The Hill House Home Nap Dress has achieved cult status in recent years—and for good reason. With its effortlessly chic silhouette, comfortable fit, and versatile styling options, it’s no surprise that fashion fans and influencers alike have embraced it. After observing the hype from afar for quite some time, I finally took the plunge and ordered my very first Nap Dress. Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed! Read on for my full, honest review, styling tips, sizing guides, fabric impressions, and some affordable alternatives for budget-conscious shoppers.
Before we get into the details: Don’t forget that you can often get $20 off your first Nap Dress during special offers or through Hill House Home referral links during sales events. It’s the perfect incentive to treat yourself to something stylish yet functional.
After much deliberation, I ordered two versions of the Ellie Nap Dress: one in rich navy blue and the other in the striking Botanical Green print. I originally intended to try on both and return the one that didn’t fit well – but in the end, both were just right.
The smocked bodice and wide straps create a flattering, feminine silhouette that provides support without being constricting. The navy blue version is incredibly versatile – a classic I’ve worn in many different ways – while the Botanical Green version is vibrant and playful – ideal for those who want to make a statement.
Styling Tip: The Ellie Nap Dress is perfect for casual occasions, but with the right shoes and jewelry, it can also be dressed up for dates, parties, or even weddings.
One of the biggest advantages of the Nap Dress is that it’s so easy to style across the seasons. In the warmer months, I pair it with white sneakers, flat sandals, or espadrilles. For example:
Sneaker Combination: Try the Veja Campo sneakers for a clean, chic look.
Casual Sandals: The Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals are ideal for summer comfort.
In fall, I layer it with a chunky cardigan or a slim turtleneck sweater. Pair it with ankle boots or loafers for a cozy fall look in no time.
Layering Tip: The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Cardigan is a soft and affordable basic.
Shoes for Fall: I like to wear the dress with Madewell’s Frances loafers for a sophisticated, preppy look.
I’ve worn the navy Ellie to a football game with sneakers and the green one to Sunday service with gold hoop earrings and strappy sandals—both times I felt confident and well-dressed.
Hill House Home recommends sizing down, and I agree. I opted for a size S, but I’m sure I could have gone for an XS for a more fitted look. The smocked bodice is stretchy and elastic, so there’s some wiggle room.
Pro Tip: If you’re between sizes, size down unless you prefer a looser fit.
The Ellie Nap Dress is made of 100% cotton poplin—lightweight, breathable, and ideal for humid southern summers. I was relieved that none of my dresses were see-through, so I didn’t need any slips!
Laundering is also a breeze. I washed my dresses with similar colors in cold water, laid them flat to dry, and steamed them briefly before wearing them. They looked like new! Don’t hang them by the straps, though—fold them over a hanger to preserve the smocking.
Tip: Some seasonal collections feature sheer or more delicate fabrics. If you choose to wear these, choose skin-colored underwear or a simple cotton slip to avoid any see-through surprises.
Hill House has expanded its fabric range beyond cotton poplin to include crepe, lace, silk, velvet, and even tulle. I recently tried a crepe version and loved how soft and wrinkle-resistant it is—perfect for travel or all-day wear.
Looking for something more formal? Try:
Silk Ellie Dress: Perfect for weddings or elegant dinners.
Velvet Nap Dress: A cozy, luxurious option for the holiday season.
Tulle or Lace Edition: Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, baby showers, or bridal brunches.
After almost a year of nap dresses, I have a few clear favorites:
Black Poplin Ellie Dress: The ultimate wardrobe staple. Chic and versatile.
Pink Botanical Ellie: Feminine and playful for spring and summer events.
Navy Tartan Ellie: A must-have for the holidays! The pattern is playful yet timeless.
Each dress adds something unique to my wardrobe, and I love how easy it is to personalize it with different accessories and shoes.
If the price isn’t quite in your budget, don’t worry! There are some fantastic lookalikes that capture the same energy for less:
The Nap Dress won me over with its comfort, quality, and endless styling possibilities. While it’s a pricey proposition for many (myself included!), it’s worth it if you value clothes that can easily be worn across different seasons and occasions.
However, if day dresses aren’t your style or you don’t plan on wearing them regularly, this might not be the right choice. Luckily, there are plenty of duplicates available, so you can easily try out the look before committing to the original.
We at Faye’s Home Style offer genuine opinions on fashion, style, and home décor. Learn how to show off your individual style!
We at Faye’s Home Style offer genuine opinions on fashion, style, and home décor. Learn how to show off your individual style!
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