20 Comfy House Dresses Stylish Enough to be Spotted In (Even If You Won't Be)

Woman relaxing on deck chair in backyard, reading a book
Woman relaxing on deck chair in backyard, reading a book

Kathrin Ziegler

There's a lot to love about stretchy pants that you can do everything from practice yoga to nap in. But they're no match for the put-together feeling of picking out a day dress, not to mention the automatic confidence boast that comes with catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror wearing something flirty and fun.

Thanks to today's fashion trends, that instant composure doesn't have to come at the price of your comfort. The soft fabrics of your favorite worn-in t-shirt have joined forces with loosely fitting silhouettes for stylish pieces you can wear while lounging on the front porch, eating dinner on the patio with friends, or simply enjoying doing nothing at all. Because who says you can't feel special while binging Netflix or rereading your favorite book? From flowy maxi dresses to relaxed shirt dresses, we've pulled a few picks from around the web that are as cozy as activewear but can add a bit more flair to even the laziest day spent at home.

Somerset Maxi Dress in Navy

BUY IT: $168; anthropologie.com

Lightweight cotton, a smocked waist, and an easy pullover style make this maxi a warm-weather winner.

Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress
Anthropologie Somerset Maxi Dress

Universal Thread Puff Elbow Sleeve Babydoll Dress in Pink

BUY IT: $25; target.com

Wear it for running errands around town or as a beach cover-up.

Universal Thread Babydoll Dress in Pink
Universal Thread Babydoll Dress in Pink

ASTR the Label Pleated Bodice Bubble Sleeve Dress in Sage

BUY IT: $95; nordstrom.com

We're suckers for puff sleeves and a breezy linen blend.

Nordstrom ASTR The Label Pleated Bodice Bubble Sleeve Dress
Nordstrom ASTR The Label Pleated Bodice Bubble Sleeve Dress

Who What Wear Puff Short Sleeve Dress in Pink

BUY IT: $38; target.com

We're ready for a vacation, and this polka-dot pick is perfectly packable.

Who What Wear Puff Short Sleeve Dress
Who What Wear Puff Short Sleeve Dress

Vince Camuto Tie Dye T-Shirt Dress in Rich Navy

BUY IT: $89; nordstrom.com

VInce Camuto Tie Dye T-Shirt Dress in Rich Navy
VInce Camuto Tie Dye T-Shirt Dress in Rich Navy

BB Dakota Arianna Sleeveless Tiered Cotton Maxi Dress in Canary Yellow

BUY IT: $39; nordstrom.com

The sunny crinkled cotton maxi is ideal for summer, but it'll also pair well with a denim jacket for fall.

BB Dakota Arianna Sleeveless Maxi
BB Dakota Arianna Sleeveless Maxi

A New Day Short Sleeve Rib Knit T-Shirt Dress

BUY IT: $20; target.com

The softness of your favorite T-shirt meets an outing-appropriate silhouette.

A New Day Short Sleeve Rib Knit T-Shirt Dress
A New Day Short Sleeve Rib Knit T-Shirt Dress

Fern Tiered Dress

BUY IT: $98; anthropologie.com

We're all about the boho vibes of the Henley-style button front and flowy, three-quarter sleeves.

Fern Tiered Maxi Dress
Fern Tiered Maxi Dress

Universal Thread Striped Tiered Sleeveless Dress in Multicolor

BUY IT: $30; target.com

Wear the rainbow! P.s. There are coordinating kids' styles in this pattern too.

Universal Thread Striped Tiered Sleeveless Dress in Multicolor
Universal Thread Striped Tiered Sleeveless Dress in Multicolor

Maeve Destin Mini Dress in Neutral

BUY IT: $148; anthropologie.com

Add a tailored waist with the belt, or remove it to wear it as an A-line tunic.

Maeve Destin Mini Dress in Neutral
Maeve Destin Mini Dress in Neutral

Boho Floral Printed Dress

BUY IT: $25; amazon.com

Adjustable straps ensure a comfortable fit.

Boho Floral Printed Dress
Boho Floral Printed Dress

ASTR the Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress in Black

BUY IT: $89; nordstrom.com

The gauzy dress comes in four colors. We like the black, as it'll transition well to fall.

ASTR the Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress in Black
ASTR the Label Tiered Short Sleeve Dress in Black

ODIANTRD Polka Dot Ruffled Short Sleeve Dress

BUY IT: $30; walmart.com

It's all in the details: A ruffled collar, a whimsical animal print, and a flattering tie at the waist.

ODIANTRD Polka Dot Ruffled Dress
ODIANTRD Polka Dot Ruffled Dress

Universal Thread Floral Print Ruffle Sleeveless Dress

BUY IT: $35; target.com

Blue and white is always a match made in style heaven, and this dress is no exception.

Universal Thread Floral Print Ruffle Sleeveless Dress
Universal Thread Floral Print Ruffle Sleeveless Dress

PRETTYGARDEN Plaid Ruffled Sleeveless Dress in Red

BUY IT: $31; amazon.com

The search for the perfect picnic dress is over ... we've found it! It also comes in yellow, black, and blue check.

PRETTYGARDEN Plaid Ruffle Sundress
PRETTYGARDEN Plaid Ruffle Sundress

Universal Thread Puff Elbow Sleeve Dress in Purple

BUY IT: $35; target.com

Covered buttons and stitched details make this dress look far more expensive than its price tag.

Universal Thread Puff Elbow Sleeve Dress in Purple
Universal Thread Puff Elbow Sleeve Dress in Purple

Tie-Back Cami Maxi Dress in Purple Ombre

BUY IT: $90; gap.com

The cotton-weave, tie-back racerback maxi comes in tall and petite sizes too.

Gap Tie-Back Cami Dress in Purple Ombre
Gap Tie-Back Cami Dress in Purple Ombre

Linen-Cotton Maxi Shirtdress in Fresh White

BUY IT: $80; gap.com

There's nothing we love more for the dog days of summer than a little white dress.

Gap Linen Cotton Maxi Shirt Dress
Gap Linen Cotton Maxi Shirt Dress

Beach Tunic in Gingham

BUY IT: $118; jcrew.com

It may be called a beach tunic, but you can bet your bottom dollar we'd wear this to neighborhood block parties and the grocery store too.

J Crew Beach Tunic in Pink Gingham
J Crew Beach Tunic in Pink Gingham

Knit Cutaway Tank Maxi Dress in Scenic Aqua

BUY IT: $80; jcrew.com

It's the easiest outfit ever: Just add sandals or sneakers and you're ready to go.

J Crew Knit Cutaway Tank Maxi Dress in Scenic Aqua
J Crew Knit Cutaway Tank Maxi Dress in Scenic Aqua