Floored

In certain books, the characters talk about dressing for dinner and then show up for cocktails freshly groomed and in a lovely frock.

I certainly didn't grow up in a fancy household, but my mother would often change for dinner, frequently putting on some ethnic, longish dress and some beads.

I don't usually have chance to do that, but when it's hot, I find I want to shower toward the end of the day, and I love the idea of putting on a "gown" rather than sweatpants.

Yesterday's Times was on the same track, with a feature in the style section on day or "patio" dresses. Okay, not the same as dinner clothes, but a similar, hostessy vibe. Only these are dresses you can slip on, say, for a barbecue with bare feet.

I love this one by Rachel Pally available in plus sizes at Nordstrom. There's a similar one (plus one in black) in standard sizes, too.