Let’s get into it. Is the Hill House Nap Dress worth the money?
I have to admit, I was a Hill House Nap Dress skeptic. Over the last year or so, I saw the Nap Dress take the internet, social media, and even our zoom calls by storm and I questioned it. Was it REALLY worth the price tag? Over $100 for a sundress? Was this another of instagram’s famous fashion brands that wasn’t worth the money? The facebook group dedicated to these dresses is legendary! I had to see if this nap dress trend was all that it seemed to be!
I knew it sold out quickly, and I knew that the prints were cute. But that was about it. So like all good internet trends, I had to give it a try. I ordered the Ellie Nap Dress in a limited edition Navy Check and the Nesli Nap Dress in a light blue glitter check. And after many many wears, I’m ready to give my full review.
Hill House Nap Dress: A Full Review
Shop Both Dresses:
I will say, every time I’ve worn one of the Nap dresses……I get a LOT of compliments. In fact, the first time I gave one a whirl, I wore it to our family day at A Touch of Disney and y’all asked about the dress more than anything else. They’re the perfect combination of cottage core and hip while being comfortable and wearable (thanks to the smocked bodice style they’re perfect for all day wear and movement). They ARE on the pricey side (about $125)…..but I’m at the point in my life where I’d rather invest in less pieces but high quality pieces. I’ve already worn both dresses multiple times (and I just ordered the Ellie in a limited edition Iris Tartan). In fact, they’ve become a staple in my Disneyland outfits (I think the tartan is perfect for a visit to Avengers Campus). They’re perfect for casual wear with sneakers or sandals and can easily be dressed up with heels. I even ordered Lydia a tiny Ellie nap dress of her very own. Next up for me? The Caroline Nap dress or the Akilah Nap Dress or the Ava dress.
Sizing: One of the biggest questions I’ve gotten about the Nap Dress? Has to do with whether it runs true to size. In my experience, the Hill House Nap Dress sizing is generous. I tend to wear a size 10 to 12, and the medium fits perfectly. The dresses are currently made in up to a 2XL but I have friends who wear a 3XL that have said the 2XL fits them ideally. If you’re in between, I’d definitely size down from your normal size. Remember, you can always return or exchange to find the best fit for all body types!
Fit and Style: Now let’s talk how it fits. For my pear shaped body? I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cut of the Nap Dress….no wonder the fans (who call themselves)Nap Dress Nation are so obsessed! One bonus? It’s very easy to adjust to your body type thanks to the gathered top. I can adjust to my liking and it feels GREAT. I love that it’s flowy without looking like a pillowcase and the sleeves? Oh the sleeves. Both the Ellie and the Nesli have GREAT sleeves (one is sleeveless and the other has adorable puff sleeves that can be worn on or off the shoulder).
Bra-Friendliness: Let’s be honest, this is key right? If I’m wearing a dress all day (a fancy one or a house dress)…..frankly I’d rather not have to wear a strapless bra. Both of Hill House Home’s Nap Dress options that I own are bra friendly, and I wear a regular bra with straps. Since you can adjust the gathered top to be higher or lower, it’s pretty easy to be sure that everything is covered.
Fabric: The fabric is one of the most important parts of loving the Nap Dresses (in my opinion). Hill House Nap Dresses are unlined, and are made from a fairly thin cotton. Notice that I have colored dresses. I’ve found them to be not at all sheer and the fabric is soft and comfortable. I have heard that the white dresses can be a bit sheer…..so I’ve stayed away from those. I have to admit, I’m tempted to try the pink and white Bubblegum stripe dress.…..it MAY be thick enough to not be sheer. If you own this one, let me know your thoughts! The Hill House Nap Dress is constantly released in limited edition options. Each collection (like the Victorian Romance collection filled with floral prints or the Holiday Collection filled with rich velvets) contains different colors, new prints, new fabrics and a few new products. While new styles are introduced, every release includes the original nap dress.
My Suggestions: Trying to decide where to start? I’d go with a classic color (potentially the plain navy or black or the light blue glitter check) in the most popular style options (the ellie or athena nap dress). Look for one that will be versatile from spring to summer to fall and that can easily be layered. For me? When I’m spending this much on a piece, I want to be sure I’ll get a ton of use out of it. I try to think of at LEAST three places or ways I can wear the piece. And for the Nap Dress? That’s easy as pie. This cotton dress layered with a denim jacket and sneakers is perfect for cooler days. Worn with ears and great backpack at Disneyland is perfect for comfy style. And dressed up with wedge sandals and great earrings is perfect for a date night.
How to Snag One: The trickiest part? Snagging your first nap dress. They sell out FAST FAST FAST (that’s what you get for loving this viral sensation of a brand ) and for good reason (especially the limited edition colors like the navy tulle collector’s edition ellie nap dress or moody floral poplin). They recently launched a kids’ collection and it was almost totally sold out within an hour or so! I check the site randomly and every now and again something will have restocked. Hill House also announces drops on their Instagram account (be sure to set an alarm because these comfy dresses go FAST)!
Do you own a Hill House Nap Dress? Thoughts? Recommendations for your favorite way to style a Hill House Home Nap Dress?
