Okay… we need to address the elephant in the room. Back in August I finally bought a Hill House Nap Dress. I know, I know! I kept saying I was not going to buy one because spending over $100 on a day dress seems outrageous to me. For months, I followed this brand on social media and saw a bunch of my friends on IG rave about these dresses. So I waited for a sale and finally caved. So here are some Kim Thoughts about this dress that every preppy, girlie, cottage-core dress owns.
What I Bought and How Much:
I had my eye on the Midnight Garden Poppin pattern since it dropped earlier in the summer. I decided I liked the look of the Ophelia dress the best with the puff sleeves and the tie at the front. Plus, and probably the main reason I finally pulled the trigger on this dress, it was on sale! These dresses are normally $175. The sale made this dress $140, and then I had a discount code from my Instagram friend Talia. With tax and shipping, I spent $118.72 on this dress. Which still feels like a lot for a dress. In my mind, to make this dress worth it, I need to wear it at least 12 times. Because I am aware of that, I have been trying to wear this dress on special occasions (like Kayla’s birthday dinner and hopefully for Thanksgiving).
Dress Review:
I had to size up because my normal size was sold out in the pattern I wanted, but I think that was the right move. This dress felt very comfortable but I don’t know why it’s called a nap dress. I don’t think I could comfortably take a nap in this dress (and I can fall asleep anywhere). The material was sturdy and good quality, but not super soft. I love the length and the way it makes my tata’s look. I know puff sleeves are very in style these days and may be a fading trend, but I also like that about this dress. The pattern gives off the vibe that this is a green dress, but it’s actually navy with green leaves. This dress has veggies on it which I think is so fun. I definitely like it when my clothes have a little quirkiness to them and this dress fits the bill. The fit of the dress was very flattering and I was thrilled to learn this dress has pockets! But does all of this make this $118.72 dress worth the cost?
Quality Over Quantity?
I struggle with knowing the value of clothing. Because its very obvious that a $10 dress from Shein is exploiting its workers and not using great materials. But if a dress is $175, does that automatically make it sustainable, good quality or ethically made?
Their website establishes them as:
With a design-centric approach, we offer impeccable quality, and timeless, delicate styles through quality products designed to enhance and celebrate life. Our aesthetic point-of-view and customer-led approach bring a fresh, accessible perspective to these time honored categories.
So while I do agree the quality is there, I still don’t have enough information to know if these were ethically made or with environmental impact in mind. It’s tough for every company to hit every single one of those boxes, but this is something I like to think about especially if I am spending over $100 on an item of clothing. That does not make this brand good or bad, I just thought about this while I considered buying this dress for a few months.
I also struggle with wearing something that is so obviously from a certain brand. My style is not incredibly unique but I am not crazy about the idea of wearing something so obvious that someone could point out the brand and store I got it from just by looking at me on the street.
I understand why Hill House does different drops for new dresses and patterns, but honestly- the only thing I am willing to fight tooth and nail over online is a ticket to a Taylor Swift concert. I am not strong enough to do this for a dress every few months. If you are, I’m impressed.
Was It Worth It?
Do I feel like I need more Nap Dresses? No. Was it worth the $100? No, I think these dresses are overpriced. But that doesn’t mean I regret buying this dress!
While I love my print and style dress, I do think Hill House dresses are overhyped. At the core of why I probably won’t buy more: these dresses are not really my style. I have a lot of IG friends who swear by Hill House and own multiple dresses. Good for them! I am happy with my one dress but I don’t feel the need to buy more right now. I literally struggle to find places where I can wear this dress. I think if I dressed girlier, then these dresses would be right up my alley. So I won’t yuck anyone’s yum, but I did feel the need to get this off my chest.
Do you own a nap dress? I would love to know your thoughts!
Thanks for reading! xx