Over a year and a half later, and I’m still a fan of the ! However, I’ve since added to my collection of just Ellie nap dresses, with the Athena nap dress. Is it a dress? Is it a nightgown? The question I always field whenever I share my Hill House Home dresses… whatever it is, it’s downright cozy and easy to throw on and go!
I’ve previously shared a candid review of the Ellie Hill House nap dress here on Girl Wonder Life. The Ellie style was my gateway nap dress, and even 1.5 years later, I’m still obsessed with the style and the blue gingham print.
However since I’m petite, I always wanted to check out the shorter . I finally pulled the trigger and have some honest thoughts in my Athena nap dress review below.
Athena Nap Dress Review
As mentioned, if you’re looking for a review of the Ellie nap dress, you can read the previous review on the blog. However, this Hill House nap dress review specifically focuses on the Athena style. I enjoy the throw on an go nature of the nap dress, just like every other fangirl. But I will admit, every once and a while the Ellie feels like a bit too much fabric for my frame.
I also am approaching that ripe ole age of 31 where I’m not always a fan of wearing sleeveless tops or dresses. The Athena felt like a good nap dress style alternative to the Ellie, with it’s shorter length and short-sleeves.
Sizing & Fit
Contrary to the Ellie where I’m a small (and feel like it runs generous), the Athena nap dress in a small is too tight in my bust area. The Athena still features the smocked bodice style of the Ellie, but the smocking seems to be a bit tighter coupled with smaller arm holes in the Athena.
Contrary to what the Hill House Home website advises – to size down – I found sizing up to be a better fit. I’m a 34C bust, and the medium Athena fits best.
I’ll admit, I like my Ellie style a bit better because I can wear a normal bra, without issue. The Athena neckline is a bit more of a struggle when it comes to wearing a regular bra. The square-shaped neckline is cut ever so slightly off from where my bra straps sit. Unfortunately, it shows the part of my bra right where the sleeves and neckline meet.
Honestly, I haven’t been able to find a bra of mine that works with the Athena. I make it work by pushing the straps of my bra down to just below my shoulders. I suppose I could wear a strapless bra, but like to avoid them when possible.
As far as length goes, it’s the perfect fit for my 5’3 frame. I love that there isn’t as much fabric, and wears a bit more playful. Again, I take a medium in the Athena. Not only was the small size too tight in my bust, but also felt too short. Sizing up to the medium helped with the length.
Similar to its counterpart the Ellie, the could certainly accommodate an expectant mom. However, I could see it being a bit short, if you’re closer to full-term!
How to Style
Because the Athena nap dress has sleeves, it’s pretty easy to wear it on its own. However, as we head into cooler months, the Athena can be layered, just like the Ellie. I like to toss on a cozy cardigan sweater (the above is a splurge, but oh so cozy!) over my Athena, and also could wear a fun blazer with it.
Initially I ordered the black swiss dot (no longer available, but still is), but unfortunately the swiss dot pattern is quite sheer. I tried it with a slip for photos, but realized it wasn’t going to be something I’d wear very often. I returned and reordered the , which is not sheer at all.
Of course in warmer months, this dress is great paired with a some cute sandals. As it gets cooler, I pair with ballet flats. I also think it’d look cute with some .
Hopefully this follow-up review on a different Hill House nap dress style has been helpful. Overall I really like the Athena style, and am glad I could add it to my rotation. Now if we could just make the small fit changes to the neckline, to be able to wear a normal bra, it’d be perfect!
