The ‘demented grandma’ look of choice on my street is an avant-garde lagenlook I quite admire
I don’t have any house dresses. I have been thinking about aprons and smocks though - for gardening as much as cooking.

Thanks @Star - not easy to find house dresses in these warmer colours!

@Lisa I'm not sure actually - since it's secondhand, the label has rubbed off It's breathable like cotton, but you can see there's a bit of drape to the stiffness - so maybe a cotton viscose blend? Either way, it's perfect for my current WFH lifestyle!

That said, I agree with @Janet that it's not a very flattering look in public. I'm thinking of maybe belting it once I do (eventually) wear it outside. Maybe I could even throw on one of @Roxanna's 'demented grandma' jumpers & then 'rest' the welted hem on the belt buckle for a little structure? I usually just add a big blanket scarf if I get cold when I'm at home.

that sheer parka is super-interesting, Sharan. I'd love to see a pic of it on you.

Agreed - 'sheer' is a great way to add a layer without it adding visual bulk! Also I'd say your choice is more 'quirky waif' than 'demented grandma' because it's a shorter dress in a solid colour.

I wouldn't look anywhere near as cool in those accessories paired with my orange & black maxi muumuu/ kaftan

Hmm. I don't have a WSJ subscription but when I hear "housedress" I'm picturing South Philadelphia grandmas scrubbing the front steps to their rowhouses.

Zip (or snaps) down the front and two big patch pockets:

https://www.amazon.com/Nationa.....lp_pl_dp_3

I remember my grandma wearing house dresses with an apron to do housework. I wonder now how comfortable that actually was.

Some of the nighties (“sleep dresses”) in the link are gorgeous. I recently bought a summer nightgown. I think, with careful accessorizing, it could pass as a dress.

Lisa, here are a couple of shots from when I got the jacket, during NAS 2018. It's such a useful little jacket--good for wind and light rain, and it feels and packs up so light.