Maternity Nap Dresses Exist, Because 2020 Isn't All Bad

HATCH
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If you told the old me that 19th-century prairie dresses would come back in style in the year 2020, I would've laughed in disbelief. But if Greta Gerwig's trendsetting adaptation of Little Women tells us anything about timeless fashion, it's that ruffly sleeved dresses are as versatile as they are elegant. Now they're more popular than ever, too. "Nap dresses" are what they're called, and they're in high demand everywhere. Contrary to their name, which was trademarked by Hill House Home founder Nell Diamond in early 2020, nap dresses aren't glorified nightgowns, though they certainly are just as comfortable — so comfortable, in fact, that they make for the ultimate go-to maternity outfit. Soft, flowy fabric with a feminine aesthetic, a nap dress is perfect for those days where you want to look glamorous and put-together, but barely have enough energy to touch your toes. Ahead, see the cutest maternity Nap Dresses (and a few that are not maternity but would still work for pregnancy).

Ingrid & Isabel Flutter Sleeve Maternity Midi Dress
ingridandisabel.com

Ingrid & Isabel Flutter Sleeve Maternity Midi Dress

For the moments you wish you were relaxing at the beach or strolling the cobblestone streets of Capri, this nautical, multistriped dress gives off total boho-chic vibes, especially for a nap dress. Pair this Ingrid & Isabel Flutter Sleeve Maternity Midi Dress ($120) with a wide-brimmed sun hat, or wear it while you're sitting on the couch. Either way, it'll make you look yacht-ready.

PinkBlush Off Shoulder Tassel Tie Maxi Dress
pinkblushmaternity.com

PinkBlush Off Shoulder Tassel Tie Maxi Dress

This full-length nap dress is so comfortable it'll make you feel like you're breaking every rule in the book by wearing a pair of pajamas outside the house. This PinkBlush Off Shoulder Tassel Tie Maxi Dress ($65) has a cinched off-the-shoulder neckline and an oversize fit from waistline to hemline, making it effortless to move and lounge around in.

TopShop Pastel Dream Wrap Dress
nordstromrack.com

TopShop Pastel Dream Wrap Dress

Combining the flower-power aesthetic of the 1970s with the conservatively fitted dress design of the 1870s, this whimsical yet refined nap dress is one of the best in Topshop's current maternity collection. With dramatic elements like puffed sleeves and a tiered and flared hemline, you can both look and feel extra groovy while wearing this modern-vintage TopShop Pastel Dream Wrap Dress ($30).

Reformation Marabella Dress
thereformation.com

Reformation Marabella Dress

Characterized by its capped sleeves and relaxed silhouette, this Reformation Marabella Dress ($248) is understated and feminine. Most importantly, it's designed with both comfort and luxury in mind. Especially made for bigger busts, the stretchy fabric of the gathered bodice of this nap dress is a total game changer, and the quality alone is well worth the price.

boohoo Denim Tiered Smock Dress
us.boohoo.com

boohoo Denim Tiered Smock Dress

Though you would probably never think to wear a denim dress during any stage of your pregnancy, this boohoo Denim Tiered Smock Dress ($20) might give you a reason to reevaluate. (Don't worry, this type of denim is a soft and giving fabric that's often used in maternity wear.) If you miss the all-American look that's unique to a pair of blue jeans but you're in no state to wiggle them past your hips, this blue nap dress is an easy alternative.

NOM Maternity Landon Floral-Print Maxi Nursing Dress
bloomingdales.com

NOM Maternity Landon Floral-Print Maxi Nursing Dress

Designed to fit before, after, and during pregnancy, this NOM Maternity Landon Floral-Print Maxi Nursing Dress ($100) is designed like a nap dress but looks as flirty, fun, and fabulous as a party dress. The blue and pink floral pattern makes it an excellent statement-making addition to your closet.

SHEIN Bishop Sleeve Shirred Waist Solid Dress
us.shein.com

SHEIN Bishop Sleeve Shirred Waist Solid Dress

For an elegant maternity nap dress on a budget, look no further than SHEIN. With a sweetheart neckline, this SHEIN Bishop Sleeve Shirred Waist Solid Dress ($20) is a total must have. Though the fabric looks a lot like pleated linen, it's actually a spandex-cotton blend, as is most maternity wear.

Gap Maternity Eyelet V-Neck Dress
gap.com

Gap Maternity Eyelet V-Neck Dress

Designed to look like a traditional nap dress, but far more modern and less Victorian ghost, this simple Maternity Eyelet V-Neck Dress ($56, was $70) is from Gap's maternity collection. One-hundred percent cotton with eyelet texturing gives this girl-next-door dress a vintage flare, and it can easily be dressed up or down, depending on where you decide to wear it.

Old Navy Maternity Printed Ruffle-Sleeve V-Neck Dress
oldnavy.gap.com

Old Navy Maternity Printed Ruffle-Sleeve V-Neck Dress

This Old Navy Maternity Printed Ruffle-Sleeve V-Neck Dress ($25) comes in yellow, red, and black, and is as dreamy and romantic as nap dresses get. The elasticized bust-line, loose-fitting sleeves, and delicate fabric make it a cozy third-trimester dress with a fashionable first-trimester look.

Max Studio Floral Midi Dress
saksoff5th.com

Max Studio Floral Midi Dress

This eclectic Max Studio Floral Midi Dress ($55) is Little House on the Prairie meets Paris Fashion Week. Timeless yet on-trend with an elegant split-neck neckline and tailored elbow-length sleeves, this southern-inspired nap dress will establish you as the most fashion-forward mom on the block (or the prairie).

24/7 Comfort Apparel Off Shoulder Soft Flare Midi Dress
jcpenney.com

24/7 Comfort Apparel Off Shoulder Soft Flare Midi Dress

It's right there in the name of the dress — if 24/7 comfort is what you're looking for in maternity wear, this one will be the Nap Dress of your dreams. Made of a polyester and spandex blend, the fabric of this 24/7 Comfort Apparel Off Shoulder Soft Flare Midi Dress ($45) has a ton of give, ideal for a changing, curvaceous silhouette.

Knox Rose Short Sleeve Midi Dress
target.com

Knox Rose Short Sleeve Midi Dress

With the flouncy sleeve of a nap dress, this Knox Rose Short Sleeve Midi Dress ($35) is conveniently available at your local Target. Its soft, lightweight fabric and front-tie waist closure ensures an adjustable fit for the duration of your pregnancy.

H&M MAMA Smocked Dress
tinyurl.com

H&M MAMA Smocked Dress

Constructed of 100 percent viscose fabric, a soft material that looks like luminous silk but feels like cotton, it's very possible you could find yourself wearing this every day of your pregnancy. Flowy, butterfly-sleeved, and a classic black and white print, this H&M MAMA Smocked Dress ($55) is sure to be your next closet staple.

HATCH Secret Nursing Dress
hatchcollection.com

HATCH Secret Nursing Dress

When it comes to nap dresses, the flowier the better, and HATCH seems to agree. Featuring dynamic design elements like breathable fabric, chest slits with hidden snaps, and even pockets, this French-made HATCH Secret Nursing Dress ($230) will be your best friend and perhaps your best-kept secret during and after your pregnancy.

Nesli Nap Dress
hillhousehome.com

Nesli Nap Dress

The company that rebirthed it all, Hill House Home has the largest selection of nap dresses. The Nesli Nap Dress ($125), which comes in blue and rose botanical, is an A-line nap dress with a tiered midi skirt and elbow-length puff sleeves. Though it's not technically part of a maternity collection, it's roomy enough for someone dressing for two.