Fashion

This divisive Nineties trend just got a high-fashion makeover

April 20, 2025

It seems that every season, the fashion set gets behind a divisive trend they once swore they’d never welcome back into their wardrobes again. First came skinny jeans, then peplum tops—and now, for Spring/Summer 2025, yet another classic Noughties staple is back in the limelight: the babydoll dress.

Known for its loose-fitting, romantic silhouette, the babydoll dress has grown up significantly since its humble nightwear beginnings. It was popularised by musician and style icon Courtney Love in the ’90s, quickly becoming the It-girl item of the time—before quietly disappearing into the fashion ether once again.

The return of babydoll dresses has been teased a few times over the years since, but it wasn’t until the latest season of shows that the trend became official. For Spring/Summer 2025, some of fashion’s most prominent designers took it upon themselves to reimagine the once-maligned style for the modern day, bringing it back to the fore once more.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We’re talking about Loewe, Chloé, Emilia Wickstead, Cecilie Bahnsen, and Alberta Ferretti, of course, all of whom included their own takes on the dress as part of their collections. Think babydoll dresses upgraded courtesy of ruffles, floral prints, billowing fabrics, floral appliqués and bold colours, matching each brand’s unique aesthetic.

On the street style front, influencers and editors have also been quick to embrace the trend—and provided some real-world outfit inspiration to boot. Think bold, textured looks achieved by pairing a frothy red babydoll with pale pink lace tights and chunky trainers, or a strappy black style layered over a long-sleeve t-shirt and worn with boots for a more casual, everyday vibe.

Alternatively, channel the easy-breezy boho aesthetic at Chloé, and pair a floaty, semi-sheer, ruffled babydoll mini with ballerina flats and simple accessories for a look that ticks off multiple trends in one.

Influencer wearing a babydoll dress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Woman wearing a babydoll dress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

So, are you ready to give the trend a(nother) go? Below, we have cherry-picked the most chic babydoll dresses on the market right now, that prove the dress should have a place in your 2025 wardrobe.