You’ve Seen The Nap Dress, But Have You Heard Of The Snack Dress?

The Nap Dress hit the internet in the early aughts of summer 2020, smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic that's rocked our worlds and pushed us to reconsider the concept that less is more. The flowy, opaque, victorian-meets-minimalist-chic frock formerly understood as a nightgown was now accepted as daywear; because the only places we'd be visiting for the foreseeable future were our couches, beds, desks, or the occasional trip outside (where the only accessory that mattered was our face masks). This dress that could comfortably take us from the bed to the grocery store and back again was a viral-style investment worth making — and now, with a fresh season approaching, we're making a new case for what we're reframing as, "The Snack Dress."

How does The Snack Dress differ from The Nap Dress? The difference is subtle but significant. For starters, it features a bit more structure with a smocked bodice that allows for optimal snacking — including, but not limited to, catching crumbs and acting as a napkin while still maintaining an elegant demeanor. Where The Nap Dress was inherently bedroom born as a sleepwear piece that took to the streets, the power of The Snack Dress lies in its illusion of a carefully curated ensemble — when chances are you woke up in it and just didn't change. In short, it's comfy-chic daywear that secretly doubles as sleepwear.

If you're still not sure how to picture this all-purpose fall frock, scroll forth into the 14 prime-snacking examples we've lined up ahead.

We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. 

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home

Lisa Says Gah Tammy Midi Dress, $, available at Lisa Says Gah

& Other Stories Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Tory Burch Smocked Midi Dress, $, available at Tory Burch

H&M Crinkled Dress, $, available at H&M

Urban Outfitters Emily Smocked Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Madewell Smocked Ruffle-Shoulder Midi Dress in Inkbrush Dots, $, available at Madewell

ASOS CURVE Gingham Mini Smock Dress, $, available at ASOS

Everlane The Smock Dress, $, available at Everlane

Faithfull Anthropologie Faithfull Lilou Smocked Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Daisy Street Plus Long Sleeve Smock Dress in Gingham, $, available at ASOS

RACHEL PARCELL Smocked Ruffle Dress, $, available at Nordstrom

Arket Shirred Sundress, $, available at Arket

Hill House Home The Athena Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home

from refinery29