The nap dress hit its stride during the summer of 2020, smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic that forced us to accept the fact that when it comes to stay-at-home-style, less is more. The flowy, Victorian-meets-minimalist-chic frock formerly understood as a nightgown was now accepted as daywear; because the only places we’d be visiting for the foreseeable future were our couches, beds, desks, or the grocery store (where the only accessory that mattered was our face masks). Suddenly, it was a viral-style investment worth making — and now, with a fresh season approaching, we’re making a new case for what we’re reframing as the “snack dress.”
How does the snack dress differ from the nap dress? The difference is subtle, but bear with us while we brush Cheetos’ dust off the couch. For starters, the frock features a bit more structure with a smocked bodice that allows for optimal snacking — it can catch crumbs and act as a napkin while still helping the wearer maintain an elegant demeanor. Where the nap dress was inherently bedroom-born as a sleepwear piece that took to the streets, the snack dress is comfy daywear that secretly doubles as sleepwear.
Yes, the distinction is blurry; yes, there are Cheetos all over the carpet; and yes, it’s possible that sleeping, snacking, and going about our lives in a nightgown is a holdover from last summer that we’re not quite ready to let go of. Either way, if you’re still not sure how to picture this all-purpose frock, scroll forth to see 20 prime-snacking examples that we’ve lined up ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
H&M Smock-Detail Dress, $, available at H&M
Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Christy Dawn The Brooklyn Dress, $, available at Christy Dawn
Everlane The Smock Maxi Dress, $, available at Everlane
Abercrombie & Fitch Smocked Bodice Easy Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Topshop Smocked Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Madewell Silk Lucie Smocked Mini Dress, $, available at Madewell
ASOS DESIGN Curve Shirred Bustier Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS
Miessial Striped Linen Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Ganni Seersucker Shirred Midi Dress, $, available at Ganni
Max Studio Paisley Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
UO Tessie Smocked Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Forever That Girl Tiered Ruffled Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Ellos Smocked Bodice Tank Dress, $, available at Amazon
Endless Summer Kalina Midi, $, available at Free People
& Other Stories Embroidered Sleeveless Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Reformation Greyson Linen Dress, $, available at Reformation
Zesica Strapless Beach Maxi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Zara Floral Print Dress, $, available at Zara
Tanya Taylor Lina Dress, $, available at Tanya Taylor
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
29 Tiered Dresses Perfect For Post-Turkey Naps
These 5 Dresses Were Everywhere This Summer
Portable Lap Desks That Are Total Space Savers
