You might remember the “This Is What a Feminist Looks Like” slogan tee that went viral in 2014 – the one spotted on Emma Watson, Alexa Chung, Lena Dunham, and, yes, Ed Miliband. (Maybe it’s no surprise that particular brand of hashtag feminism faded away.) After seeing so many so-called “granny” trends take over this year, I can’t help but wonder: what does a granny actually look like?

If the fashion world is anything to go by, the modern granny wardrobe includes orthopaedic sandals, a silk headscarf, floral prints fit for curtains, and almond-toe pumps – all of which you’re just as likely to see on a 20-something in Dalston as on an actual older person these days. That brings us to one of summer 2026’s key dress trends: the “granny” nightie.

Featured in this article:
– The Classic: Dôen Lelia nightdress – $260, NET-A-PORTER
– The Luxe Ruffle: Chloé Ready-to-wear dress – $1,990, CHLOE
– The Sweet: Gap Nightgown dress – $99, GAP
– The Lace-Trimmed: Cou Cou Intimates The slip dress – $190, COUCOU INTIMATES
– The Maxi: Thierry Colson Vladia dress – $790, NET-A-PORTER
– The Gingham: If Only If Clover nightdress – $199, NORDSTROM

Championed on runways at Chloé, Victoria Beckham, and others – and loved by It-girls like Bella Hadid, Alexa Chung, Kaia Gerber, and Olivia Rodrigo – the granny nightie is defined by its lightweight cotton or silk fabric, loose fit, and whimsical details like ribbons, lace, or broderie anglaise. The key to keeping it current is all in how you style it.

Vogue contributing editor Julia Hobbs previously told Vogue how she wears her favorite nightie (a ruffled, broderie anglaise cotton minidress from Petra Collins’s I’m Sorry label) with bug-eye sunglasses and silver jewelry in LA. “The mood is very: grown-up girlhood,” she said at the time.

There’s definitely a hint of The Virgin Suicides to this trend, but modern styling is about bringing that ethereal look back down to earth. Fashion journalist Harling Ross, who launched a capsule collection of nightie-inspired dresses with If Only If last year, stresses the importance of structure when styling the look for 2026. “Structured shoes (like loafers or chunky sandals), a bit of jewelry, and a bag with some weight (like suede or leather) are always reliable ways to ground a nightgown firmly in daywear,” she says.

When shopping the trend, look to Dôen for broderie anglaise, Free People for modern bohemia, and If Only If for loose, babydoll fits. But for that true “old-lady-standing-on-the-deck-of-the-Titanic-clutching-the-Heart-of-the-Ocean” vibe, you can’t go wrong with vintage finds from sites like Etsy and eBay (try searching “vintage Edwardian nightie dress”). Just watch out for fabrics and avoid anything synthetic – classic cottons and silks are not only better in the heat, but they also reduce the risk of static cling.

Save to wishlist:
– Dôen Lelia embroidered nightdress – $260, NET-A-PORTER
– Posse Harriet mini dress – $360, SHOPBOP
– Dôen Nessie mini dress – $300, NET-A-PORTER
– Dôen Lelia nightdress – $260, NET-A-PORTER
– Chloé Ready-to-wear dress – $1,990, CHLOE
– Gap Nightgown dress – $99, GAP
– Cou Cou Intimates The slip dress – $190, COUCOU INTIMATES
– Thierry Colson Vladia dress – $790, NET-A-PORTER
– Miu Miu Embroidered marocain dress – $2,500, MIU MIU
– Zara Embroidered nightgown – $79, ZARA
– Staud Leda dress – $650, NET-A-PORTER
– If Only If Clover nightdress – $199, NORDSTROM
– Petite Plume Clara nightgown – $108, PETITE PLUME
– Mango Embroidered nightgown – $89, NORDSTROM

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the granny nightgown becoming the musthave summer item written in a natural tone

Beginner Questions

1 Wait what exactly is a granny nightgown
Its a loose flowy nightgown usually made of soft cotton or linen Think classic full coverage often with a high neckline long sleeves or short puff sleeves and maybe some lace or smocking Its the opposite of a slinky tight chemise

2 Why is this suddenly trendy for summer
Because its incredibly comfortable and breathable People are prioritizing sleeping in style and want something that looks cute but doesnt stick to you in the heat Its basically pajamas you can also wear to brunch

3 Is it just for sleeping or can I wear it outside
Thats the best part The trend is all about loungewear as fashion You can absolutely wear it as a dress for a casual day out Just add sandals a straw bag and maybe a denim jacket

4 Im hot at night Wont a long nightgown make me sweat more
Surprisingly no The loose fit allows air to circulate and natural fabrics like cotton and linen actually wick moisture away from your skin better than synthetic tightfitting pajamas

5 Where can I find one
You can find them everywhere right now Check out brands like Sleeper Target Amazon Etsy for vintage ones or even the nightgown section of your grandmas closet

Intermediate Questions

6 Whats the difference between a granny nightgown and a regular nightgown
Its all in the vibe A regular nightgown is often silky and sexy A granny nightgown is intentionally modest cozy and nostalgic Its about looking cute while being completely covered and comfortable like a modern version of a Victorian chemise

7 How do I style a granny nightgown for daytime without looking like I just rolled out of bed
Accessorize Add a wide belt to cinch the waist throw on a pair of chunky sneakers or flat mules and layer with a