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!
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!
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!