The Babydoll Dress Comeback Is Giving ’60s Muse Meets ’90s Cool Girl
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What goes around comes around, especially when it comes to fashion trends. And most recently, the trend cycle has embraced babydoll dresses once again.
From Anne Hathaway's boho-chic ensemble at the Odyssey premiere to Olivia Rodrigo's grunge-inspired outfits and Sabrina Carpenter's on-stage stage looks, celebrities are proving that babydoll dresses are the secret to summer styling.
Breezy and effortless, a babydoll dress makes getting dressed in a heatwave significantly easier.
How the Babydoll Dress Entered Mainstream Fashion
The billowy silhouette first arrived onto the scene in the 1940s as a nightgown when money and fabric were in short supply. However, the name was coined in 1956 with the release of the film Baby Doll.
It was until the '60s that the babydoll dress made its way into the mainstream and onto the city streets, though. Model Twiggy and French cinema muse Jane Birkin popularized the swingy mini dress, pairing it with colorful tights, ballet flats, and woven baskets.
In the '90s, Courtney Love wore hers with ripped tights and combat boots, transforming the sweet silhouette into a motif in feminist grunge music scene.
Now, designers including Alexander McQueen, Chloé, and Miu Miu hae re-imaged the babydoll dress on their 2026 runways, and brands like DÔEN and Reformation have followed suit.
In 2026, babydoll dresses are embracing feminie and flirty details like puff sleeves, delicate embroidery, chiffon fabrics, and gingham patterns, aligning with the coquette aesthetic that took over TikTok.
Styling Babydoll Dresses in 2026
"For 2026, the freshest way to style a babydoll dress is to balance its easy, relaxed silhouette with pieces that feel sophisticated and modern," Erin Walsh, stylist to Anne Hathaway, told E!.
"When it comes to color, I’m seeing a lot of rich neutrals and soft, wearable shades—chocolate brown, navy, olive green, butter yellow, soft blush, and creamy ivory," says Walsh.
In terms of accessorizing, the goal is make the dress feel elevated and chic. Walsh recommends pairing them with chunky wedges, loafers, knee-high boots (à la Anne Hathaway), or a pointed-toe flat as well as a structured handbag and sculptural jewelry.
Celeb-Loved
POLIRO Denim Babydoll Dress
"If you feel like you carry weight in your midsection, these little babydoll dresses are always going to be trending," said Southern Charm star Madison LeCroy. The breezy denim pick is an Amazon hidden gem.
Lulus Mirela Peach Textured Shift Mini Dress
Feauturing puff sleeves adorned with bows and a classic square neckline, this textured woven mini dress is a breezy pick that makes for effortless sumer styling.
Out From Under River Ruffle Lace Trim Slip Dress
Channel a '90s vibe with this slip-style dress made from sheer chiffon and layers of lace. Wear it with the base garments of your choice, but we recommend patterned tights and pretty bralette.
Princess Polly Bethanne Babydoll Mini Dress White
Between the Peter Pan collar and lace trim details, this simple white babydoll is giving major '60s energy.
Lulus Kory White Embroidered Flutter Sleeve Mini Dress
A plunging neckline and a deep-v back modernize this fluttery dress embroidered with a floral pattern.
Tomosc Sleeveless Mini Dress
Made from 100% cotton, this easy-to-style v-neck dress is the perfect choice for those days when it feels too hot to get dressed. Plus, there are so many colors to choose from.
Daisy Street Seersucker Cotton Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
For a more elevated feel, opt for this seersucker pick made from breathable cotton. Keyhole cutout shows off some skin while ruffles keep it feminine.
Shiyifa Babydoll Lace Patchwork Dresses
Channel a preppy chic vibe with this polished pick featuring mesh lace embroidery. It's available in several colors, from baby blue (pictured) to trendy butter yellow.
Daisy Street Orielle Puff Sleeve Babydoll Mini Dress
Gingham is so in right now—and ideal for summertime activities. This dress is full of '90s-inspired details like henley style buttons, a frilly collar, and subdued pink hue.
Free-est Jane Mini Dress
A crinkly cotton and modal blend fabric gives this babydoll an airy feel that is begging to be styled on your next beach day adventures.
YUENIU Mini Linen Babydoll Dress
You can easily throw this airy linen dress over a bathing suit on beach days or pair it with sandals and a chunky jewelry for a day on the town. The adjustable straps and pockets are an added bonus.
Lulus Lelina Blue Striped Tie-Front Babydoll Mini Dress
If you prefer soemthing with a little more structure, this striped dress with a triangle bust, empire waist design feels more put together.
Quince’s Nap Dress is a Hill House Home dupe for 60% Off.
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