COVID, for me, has ushered in a new appreciation for the house dress. Every evening, at 5 p.m., I put away my work materials, splash my face with water, reapply some mascara and blush, and change clothes. It’s become a ritualized buffer between “work Jen” and “Mom Jen” and I always feel so much better (more energized, more prepared for the evening rush) when I’ve claimed that small sliver of time as a designated transition. Most evenings, I like to slip into a loose-fitting dress that makes me feel pretty but is as comfortable as pajamas. I’ve written about all of these extensively, but the top five dresses I reach for night after night are:
2 // SZ BLOCKPRINTS DRESS
3 // HILL HOUSE NAP DRESS — I ESPECIALLY LOVE THE NESLI AT THE MOMENT BECAUSE IT HAS SLEEVES AND IT’S STILL KIND OF CHILLY OUT
4 // LORETTA CAPONI DRESS — MINE IS LAST SEASON, BUT SIMILAR TO THIS AND THIS (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS)
5 // SMOCKED SEA DRESS — MINE IS A DIFFERENT PATTERN/MATERIAL I BOUGHT LAST FALL, BUT I HAVE WORN IT ABOUT 34909 TIMES THIS SEASON…IT IS SO COMFORTABLE, SO FLATTERING, SO EASY TO WEAR
I am trying to be more mindful of practicality when I order myself clothes — I am a true Magpie, always drawn towards the dramatic and sparkly and novel! — so I literally sat down to evaluate what makes the above-five dresses so precious to me. The commonalities are that all have sleeves, all are midi-to-maxi length, none have buttons/closures that require work, and all are loose-fitting but flattering. I like that I never have to adjust with these dresses — nothing is ever inadvertently revealed or hanging out. When you’re playing on the floor with children or stirring with one hand and consoling with another — you don’t want to also be trying to adjust your neckline or hemline. Lastly, all are attractive enough that if I need to dash out to the store or fetch something from the lobby, I don’t need to worry about my appearance!
Accordingly, below are other options along similar lines that I am eyeing for myself for the evening hour…
THIS MIRTH DRESS IN SUCH A GREAT PINK PRINT
BASICALLY EVERYTHING FROM EMERSON FRY, BUT ESPECIALLY THIS DRESS AND THIS BELTED STYLE
MILLE SAFFRON DRESS (LOOK FOR LESS WITH THIS)
DAPHNE WILDE (CAN BE WORN SANS BELT, TOO)
MI GOLONDRINA — I HAVE A SHORTER-LENGTH ONE, BUT WOULD LOVE A MIDI OR MAXI
A tiny bit fussier, but I have also had my eye on a Sue Sartor dress for awhile, which is in a similar vein, though the sleeves might make dishes difficult.
I am always wearing these velvet mules at home. They are just the most comfortable shoe, and sturdy enough for running down to the lobby (and, occasionally, around the corner for milk!).
Of course, there are rainy, cold nights where I just want to wear my softest joggers, an oversized sweatshirt, and a top knot, too.
P.S. Totally unrelated to the above, but two beauty discoveries since my last beauty-centric post that I’m itching to try: Saie glowy super gel and Cle de Peau lip perfector. And preliminary review: I am in love with that Elemis balm I mentioned earlier this week, but I am having a difficult time fitting into my skincare regimen! At the moment, it’s competing with my beloved daily scrubby facial cleanser — I don’t want to use both because it feels like it’s undoing the work of the other. I’ve been alternating which I use. I know this is more about experience than results, but Elemis just feels like such a relaxing, luxurious step at night. You massage a beautifully scented balm into your skin and then wipe away the day gently with a warm wash cloth. I love it. Meanwhile, Tata has been great for my skin but it is a bit more bracing/abrasive.
P.P.S. My beauty hall of fame here. I stand behind each of these products. Love, love, love.
P.P.P.S. I’m a cautious tearaway. (How about you?)