Babydoll
A babydoll is a short, sometimes sleeveless, loose-fitting nightgown or negligee intended as nightwear for women. It sometimes has formed cups called a bralette for cleavage with an attached, loose-fitting skirt falling in length usually between the upper thigh and the belly button. The garment is often trimmed with lace, ruffles, appliques, marabou fur, bows, and ribbons, optionally with spaghetti straps. Sometimes it is made of sheer or translucent fabric like nylon or chiffon or silk.
History
The name was popularized by the 1956 movie Baby Doll starring Carroll Baker in the title role as a 19-year-old nymphet, which essentially marked the beginning of the enduring popularity of the style for adults.
Babydolls became a prominent part of the "kinderwhore" look during the early-to-mid-1990s due to the popularity of riot Grrrl and grunge performers like Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland.
Contemporary style
It is now a highly eroticized item of adult apparel, often classified as a form of lingerie. Adult babydolls are quite different from the infant babydolls; they fully expose the woman's legs, and some styles emphasize or deliberately expose the breasts as well. The gown is often sold as a set with matching panties, as a typical babydoll is short enough that underwear is visible if worn. Styles of the same general length but not intended to emphasize sex appeal are sometimes called shortie nightgowns.
Babydolls are now available in a sufficiently wide variety of styles that many lingerie retailers consider babydolls a distinct department. Modern babydolls often vary considerably from the styles of the 1960s and 1970s. Babydoll negligees from the 1950s to the early 1980s are now collectible vintage items. Some babydolls open in front and resemble a robe or peignoir.
Short daywear dresses of a similar style are sometimes called babydoll dresses; the name is sometimes two words, baby doll, and sometimes hyphenated, baby-doll. Some styles are similar to what is worn by dolls in the form of infants, and by some infants; the gown is short enough that diapers are easily changed. However, there may be an alternative origin for the style, if one considers the lineage of lace-trimmed shortie bedjackets and bed-capes of the 1930s and 1940s.
Babydolls are now becoming popular as bridal lingerie as they prove to be a more affordable alternative to a bridal corset and the buyer usually has a greater choice of designs and colours.
How to Wear a Babydoll Dress
Often, babydoll dresses are marketed to the under-forty age group because of its youthful cut. However, because of the ability of the babydoll dress to hide figure flaws with its forgiving silhouette, designers do use darker shades and heavier fabrics to appeal to older women as well. There are several ways to wear a babydoll dress to create a unique, fun outfit.
- Leggings: Pair the dress with long leggings to create a more mature appearance. Leggings under the dress can detract from the too-young look of the babydoll dress.
- Longer Length: Leave the shorter babydoll dresses to children. As an adult, choose one that just skims the knee for a more suitable style.
- Footwear: Pairing the babydoll dress with high heels creates a sweet, stylish, and sexy outfit that is perfect for a dinner party or date night. Pairing the babydoll dress with leggings and high boots can create a casual, comfortable look or a sophisticated style, depending on the fabric.
- Jeans: Wear skinny jeans with a babydoll dress and create a casual outfit that is relaxed but still feminine.
- Accessories: Choose accessories to compliment the babydoll dress. Thick, chunky jewelry or thin, delicate pieces can be added to accessorize any desired style. And, for reasonable prices, scarves can also be paired with both muted and bold colors to achieve a variety of looks.
- Babydoll dresses can be fun to wear and look good on almost any figure.
Attire
- Boyish Shape
Baby doll dresses help those with a boyish shape by creating the illusion of more fullness and curves. Since a baby doll dress is flowing, it can create an appearance that you are heavier than you truly are. For the best appearance, pair it with a belt worn high up on the waist to define your waist.
- Full-Figured Women
Full-figured women can also look great in a baby doll dress as it hides imperfections and fuller areas of the body that one might be self-conscious about. Busty women are able to wear baby doll dresses without being inappropriate. Also, several baby doll dresses are made with built-in cups or support to better accentuate a woman's curves.
- Long Legs
Baby doll dresses are known for being shorter in length. Therefore, they work well with women with long legs. The short length shows off long legs, but those with shorter legs can still wear them well when paired with high heels or platforms.
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