Nothing compares to the romantic swish of a babydoll dress. With their regency waistlines that puff out like clouds of girlishness, babydoll silhouettes are the Sixties-inspired style statement that never quite left the fashion imagination. Often crafted from whimsical tulle or cotton, the nostalgic garments radiate vintage aura - transporting the wearer back to a time when frills reigned supreme and the King’s Road was the place to be.
Originally designed as nightwear by Sylvia Pedlar in 1942 in response to wartime fabric rationing, the thigh-skimming babydoll earned its name following the cinematic release of Tennessee Williams' Babydoll, in which actress Carroll Baker wore a short-sleeved frilled version. The shift style of the frock famously took off in the 1960s, when hemlines shortened following the end of World War II. Flouncing silhouettes quickly replaced more modest, structured design favoured during the more subdued Forties and Fifties, giving way to the youthquake revolution that dominated the streets of London.
© Courtesy of Sabrina CarpenterMuses across the pond from Twiggy to Sharon Tate helped to catalyse the popularity of the babydoll dress, the cheeky lingerie-inspired design of the piece conveying an unapologetic glamour that women craved after years of mid-war austerity.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeShapeless and free-flowing, the dresses promised breezy, effortless wear for women rebelling against the ultra-feminine sculptural designs popularised by Dior’s ‘New Look.’ Plus, the pull of the food-baby-friendly babydoll is still as strong as ever. Modern day society sweethearts from Sabrina Carpenter to Emily Ratajkowski and Kaia Gerber have all sported the kittenish frock, paying homage to the power of vintage dress codes via the lace-frosted nightwear throw-ons.
Brands including Doen, Rixo, Ganni and Reformation have been quick to snap up the silhouette for recent collections - with Chemena Kamali's Chloé remaining the number one champion of the floaty, bohemian style.
Looking at the stats, it seems that the babydoll is very much here to stay. According to one Pinterest Report: “1960s-inspired babydoll silhouettes and playful polka dots are trending, with Gen Z giving vintage fashion a fresh spin - in time for Clueless’s 30th anniversary,” with search results for the term ‘60s babydoll’ up by a major 2,514 per cent and ‘60s babydoll aesthetic’ up by an even more impressive 4,428 per cent.
© ImaxtreeLean into Swinging Sixties style and discover our favourite babydoll dresses below.
Dreamy babydoll dresses to shop now:
Ruffled Lace-Trimmed Silk Georgette Mini Dress
Chloé
Crafted from low-impact materials in a dreamy sea green hue, this luxury take on the retro babydoll is reserved for whimsical dressers. Finished with fanciful lace detailing and a georgette silhouette, this designer garment is one to treasure forever.
Almadia Mini Dress
Dôen
Cut to a romantic babydoll silhouette with scalloped crochet trims along the neckline, Dôen's Almadia dress oozes California cool with a vintage twist.
Daydream Dress
My Mum Made It
Introducing the new cool-girl brand to know - My Mum Made It. The independent label is brimming with covetable babydolls, and this rendition with a a glorious mint green satin finish caught our eye.
Yoke Mini Dress
Deiji Studios
Cool-girl label Deiji Studios is essential when curating the ultimate sustainable wardrobe this season. Striped with a soft cotton finish, this airy mini is the ideal throw-on option when the weather warms.
Ophelia Lace Mini Dress
Aje
Transform your summer wardrobe with an ornate lick of lace courtesy of Aussie brand Aje. The Ophelia Lace Mini Dress is a lesson in girlish glam - primed for those wanting to infuse their archive with some ruffled romance.
Copeland Dress
Sea
Clueless meets cottagecore in Sea's plaid mini dress. Crafted form lightweight cotton, this vibrant number pairs effortlessly with cowboy boots for a breezy, Americana look.
Sofia Strapless Bow-Detailed Taffeta Mini Dress
Staud
One of our favourite picks on the list, Staud's Sofia Dress is an ode to girlish glamour. Made from pale pink taffeta with a strapless design and bow detailing, this sweet yet unexpected number is set to whip up a fashion frenzy.
Joliette Dress
Reformation
Look ethereal in cream thanks to Reformation's Joilette Dress. Complete with a vintage-inspired cut and a floaty design, this sweet pick is an homage to timeless Sixties style.
Juno Mini Dress
Free People
Unearth your dream dress with Free People's array of babydolls - available in a wide range of tempting tones. Free-flowing and breathable, this easy-wear frock is perfect for afternoons spent basking in the sunshine.
How we chose the pieces:
Style: Each item on this list features a babydoll silhouette for achieving maximum flounce-factor.
Price: We have selected items from a range of high street and designer brands, allowing for each budget to indulge in this trend.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. Best Quality Designer Handbag may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
