Retro Housewife Goes Green

A retro housewife in the modern world.

Ditch the Leggings and Embrace the House Dress

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Ditch the leggings and try a vintage-inspired house dress instead. This simple act can help you feel more productive and put together, plus vintage clothing is so much fun.

vintage housewife in a house dress and apron cooking food with caption ditch the leggings try a house dress, vintage comfort and style

This post is originally from 2017 but I like to make sure to keep the links to places to shop and all the information up-to-date for you. It was last updated in April 2024.

Yoga pants and leggings seem to be the uniform of housewives these days. For years I also wore yoga pants most days. They are comfortable and when you are at home it can be easy to focus on that.

In the last several years, however, I have been getting more into a vintage lifestyle including fashion. I’ve always been interested in the idea of the 1950s housewife and loved 1950s fashion. It was only in the last several years that I found that many people still dress like this. That sparked my desire to wear more vintage clothing and vintage-inspired clothing.

At first, staying in your PJs all day sounds amazing. But pretty soon you can start to feel like a frumpy housewife. Many women find that when they stay at home full-time they lose themselves.

One thing that can help keep that from happening is to ditch the yoga pants and get dressed each morning. If you still want to be comfy consider a house dress instead of stiff jeans.

What is a House Dress?

1950s housewife in house dress and apron getting food from fridge

House dresses have been around for generations. Typically they have been simple dresses worn while doing chores or for quick errands. They were made of washable fabrics and were designed to be very practical.

My favorite house dresses are those from the 1950s. During that time the house dress started to become more stylish. The shirtwaist style was a very popular house dress. They were easy to put on and to wear all day comfortably.

Wrap-style dresses have also been popular house dresses. And any style that you find comfortable is perfect for a house dress. It should just be easy to clean and comfortable to wear while doing chores.

If the vintage clothing style of house dresses appeals to you there are some great vintage clothing stores to check out. Many carry the more casual types of dresses as well as some beautiful dresses for special occasions. I do recommend looking for cotton, lightweight dresses for everyday wear.

The Best Places to Shop for House Dresses

When it comes to house dresses there are a lot of great options out there. They come in different styles as well as price ranges so you are sure to find something that works for you.

We are also going to ignore that I didn’t iron the dresses and aprons in this post. I hate ironing so I didn’t feel like doing it just to get pictures of these dresses. 

Best Budget-Friendly House Dresses

black cherry print dress with black and white gingham apron

For a budget-friendly house dress, I recommend checking out the dresses from Belle Poque on Amazon. I own several pieces from them and I find them to be good quality for the price. Most of their dresses also have pockets which is a nice bonus.

One that I own and wear often is their summer a-line dress. It’s lightweight and very comfortable. I like to pair it with a cardigan and vintage apron for the perfect dress to wear while doing chores but it’s also great to dress up a bit and wear out.

Best Choice for Comfort

A fairly new player in the vintage fashion game is the brand This is My Housedress. I don’t own one yet but it’s on my wish list. Their house dresses remind me of my great grandma. 

They are very flowy and built for comfort. They still have a stylish feel and pockets, have I said yet how much I love pockets? 

Best Ethical and Quality Dresses

My favorite place to shop for clothes I plan to keep forever is Heart of Haute. They are made ethically in LA and are very high quality. I only have tops from Heart of Haute so far but I have a long wishlist of dresses from them. 

They have lovely 100% cotton dresses in vintage styles that are perfect to wear while doing chores or running errands. You will feel beautiful and put together in their dresses. 

Best Fun House Dress Patterns

blue dress with ice cream pattern and a pink gingham apron

I’m a big fan of novelty prints. They make clothes a lot of fun in my opinion. My novelty print dresses are also the ones I get the most compliments on. 

A place I love to shop for fun vintage-inspired house dresses is Unique Vintage. They do a lot of great collaborations with brands like Barbie, Little Golden Books, and Golden Girls. They also have dresses in so many styles so you can find one that is comfortable for you.

Best Customizable House Dresses

purple shirtwaist dress with aqua gingham apron

I don’t believe this style of dress is still available but they have other similar styles.

If you find it hard to get a dress that fits you well a great option is eShakti. They have a lot of great vintage-inspired dresses and every part of the dress is customizable. 

You can customize the size, desired neckline, length, and many other things as well. It makes it easy to get the perfect dress for you. I have purchased several dresses from eShakti. My favorite is their jersey cotton dresses. They are comfortable at home, have pockets, and are great to travel with as they don’t wrinkle.

If you use my referral link to eShakti you will get $50 off your first order!

More Places to Shop for Vintage-Inspired House Dresses

graphic with turquoise background and red, white, and yellow flowers and woman looking at vintage clothing with text online guide vintage clothing stores

While these are some of my favorite places to shop for vintage-inspired house dresses and other clothes there are many other places to check as well. 

I’ve created a full Online Vintage Clothing Stores Guide that is packed with great places to shop online. The guide can help you find the perfect house dresses for you.

Once you have your collection started you will be able to ditch your leggings without sacrificing comfort! 

woman in retro dress sitting on countertop with cookbook and baking supplies

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Comments

      • I love vintage clothes. I was born in the late 60′ s so it was still kinda in vogue for my mom. She made most of my clothes. I miss those vintage styles. Thanks for the places to find them. I would like to wear the house dress even though im single.

        Reply

      • I simply loved the write-up about the house dress from the 1950’s.
        I so loved the 1950’s clean up routine at the end.
        I am wondering why there is no mention of lunch. Just breakfast and dinner.

        Reply

  2. I love a good house dress myself! I actually wear dresses almost day (to work, though!) because I just find them more comfortable than pants!

    I was SO UPSET about Modcloth – but I’m happy to see some great alternatives! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply

    • I think they are more comfortable as well. It’s easier to find a dress that fits than pants.

      I’m really heartbroken about ModCloth. I hope they manage to find a way to hold true to their ideals but I fear that will be hard now.

      Reply

    • I, too, love the 50s (and 60s) look. I buy vintage sewing patterns to sew clothing myself. Regarding ModCloth, I don’t understand the objection to Walmart with Amazon as an ‘alternative’ source? They are primary competitors with similar business models these days.

      Reply

    • I’ve actually sewn my own wrap dresses, you can buy patterns for vintage style clothing way cheaper than the actual attire lol. This was especially important when I was pregnant. That was my go to style for comfort and I’ve always loved 40s and 50s vintage. Modcloth was a bummer though because they had excellent quality dresses.

      Reply

  3. Good afternoon! I was so happy to see this today! Sometimes I feel like I am the only person that feels this way, about dressing ones self 😉 I have been purchasing my nice “out to town” and “church” dresses from JcPenny, I haven’t been able to find a good quality, well fitting work/house dress though. I recently purchased a1940’s house dress pattern online and can’t wait to get it in the mail and start sewing! 🙂

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    • Oh, please send me a photo when you make it! I got a sewing machine but haven’t spent enough time learning to sew yet. I have been eyeing some 1950’s house dresses on Etsy.

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  5. I absolutely love this. I wear pajamas nearly everyday and I do feel so frumpy and unkempt. When I do get dresses my kids always say “why did you get dressed, mom? Are we going somewhere?” We leave the house only about 3-4 times during the week (we homeschool and I work from home). I can’t wait to try this out. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply

    • I am pretty devoted to my leggings, but more and more I’ve been reaching for dresses—especially in the summer. Most of mine are just cotton knit dresses, but I even wear them hiking. So much more comfortable than pants!

      Reply

  6. Ok I love this post. I genuinely think this is possibly my favourite post winner, but I have a problem.. I love the 1950s era, fashion especially, but the reason I have never ‘gone for it’ is because I hate my legs, and I don’t just mean in a vague vanity kind of way, although that is part of it. They have an awful mottled complexion, the pores are red and pronounced, so I don’t wear dresses as I can not be doing with having to wear tights to hide my legs.

    You have to love your kegs to wear a dress, so I live in cotton, shapeless baggy trousers so that they fit my enormous hips. Sad times.

    Reply

    • While I’m all about positive body image and encourage you to work up to embracing your legs, I also understand. Have you tried stockings? I wear stockings when it’s not warm but they are quite thin so they could be warn in warmer weather as well. I also find them more comfortable than tights and panty hose.

      Another option if you want the vintage look, there are super cute pants from the 40’s that are wide leg.

      Reply

    • Sarah, I feel your pain. I have the same problem. A quick and easy fix, especially in the summertime when you don’t want to wear hose of any kind, is a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. It’s usually just enough to even out your skin tone, hide discolorations and veins, and, if you choose one with sunscreen, will protect you from skin cancer and premature aging, as well.

      That said, there isn’t all that much leg showing in a true vintage dress. While the newly made (often in developing countries, by poorly paid women and children without benefits or safe working environments) the real thing is usually at least below-knee and more often mid-calf length. Not only is authentic vintage a bit more modest and more flattering to every figure, it’s also the superior option when it comes to environmental friendliness, social justice, and economics. Something that has lasted since the 1930s, 40s, or 50s, is likely to last a whole lot longer.

      Something poorly constructed of cheap materials is no bargain, no matter how cheap it is to begin with.

      Happy hunting!

      Reply

    • Try eshakti! I am older and have spider veins, so longer dresses or dresses with leggings are good. You can customize the length on any dress, which I have done. Plus they are comfy.

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    • It has been awhile but maybe you will see this. I am older and wear tiered ankle length dresses that have little spaghetti straps. I wear t shirts under them or blouses. I get them on Amazon and they are very reasonable and so so comfortable. I have a LOT of clothes, but these are the things I wear the most, especially at home. Have had many compliments too. I also have some very cute long dresses from free people, also super comfy.

      Reply

  9. Okay, yes! I stay home during the week and wait tables on the weekends. I started doing this about 8 months ago. I just got into really getting myself together early rather than after noon. I wear cute dresses and an apron everyday now and love it. I’m so much more productive and I’m always looking cute so I’m not afraid to answer the door or run to the store super fast when I realize I’m out of something. It is a good life! Loving this blog!

    Reply

  10. You are speaking my language! I have told my husband on numerous occasions that I’m going to bring back the dress as an everyday item. I wear classic skirts or dresses most days, and I’ve received compliments from strangers on how elegant I look. I’m also a huge fan of retro aprons, and nothing gives me greater pleasure than cooking for my family in a dress with a retro apron over it. (<– I should point out that I work full-time and consider myself a feminist, and my wardrobe preferences are not about keeping women in the kitchen).

    Reply

  11. If it helps, I wash all of my Trashy Diva pieces. Some by hand, but mostly on gentle with woolite. Maybe not house dresses, but great day dresses for when you are out and about.
    Getting dressed always lifts my mood!

    Reply

  13. I just found this and love it ! But I am curious what type of shoes to wear all day for the stay at home retired person – love the idea of the day dress – Does anyone know if there are flats that would have the support of asics or new balance – I have to have this. Thank you

    Reply

      • Keen and Aravon make nice supportive shoes although expensive. Sketchers makes a slip on with much more support than a ballet flat.

        I get dressed shoes and all every day. Mostly in jeans and a nice top. I always wear an apron. Love love the pockets.

        Reply

  14. I absolutely love this idea! I also have found the temptation of spending all day home in my PJ’s all too appealing in the past. I now have several casual dresses and skirts that make up my stay-at-home “uniform”. I find that I’m much more productive during the day if I start out fully dressed, etc.

    Reply

  15. I hope I’m not too late to comment on this post. I see the value in getting out of yoga pants into something more intentional. So, what shoes do you ladies wear with your dresses? I only saw one reply to a previous post about shoes. Going barefoot is not an option for me. Walking on hardwood floors all day kills my feet. And heels or dress shoes like I imagine were actually worn in the 1950s is also out! Would love to hear from you all!

    Reply

    • I don’t wear shoes in the house. I often wear slippers in the house. Flats could be a good option as well. My mom likes to wear Birkenstocks, which is a great option if you have foot problems.

      Reply

    • I wear saddle shoes with some if my dresses and skirts as well as kitten heels with padded insoles, lace up flat boots in the cold weather and ballet flats. The saddle shoes are very comfortable and have a memory foam insole, these or other feminine Oxford types might work for you? 🙂

      Reply

      • Those are all great options! I wear ballet flats most of the time. I’m on the hunt for some good, cute boots with a minimal heel and that have good tread for snow and ice.

        Reply

  16. I just found this. During the summer, it’s easy for me to wear skirts and dresses—they are cooler than pants. However, in winter while we’re at home, jeans are warmer. I do still wear wool and corduroy dresses/skirts to church (although some women’s wear pants or even sweats or yoga pants). Any suggestions for dressing warmly (we keep our house cool)?

    Reply

  17. I’m so much more productive in a house dress than yoga pants. Not only that, dresses with cotton clean up great but my yoga pants catch all the animal hair and such and can’t get it out. Also makes me feel more presentable if I have to step out or answer the door.

    Reply

    • All very good points! I used to live in the middle of nowhere and people didn’t just show up. Now I live in town and people just randomly come to the door so it’s really nice to be wearing real clothes, ha.

      Reply

  18. I wear Vionic and Dansko shoes. They are good for your feet, cute and comfortable. Not cheap but they last forever. I have a dress that hangs on a hook and in my closet. I get up in the morning slip my dress on and make the beds.

    Reply

  19. I’m so excited that I’ve found your blog! I’m convinced I was born in the wrong era. I love all things 50’s housewife and I really appreciate all the dress links! I didn’t know there were so many.

    Reply

  20. Just stumbled across your site, and it’s a delight. I too love the “idea” of a house dress, but haven’t been putting it into practice. Thanks for the inspiration to go for it. 🙂

    Reply

  21. I live in dresses and skirts when it is warm enough and/or I don’t have to be outside in the snow.I found the adaptations to the easy tee over at it’s always autumn, and have made several knee length dresses that I wear with leggings. I often get compliments on how I always looks so dressed up, and I explain that these are as comfy as a t-shirt and yoga pants, but you looked like you put much more effort into your outfits. these wouldn’t qualify as retro, but you could find fabric to make it more so.
    An answer to the shoe question, for 35 years, I have worn white keds, or something similar with my casual dresses (think Olivia Newton John in Grease). You could also find slip-on sneakers for sketchers or toms.
    Thanks for the fun article!

    Reply

  22. I love my ballet flat style Crocs. I don’t have any housedresses (although I’d like to try some, thanks for the list!), but I wear my ballet flat style Crocs all the time. They are very comfortable and I feel like they look much cuter and dressier than tennis shoes.

    Reply

  23. Omg!!!! I LOVE this! I am ALWAYS in dresses in the spring/summer/fall. I’m a surfer girl at heart tho I live in MI. My step kids were, at first, “why are you so dressed up?” But it was just a super cute sundress long OR short. And usually from Walmart for under $10. I LOVE your idea to bring back the housedress ? — I’m on your team!

    Reply

  24. I love this idea, but struggle to put it into practice. I’m a full time housewife and I worry that I will ruin my dresses with cleaning products or I’ll just get too hot doing housework this way and swap my pretty clothes for athleisure wear halfway through the day. :/ is there a certain material or design that works best? I’ve always been a fan of the skater dress but the ones I have were too pricey for me to wear while doing housework.

    Reply

    • For warm weather, I like lightweight cotton because it’s breathable. I use an apron when I’m doing anything that could get me dirty.

      During colder months heavier jersey knit dresses are good with a pair of tights or even leggings.

      Search Amazon for affordable cotton dresses. They have some good options and that way you have some cheaper house dresses.

      Reply

  25. Love this! I have been wearing 50s dresses that I got on amazon for about a year. They make you feel so cute even while dumping the trash! And the complements that you get are so nice! I got pearl earrings and necklace from amazon for about 30 dollars to go with my dresses. I wear sandals or flats with them. I am pregnant now, about 5 months along and my dresses won’t fit. I so badly want some dresses that are cotton and not so low in front that I can’t pick up my kids for fear of flashing everyone. Also a dress that covers my knees would be amazing!? If anyone has heard of anything like this out there please let me know? I’m desperate!?

    Reply

    • Since they are temporary have you looked on Amazon? They have a lot of great simple cotton dresses. I’ve never looked for maternity dresses so I don’t have a lot of good sources.

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  26. Well, what a delightful blog this is. I recently retired and am enjoying caring for my home and family. I am also renewing my interest in sewing. I found a seamstress who makes patterns for 50s style clothing. In fact, these patterns are on sale through today on the Butterick website for $ 3.99. Look for Patterns by Gertie. She also has books and YouTube instruction. Enjoy!

    Reply

  27. Great blog, Lisa! I am at home full time and enamored of all things vintage, so your site is a great fit 🙂 In your research, have you ever come across anything about 1950’s grooming tips? Those ladies always looked so soignée… and not just in advertising (where they obviously availed themselves of hairdressers and make-up artists) but even in old family photographs and such. How did they do it with such a rigorous housework schedule? I would love to see a post on this!

    Reply

    • Thank you! That would make a good blog post, I’ll do more research on it. One thing some women did was get their hair done at the salon once a week and didn’t wash it until the next visit. Some also did wet set curls which meant less work in the morning because your hair was setting overnight.

      Reply

  28. Great article! I just want to add a few points about eShakti. They have actual plus sizes. And they offer customization. For an extra $9 you can have it sized to your measurements and you can also change elements like necklines, sleeve lengths and skirt length on most of their dresses. They are also starting to offer an option where you choose between different silhouettes and fabrics on certain dresses. They are really unique among stores when it comes to these features. They are pricey but not more so than many of the makers of new vintage-style clothes. And to be able to buy a dress you really like in a plus size and have it actually fit the way it’s supposed to and look nice is not that common an occurrence.

    Reply

  29. Great post. I live in dresses. Work, play whatever. Find your style and run with it.

    Here is another great resource for you & readers: https://vintagedancer.com/ From Victoria era to the 1970’s, you can find your style… and, likely, size! You will find links to many of the mentioned companies, every style to purchase ready made, or even the sewing patterns. Plus nice outfit ideas and a bit of history. Dig around. You’ll be further inspired.

    Reply

  30. Since I quit my part-time job and started working from home I decided I would not get trapped in yoga pants lol.

    My work dresses were simple and casual and comfortable! So I still wear them every day to do housework, gardening, shopping and of course work.

    There is nothing wrong with yoga pants. I LOVE them. However, I do notice that when I am in either yoga pants or my ‘bloated’ shorts or PJs, I feel less productive, less put together and less likely to go out do things I need to get done.

    I love your post and I am checking out a few of the stores you listed as soon as I finish this comment.

    I can’t wait to look at the rest of your blog posts, I am so glad I found you!!

    Reply

  33. I’m curious, is anyone that does this a farmer or homesteader? I’d LOVE to switch to dressing this way ? But I can’t see realistically being able to do my outdoor homestead work in it…

    Reply

  35. I’m currently 20 weeks pregnant with my first, and have been dying to wear dresses because pants are just not working right now! I used to love vintage clothing and dresses, but I really struggle to make them work from September-May here in Canada. Pantyhose are just the worst, and being in a dress and tights around the house makes me feel a bit like a toddler. Any suggestions to help me feel a little more vintage-fabulous during this pregnancy, without freezing my butt off?

    Reply

  36. Loved the article! However, all the dresses in picture are for summer and when I generally see the 1950s styles they are all short/no sleeve. Could you please write something where you include tips for how to get that sophisticated structured look when long sleeves are a must?

    Reply

  37. What do women that wear dresses do about thigh chaffing? I love the idea but I’m worried my thighs will rub together in warm weather! I hope I’m not the only one with this problem……

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  38. I love wearing housedresses…I find them to be very comfortable…
    Th for listing where I might be able to find some.

    Reply

  39. Hi Lisa
    I love the idea of house dresses and plan to make me a few. I would like to know what these women wore in the winter.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  40. Lisa, I’ve been thinking of house dresses a lot lately. I just got me some shorts-slip. I have made myself one shift dress, or sack dress. It’s mostly just a straight dress, no sleeves and a scoop neck. I’m wanting to make another one, just a tad bigger. It’s rather tight in the chest area.

    Reply

  41. I am more and more for this wearing of dresses…I tend to want to stay in my nightgown all day and then feel guilty (even though they are pretty ankle length victorian gowns) I found great long subs on eshakti for good prices.

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  42. I appreciate the nod to dressing classy in the house (and for yourself), but for actual physical work around the house, it’s worth noting that dresses were impractical for getting down and dirty. No one feels classy with their circle skirt picking up dust and hair from the bathroom floor while scrubbing a tub. It’s worth fast-forwarding to the late 50s/early 60s, when modern housewives wore cute, high ankled pants with a nice knit top. Try cigarette pants instead of yoga pants or capris for a season-independent retro look (your Heart of Haute link offers these!). AND definitely get an apron. Aprons can be full-length and frilly, or simple like a waitress uses – it’s best use is to keep your midsection and lap clean (something that ties at true waist or under your bust) as well as to provide pockets. I got a really cute one from a local pie shop covered in lemons; they look very easy to DIY, too. My apron brightens my day.

    I also promote your recommendation that house-clothes be made of cotton and easy-to-wash, or else they don’t qualify as daywear and you’ll be less likely to *want* to get them dirty and actually clean house. If you avoid stretchy material (in your dresses or pants), they will last longer and keep shape, too.

    While I don’t wear yoga pants, a year of COVID lock-down had had me wearing the same casual thing for days at a time. I like your article for inspiration and it reminds me that I can find an affordable daywear outfit that I can also do chores in: it doesn’t always have to be jeans and a ratty t-shirt, and those sneakers I don’t throw away because I do chores in them XD Thanks!

    Reply

  44. Get on the internet and look up BATSHEVA NYC. My grandson asked if the dress I was wearing at the country club was OLD or just an old style. He is nine and notices.

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  45. Love this! Have thought it would be nice to wear more dresses for every day but haven’t found Simple ones that I liked well enough. These are so cute! Thanks for the encouragement and info!

    Reply

  47. I love this idea and love being productive. I have the dresses but don’t wear them very much because it’s hard to find good shoes that go with them but are comfortable enough to run around the house cleaning. Any ideas?

    Reply

    • I don’t wear shoes in the house because of allergies and it keeps the floors cleaner. I would get a comfortable pair of ballet flats though if you need to wear shoes in the house. Keds has some good ones.

      Reply

  49. I am against the current fashion of active wear becoming the trend for women. I do NOT want to see the detailed shape of other women. It’s disgusting and needs to change so I love the idea of bringing back the house dress. I appreciate the research you put into this topic. I am fascinated.

    Reply

    • I do want to be clear that I’m not trying to police what women wear. We should each do what feels best to us. I just feel like the house dress is a forgotten option.

      Reply

  50. Hi Lisa, I appreciate the great suggestions. I was looking at the Heart of Haute site, and was hoping you could share your experience. Are their dresses lined? Do they need a slip? I don’t have all the right underthings, so I would need to figure in tracking down the correct intimates to make a fully gored skirt wearable and not sheer. Thanks for any insights you can add.

    Reply

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