The Hill House Akilah Nap Dress

Akilah Nap Dress (c/o), similar heels, earrings (c/o)

Hill House is offering free 2-day express shipping on all orders over $100!
You can grab a nap dress as a holiday outfit or a last minute gift.

Hill House kindly invited me to shop at their new pop-up on Mercer Street in SoHo. It was such a sweet space that felt like a sophisticated holiday sugar plum fairy dream. Carly and I both were headed to the pop-up for the same reason so we decided to make a trip together! It was so much fun and if you have the chance to head in this holiday season, you definitely should. They also had so many cute gifting kits and the store was merchandised beautifully. I tried on all the dresses I had been eyeing for a while. In particular, I was really eyeing the Akilah nap dress. When I put it on, I loved it so much, that I audibly gasped in the dressing room. I think the Akilah might just be my favorite silhouette from Nap Dress Nation.

If you happen to have read my full review on the classic Ellie Nap Dress, you know that I’m obsessed (as are most women, right?!). I have a few key pointers on Ellie sizing, particularly if you’re busty. I’ll give an abridged version quickly: with the Ellie, you can size down, however the length of the smocking is typically shorter in the XL than in the XXL. The circumference of the smocking in both sizes is very generous, so if you prefer a longer smocked area, I’d get your normal size, but if that is not a concern, you should certainly size down. If you get your normal size, the skirt will be roomy, but I prefer a little more flow in the skirt if it means I get the bust fit just right! That same fit criteria isn’t the same with the Akilah, however!

I have to start by saying the Akilah is maybe my favorite dress I’ve tried on in quite sometime, not just within nap dresses. The Akilah has a longer smocked area than the Ellie, so I would actually say this is ideal if you have a larger chest. However, you should get your normal size with the Akilah regardless of your bust. This dress definitely runs true to size and because of the off-the-shoulder design, it has a more structured feel in the shoulders. The skirt also hangs more vertically, whereas the Ellie has more flounce and an a-line feel. I tried on the XL and XXL in store, the fit was similar, but I decided to go with my normal XXL because the fit in the shoulders was more comfortable. On the Hill House website, they also advise you get your typical size with the Akilah!

The fit is fabulous on this dress and the bodice is just incredible. As mentioned, the smocking here is a bit longer, it hits your waistline giving great definition between the skirt and torso. The smocking narrows near the armpit, under the ruffle flounce, to allow more room to move your arms. The ruffle flounce completely covers where the smocking narrows. So, if you try it on and think, why is it smaller here, just trust me it works – I promise! You can wear the shoulders two ways which I really appreciate. I also wear the ruffle a little lower on my arms than the model does, mainly for comfort! Contrary to popular belief, I’m only 5’6 and 1/2″ lol (I’m asked everyday and the response always surprises), so the skirt is a little longer on me than the model. If you adjust the shoulders, the bodice moves up a little bit and the length of the dress is a smidge shorter. There is less material in the Akilah skirt than in the Ellie, but it’s not snug or a slim fit. It’s really just so lovely on and I feel like it vibes with my curves so well.

If you can’t tell by now, I am a big fan of the Akilah dress! I think the sumptuous velvet is lovely for the holidays. The velvet is sold out in the xxl, but they have xxl in the Akilah in other colors and prints. They have all sizes in stock in this one depending on the print! I already know this will be my dress of 2022. As a reminder, Hill House is offering freee 2-day express shipping on all orders over $100, so your nap dress can arrive in time for the holiday whether for yourself or for a gift!

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