When the pandemic hit, while many of my friends committed to dressing up and applying full makeup every day, I dove headfirst into leisure wear with an enthusiasm rivaled only by the characters in “Bridgerton.” I relished the liberation from the daily grind of selecting work outfits, assembling the right attire for social events, and worrying about repeat looks. The stress of curating the perfect ensemble vanished along with my packed calendar in March 2020. While I adore sweatpants, hoodies, and everything tie-dye, nothing compares to the freedom and comfort of a nap dress. The more vintage they appear, the more I find myself collecting them.
Despite the limited human interaction outside my household, donning a nightgown during the day felt a bit odd (especially when I threw a sweater over it for Zoom calls). I might have felt cozy, but I didn’t feel quite as put-together. I knew it was time for a wardrobe upgrade, yet I was unenthusiastic about spending hours in uncomfortable work clothes.
I can’t recall where I first encountered a nap dress, but it was everything I dreamed of. The image that captured my attention showed a woman lounging outdoors in her dress, her hair flowing, surrounded by blooming flowers in the sun. She looked stunning, and so did her dress. Though I knew I wouldn’t embody that grace, I was drawn to the soft, frilly design evoking vibes from “Pride and Prejudice” and “Little Women,” two of my all-time favorites. I imagined myself flopping onto my bed, daydreaming, frolicking outside, and layering up as temperatures dipped, thanks to my newfound passion for knitting. As a researcher, I did what any sensible person would do: I bought the dress. For research purposes, of course.
This experience taught me a lot about cherishing time with family, cooking elaborate meals, crafting, and returning to simpler pleasures we often overlook in our fast-paced, tech-driven lives. Life has its challenges, and that’s okay. There’s something about a dress like this that transports me to an era I’ve only read about or seen in countless hours of PBS’ “Masterpiece.” Wearing this dress made me feel connected to a time when people crafted with their hands and didn’t fret over curating the perfect social media image.
Even with snow on the ground, I find myself reaching for my sleeveless nap dress. I loved it so much that I recently invested in another, along with a few other lounge dresses. I look forward to the day when I can wear it out in public, but for now, it serves as the ideal attire for my life as a work-from-home mom. It’s perfect for virtual meetings and cozy evenings spent watching TV with my family. Plus, it’s the best choice for twirling around the living room with my daughter while we jam to Jojo Siwa.
Many women appreciate the comfort of dresses and nightgowns, but the pandemic or not, there has been a stigma against wearing pajamas all day. (I find that the more comfortable I am, the more productive I can be, but who’s counting?) Even if you’re only interacting online, there’s a widely accepted notion that you should dress in “real” clothes each morning.
I understand that the likelihood of being seen is slim unless I’m in the school pickup line, but there’s a certain tranquility in knowing I’m both comfortable and prepared for an unexpected visitor.
The best part of the nap dress? It boosts my confidence. While sweats and pajamas are undeniably comfortable, those who insist on dressing up daily have a point: clothing designed for sleeping and binge-watching doesn’t exactly fuel productivity. With our homes now serving as workplaces, a garment that transitions seamlessly from couch to desk is invaluable, and it makes me feel fabulous. When I feel fabulous, I exude confidence, and with confidence, I can tackle anything.
You may have come across these dresses and thought twice about the price or the concept, but keep in mind that you’ll likely be living in it for a while, making it a worthwhile investment. Plus, you’ll continue to wear it long after the pandemic, whereas my sweats are nearing their end, stretched and stained from countless uses. Once it’s safe to venture out, I’ll be ready to flaunt my finest dresses — you can bet that my nap dress will be at the forefront.
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Summary
In a world captivated by comfort during the pandemic, nap dresses have become a favorite of mine, blending style and ease. They evoke nostalgia and confidence, reminding me of simpler times. With the joy of wearing my nap dress at home, I’ve learned the importance of comfort in productivity and self-expression. As I eagerly await the day I can flaunt it in public, I cherish every twirl with my daughter and every virtual meeting in my cozy attire.