From the milkmaid from the midi that dominated fashion last year to the corset dresses at every wedding this summer: fashion loves to surprise us every now and then with a piece of clothing that we thought (or hoped?) we would never see again.
Now it’s the season of the babydoll dress: a silhouette with a rich fashion history – and a good dose of controversy. Following in the footsteps of grunge icon Courtney Love Olivia Rodrigo the name behind this year’s babydoll revival. She makes the thigh-length silhouette her signature dress for her album tour You Seem Pretty Sad for A Girl So In Love.
The babydoll dress is making a comeback this summer
As a child of the nineties, I can completely embrace this summer trend. For those of us who remember Love’s mesmerizing stage presence, it is the babydoll dress is not a symbol of cuteness, but of rebellion. A dress with a mid-thigh hem and delicate lace details won’t feel so cute when paired with a pair of Dr. Martens and an anger you can smell through the TV screen.
The 5 dress trends that all chic fashion types are wearing >
Text continues below the image
In addition, the voluminous, mid-thigh proportions of the babydoll dress are very flattering, especially for smaller women. If you’re drowning in voluminous midi dresses, this is the perfect alternative.
So, how do you style a babydoll dress?
There are actually no restrictions. Take inspiration from the grunge women (as I will do) and combine a vintage babydoll – extra points for silk in a sugar almond color – with a pair of lace-up boots, or go for something less flashy and opt for ballerinas. Sneakers work too: add ribbed socks and a bomber jacket for a look so contrasting, it somehow works perfectly. And for the evening? Avoid delicate heels and instead opt for a flat shoe with a sharp point.
These are the colors you’ll see everywhere this summer >
It goes without saying that this dress silhouette is perfect for heat waves and holidays. Choose fresh cotton or pure silk and you will get through the most stuffy days effortlessly. One of the best I’ve found is from Free People: their pure cotton design comes in a striking red, complete with refined details that enhance the vintage look. Australian brand My Mum Made It makes some perfect mini dresses with puff sleeves, while Elsa Hosk’s label Helsa focuses on little dresses. Below you will find the most beautiful babydoll dresses to wear with confidence this summer.
Most beautiful babydoll dresses for the summer
Cecilie Bahnsen White dress with puff sleeves
Now with a 41% discount
free-est Babydoll mini dress
ASOS DESIGN Babydoll button-up mini dress
Ganni Babydoll mini dress
ASOS DESIGN Checked babydoll mini dress
Miu Miu Poplin mini dress
The big fashion trends for spring and summer 2026 >
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing retail strategy and content across fashion, beauty and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, and has also regularly updated a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, classic cashmere brands and new clothing brands to know. Roberta has more than 15 years of experience in the luxury sector, including editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel and Vogue. When you’re not testing beauty products, trying out trends and curating content showcasing the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found browsing resale sites and vintage stores in search of a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
