Wanted: Modern-day Housecoat

Does anyone remember the housecoat?  The idea was borderline genius:  A simple, loose-fitting, above-the-knee dress with pockets.  Short sleeves for the spring/summer, long sleeves for the fall/winter.  Comfy and practical, perfect for wearing around the house.

My grandmother loved a housecoat and, like most women of her generation, wore one every day.  She had a collection that could rival the wealthiest of women, if wealthy women bought housecoats.  She received a new one every Christmas (long-sleeved) and for each birthday (short-sleeved).  Always in a floral print.  Always with a rounded collar.  Always with snaps in the front and patch pockets to hold her lipstick, a pencil and a pair of scissors.  The housecoat was her generation’s version of sweats:  Something easy and casual to wear around the house, most commonly without a bra.

I usually lounge in yoga pants, but during the summer I throw on a cheap, cotton sundress instead.  My go-to, “I’m-not-leaving-the-house-today-and-it’s-too-hot-to-wear-anything-tight” outfit is a kelly green, empire-waisted tank dress.  It works, but it’s no housecoat.  I recently searched online for a modern-day version, but all I found were silk robes, kimonos (neither of which work, by the way, because they slip open much too easily) and the exact same housecoats that my grandma wore forty-plus years ago:  Cotton/polyester blend dusters in old-lady floral prints with rounded collars and snap-front closures.  Not exactly fashion-forward.

So what’s a girl to do?  If I was a talented seamstress, I would make my own.  But I’m not, so instead I am issuing an open invitation to all fashion designers and retailers, from Versace to Target, Neiman Marcus to Old Navy, to get on board with my 2015 housecoat movement.  We need a modern version NOW.  It should be simple and washable.  Something updated and fashionable, in both neutral colors and bold patterns.  Something figure flattering and form-fitting, but not too tight.  Something with a built-in bra so the girls can breathe, and don’t forget those front patch pockets … Those are a keeper.  After all, a girl’s gotta have a place for her cell phone … and maybe even a pair of scissors, too.

J.Crew, are you listening?

– LJDT

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