Sweatsuits are great and all, and I look forward to embracing them again when the weather cools down, but I'm ready for a change now that temperatures have been in the 90-degree range recently where I live. And, as is often the case, Instagram has presented me with a new alternative: summer pajamas. They're not just for sleeping, folks. So many pajamas these days are pretty and polished enough to be perfectly suitable for daytime lounging too, hence the rise of the trend this season.
Stylish pajama sets have become increasingly popular over the years, but this summer, we're also seeing the return of nightgowns or nap dresses, sort of like the ones your mom (or you) used to wear in the '80s and '90s. Think flowy, embroidered, eyelet, and/or floral, with brands like Sleeper and Dôen being the perfect example. This romantic, Victorian-era lounge aesthetic has been coined "cottagecore." According to Urban Dictionary, it's defined as "a niche aesthetic based around the visual culture of an idealized life on a Western farm. Common themes include sustainability, gardens, farm animals, rural living, and nature." (The New York Times lays out all the cottagecore facts for you here.)
Scroll on to see how stylish women are wearing their summer pajamas and shop the sets and nightgowns that deserve a place in your loungewear wardrobe this season.
Smocking and puffed sleeves makes for a very on-trend nightgown.
The dress is a cult favorite for a reason.
Madewell made a sleep dress, so now I want a sleep dress.
This brand has lots of lovely styles to choose from on Amazon.
This beautiful Dôen dress is nice enough to wear outside, too.
This also comes in a blue option. Good luck choosing.
I could be argued that Dôen helped start the cottagecore trend.
Simple and sweet.
It's easy to see why everyone is obsessed with the brand Sleeper.
If you haven't heard of this L.A.-based brand yet, time to get it on your radar.
I'm a sucker for anything in this color.
Wow, this looks comfy.
Another lovely Sleeper option if pajama sets are more your speed.
This pretty set looks far more expensive than it is.
This looks on-sale gem looks like a vintage find.
Not technically a nightgown, but it could be.
Perfect for the dog days of summer to come.
This set from Aimee Song's Song of Style line at Revolve is so good that I just added it to my cart.
I'd wear this set out in the world with a pair of square-toe sandals.
Shop the matching Laurel Shorts ($138).
Easy on the eyes and the wallet.
I love the little ruffled shorts so much.
Who wouldn't want to take a field nap in this dreamy dress?
I like that this is called a Ballet Nightgown.
This print is just so lovely.
How to stay cozy in the summer.
Quite a bit more polished than a sweatsuit, wouldn't you say?
This nightgown is one you'll wear every summer, year after year.
You can thank me later for putting this adorable brand on your radar.
Easy breezy.
Next up, 25 cozy bathrobes we highly recommend.
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