching striped trousers and shirts that riffed off pajama sets. Do recent fashion trends such as these have anything to do with a revival of conservative politics? 'I think a lot of this comes down to how the person is wearing it,' said Tashjian. 'There also is a world in which it's some conflation of this conservative, 'trad wife' style,' she said, referring to the rising trend of milkmaid dresses, full A-line skirts and puff-sleeve blouses. But many other young women are winking at this type of antiquated femininity while engaging with it. Take Prada's Spring-Summer 2023 show, where sheer, matronly nightdresses and housecoats were shown with heeled Mary Janes and tightly gripped clutch bags. 'It's a woman taking things that are assigned to a particular lane in life, and recontextualizing them in a way that's very naughty or mischievous or arrogant,' observed Tashjian.
Elle
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
Bandanas Are Summer 2025's Hottest Accessory - Here Are The Cutest Styles To Shop Now
What do Hailey Bieber, Alexa Chung, Timothée Chalamet and Gucci's AW25 runway all have in common? It's a jaunty bandana-style headscarf. Beloved by A-listers, influencers, editors and design houses alike, this 1990s does 1950s accessory is the styling trick you need to take your summer dress from snooze to snazzy. There are a few ways to style the square piece of fabric, be it in cotton (which offers better grip) or silk (feels a little more luxe). Chalamet opted for the Gucci AW25 approach - the most daring of the bandana on head styling options by far - by wearing his over a cap tied under his chin. Chung similarly went for the Queen Elizabeth II, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn-approved under chin tie technique while on holiday. Though the British style star eschewed the cap accessory, she wore her navy bandana with a royal purple top, red shorts and a striped tote bag. If an under the chin tie feels a bit traditional, consider tying your headscarf over your hair and head. This feels like the most polished iteration of the look, and could take you into work with some oversized earrings and a shirt. We're partial to Bieber's more Nineties and Noughties styling technique of tying under your hair at the nape of your neck, adding some whimsy to your ensemble while still keeping things practical (perfect for keeping flyaways at bay). While you can pick up a vintage bandana or silk scarf with ease, brands like Miu Miu, Rejina Pyo and If Only If all have their own offerings in crochet, polka dots and more. If Only If's chocolate-hued, gingham iteration was a sellout style, with those in the know pairing it with their matching mini dress or mixing it up with other outfits during the UK's heatwave. 'Last summer when I was designing this year's spring summer styles, I really started to notice the trend of people wearing our nighties as daywear and I thought it would be lovely to add in a matching bit of kit that elevated their nighties-as-day-wear pieces,' If Only If's owner and creative director Emily Campbell told ELLE UK. 'Never one to shy away from a matchy moment, I went head first (excuse the pun) into our chocolate gingham dresses adding a matching headscarf with contrast ric-rac trim. I was tentative with the buy - would people feel the same way I did - would it all feel too Maria Von Trapp? Of course, I should not have worried. Our gingham headscarf was our first sell out style this summer. I know why; practical (windy hairs be gone) and cute. What more could you want?' We couldn't agree more. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jessica's nightie dresses in Netflix's 'Too Much' is the PJ inspo we need, this is exactly where to get them
Too Much has now officially landed on Netflix and we're already obsessed with Megan Stalter's character's wardrobe. Specifically, the super cute night dresses she's repeatedly spotted wearing throughout the 10-part series. If you have yet to watch – it literally came out this morning [Thursday 10 July], so no shame if you've been a little busy – the show follows Jessica (played by Stalter, Cosmo UK's latest digital cover star NBD), an American who moves to the UK following a messy breakup. Despite striving for a life of solitude, yet having a romanticised idea in mind of what living in London will be like, she ends up falling for musician Felix (played by Will Sharpe). Written by Lena Dunham and developed alongside her musician husband, Luis Felber, the romantic-comedy series is loosely based on the true story of the American writer and director's own move to the UK, where she met and married Felber. But back to the fashion. As the show's title suggests, Jessica is perceived as a lot by the Brits she encounters, and that extends to her clothing. Consisting of bright neon hues, exaggerated silhouettes and OTT prints (like her floral printed rain mac, an archival Celia B design FYI), her wardrobe also features a number of night dresses from independent British brand, If Only If. As well as the Clover and Pandora dresses, white cotton designs featuring adorable frilled necklines and cuffs, Jessica also dons the India short nightie in a recurrent gingham with the label even making a coordinating nightie for her dog. Unfortunately, the dog nighties aren't currently listed on the site to buy, but we imagine it's only a matter of time. I mean, I want one and I don't even have a dog...£130.00 at If Only If£85.00 at If Only If£135.00 at If Only If 'It's an extraordinary feeling to see the beautiful Meg Stalter in this hugely anticipated show on Netflix wearing one of our nightgowns,' Emily Campbell, Creative Director of If Only If, shares. 'I will always see ourselves as a small, family-run business, so utterly surreal pinch-me moments like this are such a thrill.' And on that note, if you'll excuse me as I have to get back to binge-watching Too Much. Follow Alex on .You Might Also Like A ranking of the very best hair straighteners - according to our Beauty Editors Best party dresses to shop in the UK right now 11 products you'd be mad to miss from the Net A Porter beauty sale
Graziadaily
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
I'm A Fashion Editor – This Is The Unexpected Summer Dress I'm Wearing On Repeat
Nobody's Child, White Embroidered Maya Midi Dress Damson Madder, Lulu Mini Dress The White Company, Vintage Boho Embroidered Nightie M&S, Cool Comfort Striped Chemise Sleeper, Atlanta Linen Dress with Rose Detail Hill House Home, The Ellie Nap Dress Chloé, Gathered Long-Sleeve Mini Dress With Nothing Underneath, Sloane Dress Smock London, Hypatia Dress WIth Sapphire Hand Smocking When I graduated from an infant to the junior department at primary school, I started to have the classic recurring nightmare that's a familiar childhood trope: I would turn up to school, only to realise I was still wearing my pyjamas and thus became the object of ridicule forevermore. Back then, my pyjamas possibly featured a teddy bear motif or some similarly whimsical character, and, I can thankfully say, my nightmare never extended into reality. It was to my own great surprise, then, when I started voluntarily wearing my pyjamas to work recently. Surprisingly, I haven't had a breakdown – I've just jumped on the bandwagon filled with people who are appropriating nightie-style dresses as chic summer outfits. As with most major fashion movements, this can, at least in part, be tracked back to the catwalk. Chloé sent loose-fitting dresses wafting down its runway for spring/summer 2025, trimmed with lace and paired with platform sandals and layered necklaces. Collina Strada's dresses were of the silky variety, as was Dries Van Noten's delicate slip. Miu Miu, meanwhile, paired a sheer cotton dress with long socks and loafers. The message was clear: don't save your best nightdress for bedtime. Unlike a lot of catwalk trends, this one has boiled over into 'normal' wardrobes, with nighties proving to be summer 2025's most ubiquitous dresses. On social media, lots of women are wearing styles by If Only If, the British label established by Issy Falkner in 2011, which was then taken over and re-branded by her daughter Emily Campbell in 2020. Since then, the independent label has become a hit with its glorious nightdresses in beautiful cottons and silks; what began as a small range of styles has blossomed into a full collection of dresses, many of which are being worn by day. 'Our customers are wearing them out more – we are really noticing this on social media in all the pictures we are tagged in,' says Campbell. 'They are out on the beach and in the street. I really took inspiration from them because, even though I design for bed, I was asked so many times by customers to make a nude slip so that it made the pieces more versatile to wear outside. The nude slip is now bought in tandem with most of my dresses by our customers.' One such customer is Emily Cronin, a fashion journalist who has spent a lot of summer in If Only If's chocolate gingham mini. ''There's something about the gauzy layers of a nightie that just speaks of summer to me,' she says. 'If it's light and comfortable enough to wear to sleep during a heatwave then it's compatible with daytime wear as well. It feels a little bit pleasingly unexpected.' Cronin says she's been wearing it with brown leather sandals and a printed scarf in her hair, although this isn't her only nightie-style dress. 'I also have a vintage French linen nightie that I got in a market in the South of France last year – I love to wear that with a black bra and black big knickers because it actually takes this item that appears very pure and subverts it, making it a little bit cooler.' For my part, I've been wearing this delicious yellow midi on every hot day when London feels too sticky for sartorial conundrums. I wear a nude slip underneath and pair it with my favourite ballet flats or these Zara sandals and I can confirm that Cronin is exactly right: given that these breezy dresses can aid sleep in a heatwave, they're perfect for insufferable commutes on a packed airless train. Many other brands are currently seeing huge success with these sorts of dresses, too. WNU, the label renowned for excellent shirts, has a simple linen dress available in black, red or white, which has already sold out in some sizes. Free People, meanwhile, has countless options like this shift-style mini with a smocked neckline, which would look fab with some ankle socks and loafers to give it a masculine edge. Elsewhere, some of Rixo's best-selling dresses are inspired by vintage nightwear. ©Instagram/@emily___campbell Of course, this phenomenon isn't exactly new; women have been gravitating towards nightgown-adjacent dresses for some time now. You may recall the 'Nap Dress' – the brainchild of Hill House Home which became particularly popular during lockdown thanks to its easy comfort that's infinitely more glamorous than, say, sweatpants – which is still a best-seller. Sleeper, the Ukrainian label based in New York, also made a name for itself with nighties which became some of Instagram's most popular dresses; it has gone from a relatively unknown sleepwear brand to a firm celebrity favourite with a large collection of ready-to-wear. Perhaps it's based on comfort – after all, there are few items of clothing more comfortable than a nightdress – or, on a deeper level, perhaps it's something to do with women eschewing the male gaze; these dresses are mostly oversized, somewhat shapeless creations designed with the wearer in mind. Campbell has her own theory as to why so many women are wearing her dresses out and about: 'Women are inherently practical beings; we want to buy things that are both comfortable and versatile, and there is nothing more versatile than buying a nightdress now. I will always design for the comfort of bed, but the fact our customers are increasingly wearing them out is a joy.' We've been enjoying an uncharacteristically hot spring and summer this year, so I'm not surprised more women have cottoned onto the brilliance of a nightdress. I, for one, am relieved to see that sunny yellow linen when I open my wardrobe in 32-degree heat, when few other clothes feel like an appealing prospect. Therein, possibly, lies the secret: women just want to wear clothes that make us feel great. It's as simple as that. If Only If, Elle Dress I've been relying on this delicious butter yellow dress to see me through the heatwave in style. The linen construction is inherently cool, while the puff sleeves and lace trims add a sweet vintage slant. Free People, Mila Mini Price: £78 Offered in a whopping 11 shades, Free People's mini is breezy enough to the ideal beach coverup, but is also easy to dress up for rooftop drinks with teh right pair of kitten heels. Nobody's Child, White Embroidered Maya Midi Dress Given a bit of structure thanks to the smocked bust and tiered skirt, this embroidered white midi is as comfortable as any other shapeless dress on this list and will be your best summer buy for years to come. Damson Madder, Lulu Mini Dress In signature Damson Madder fashion, the brand's take on the nightdress trend is made playful with embroidered florals, a shirred bust panel and a sweet scalloped hem. Perfect for date nights this summer – simply add a pair of ballet flats and a glossy pink lip. The White Company, Vintage Boho Embroidered Nightie If it's a simple nightie you're after, The White Company makes excellent styles. Case in point, this embroidered cotton mini, which is a dream for the commute and your bed alike. M&S, Cool Comfort Striped Chemise Let's be honest, no one does basics quite like M&S. This striped chemise is the perfect bright addition to your summer wardrobe, with its loose silhouette and ruffled trims along the shoulders and hem. Rixo, Aprilia Midi Dress Coveered in a disty florla print, Rixo's midi dress is reminiscent of the kind of nighties your grandma might have worn, but add a straw basket bag, strappy sandals and dainty gold jewellery, and you're good to take it for a spin outdoors. Sleeper, Atlanta Linen Dress with Rose Detail Celeb-loved brand Sleeper puts a glamorous spin on its linen nightgown-inspired dress with a shirred bodice, billowy sleeves, and a rose detail at the hip that makes it a great choice for your holiday wardrobe. H&M, A-Line Dress Although partly sheer, H&M's airy cotton dress is perfect for pairing with suede sandals and beach waves at practically any holiday you take this year. Hill House Home, The Ellie Nap Dress As the name suggests, Hill House Home's TikTok-famous dress is comfortable enough to nap in. But, dress it up with Mary Janes and some sunglasses, and you've got a summer look that's instantly polished and put-together. Chloé, Gathered Long-Sleeve Mini Dress If you're looking for a boho edge, Chloé does it well with this cotton voile mini featuring dainty florals and ruffle trims at the V-neck collar, cuffs and hem. With Nothing Underneath, Sloane Dress Not one for neutrals? Add With Nothing Underneath's linen mini to your cart. The shapeless linen dress will keep you cool on weekend strolls in the park and stuffy commutes alike. Smock London, Hypatia Dress WIth Sapphire Hand Smocking Another excellent vintage-inspired midi, this classic midi takes the stress out of deciding what to wear on sweltering mornings and balmy evenings. Main image credits: ©Instagram/@emily___campbell @daily_sleeper Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter . But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person
Elle
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
There's A Gingham Summer Dress For Everyone - Here Are 18 Styles To Shop Now
A gingham summer dress is at the top of my summer wish list and I blame three (impeccably dressed) women. First, it was Sarah Jessica Parker, who emerged from an interview wearing a dirndl-inspired, corseted gingham dress (by Austrian designer Lena Hoscheck) atop a vintage-looking blouse. Carrie Bradshaw would approve, I mentally noted. Then, ELLE UK's Daisy Murray teamed a chocolate checked smock dress with a matching headscarf – both by If Only If. Finally, Olivia Rodrigo attended Wimbledon wearing a strawberries-and-cream shirt dress by Ralph Lauren. It was the holy trinity of micro-checks – I was sold. The gingham summer dress isn't a new invention, and that's what makes it such a worthy addition to your wardrobe – it can be worn season after season, decade after decade. For example, the navy and white shift Jane Birkin sports in 1969 film La Piscine wouldn't look out of place today; nor would the pink gingham dress Brigitte Bardot wore to her wedding in 1959 – minus the crinoline, at least for everyday purposes. Allegedly, it was so widely copied that it led to a shortage of gingham fabric in France. Miuccia Prada has long been partial to the print, incorporating it into her own wardrobe, as well as her designs for Prada and Miu Miu. The same goes for Rei Kawakubo, who first introduced gingham into the Comme des Garçons lexicon in 1997, as the fabric of choice for the iconic 'lumps and bumps' collection; the print continues to be a key part of the brand's offering today. If it's good enough for Rei and Miuccia (and Daisy and Sarah Jessica and Olivia), it's good enough for me – and you, dear reader. That's why I've rounded up 18 great gingham summer dresses to see you through the season and for many years to come. From shifts to shirt dresses, midi sundresses to mini smocks, consider this your (gingham) check list. Do like Olivia Rodrigo and step out in a densely-checked shirt dress. To keep things from looking too scholastic, opt for a deep V-neckline or a form-fitting silhouette and finish with a sleek shoulder bag and cat-eye sunglasses. When one thinks of gingham, one thinks of prairie dresses. A puff-sleeve midi and ballet flats are a timeless combination for summer, or go flirtier in the itty-bitty mini from Frankie's Bikinis collab with Bella Hadid – perfect with 1990s-inspired mules. Summer's picnics and garden parties call for a pretty gingham sundress. The fitted bodice and full skirt has a 1950s feel, best contrasted by a pair of modern, minimal sandals or mules. The pencil dress throws off its corporate associations when rendered in gingham print. Róhe's rendition is practically perfect in every way, and looks particularly good with ballet flats and a basket tote – ideally in a riviera setting. The smock dress has our hearts, especially when it's made mini and adorned with gingham checks. Do like ELLE UK's Daisy Murray and wear If Only If's Brigitte dress with the matching headscarf and fisherman sandals. SS25 sees the return of the Sixties-ish shift. Hunza G's halter style doubles as a dress and beach cover-up – wear it with the coordinating bikini and citrus-coloured flip flops. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
