$25 Kmart dress dividing Australia: Fashion-forward find or glorified nightie?

What happens when a budget retailer's frock sparks a nationwide debate about where sleepwear ends and street style begins? Kmart's latest sensation has shoppers—and fashion experts—firmly split down the middle.

The controversy centres around a $25 Satin Tie Mini Dress that's been flying off shelves faster than you can say 'is that a nightgown?'

While some fashion-forward shoppers are declaring it their 'best bargain find of the year,' others are wondering if it should come with a pillow and matching slippers.

When TikTok meets the fashion runway

Social media content creator Laura Lloyd ignited the debate when she showcased what Kmart officially describes as designed to 'turn heads' and perfect for 'parties, evenings out, or special occasions where you want a stylish and polished look.'

Her video has racked up over 120,000 views, with comments ranging from 'Wow I need!' to the rather pointed 'Shouldn't these be in the PJ section?'

The dress features a lace-trimmed neckline with tie-front detail and comes in classic black or brown and white polka dots. But it's the satin finish that's got everyone talking—and dividing.

What many Australian shoppers might not realise is that they're actually witnessing a major fashion moment. As fashion experts note, 'The message was clear: don't save your best nightdress for bedtime.'

This isn't just a Kmart experiment—it's part of a global trend that's been building momentum throughout 2025.

The comfort revolution meets high fashion

The trend has serious runway credentials, with Chloé sending 'loose-fitting dresses wafting down its runway for spring/summer 2025, trimmed with lace and paired with platform sandals and layered necklaces.'

Meanwhile, Collina Strada showcased 'dresses of the silky variety,' and Dries Van Noten featured a 'delicate slip.'

This shift towards comfort-meets-style isn't happening in a vacuum. Fashion experts trace this trend back to 'the pandemic-induced lockdowns of 2020, when people were mandated to stay home and sales of sweatpants surged.'

Even after restrictions lifted, 'the hankering for comfort never left.'

For many Australians over 60, this debate might feel familiar. After decades of navigating dress codes and 'appropriate' attire, the idea of wearing something comfortable that also looks put-together has obvious appeal.

A scandal as old as fashion itself

The controversy over nightwear as daywear isn't new. Back in 1783, French artist Elizabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun painted Marie Antoinette wearing a chemise dress—essentially an undergarment—which was 'deemed too inappropriate for public viewership and quickly removed' from an exhibition.

As fashion historians point out, 'nighties loom large in popular culture' and there's 'something exposing about a nightdress and therefore also something liberating and pretty punk rock about wearing it outside.'

The question for modern shoppers isn't whether it's rebellious to wear nightwear-inspired clothing—it's whether a $25 dress can deliver on both comfort and style.

The expert verdict

Fashion industry insiders are embracing the trend wholeheartedly. 'The nightie trend is one of the most talked-about dresses of the season, with gauzy, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, eyelet lace, and puffed sleeves that give a direct nod to the bohemian revival. It brings a sense of nostalgia and femininity, yet feels totally modern.'

Style experts suggest the key is in the accessories: 'These lightweight frocks make an excellent work-from-home outfit or beach cover-up; but with the right styling, I've found they can also be worn out and about.

During the day, try yours with a cropped cardigan and pair of ballet flats or Mary Janes to play up the daintiness of the dress.'

The controversy seems to centre on context and styling rather than the garment itself. A satin slip dress paired with sneakers might read as sleepwear, but the same dress with proper accessories and confidence can look entirely appropriate for dinner out.

The budget fashion win

At $25, Kmart's version offers an affordable way to try a trend that's appearing in designer collections costing hundreds of dollars. The retailer's mini dress range is described as 'a wardrobe must-have' offering 'on-trend' styles in various 'colours and patterns from classic cuts to fun florals' all 'at our famously low prices.'

For budget-conscious shoppers, particularly those on fixed incomes, this represents excellent value if you can get multiple wears from versatile styling.

The comfort question

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this debate is what it reveals about our relationship with comfort and formality. Fashion critics note that nightdresses 'feel good, physically' and offer 'a more put-together alternative to baggy sweatpants.'

For many people, especially those who've spent decades in more restrictive clothing for work or social expectations, the appeal of a dress that's both stylish and comfortable is undeniable.

The criticism seems less about the dress itself and more about challenging long-held ideas about appropriate dress codes. When did we decide that comfort and style were mutually exclusive?

The final word

The great Kmart dress debate ultimately comes down to personal comfort—both physical and social. If you're someone who's always felt constrained by traditional dress codes, this might be your moment to embrace a trend that prioritises how clothing feels as much as how it looks.

The fashion industry has spoken: nightwear-inspired dressing is here to stay, backed by major designers and embraced by style-conscious consumers worldwide. Whether you're ready to join the revolution or prefer to wait and see how the trend evolves, there's no denying that a $25 dress has certainly got people talking.

For those considering the purchase, remember that confidence is the best accessory. If you feel good wearing it and style it thoughtfully, you're probably not going to be mistaken for someone who forgot to get dressed.

What's your take on the nightie dress trend? Are you ready to embrace comfort-forward fashion, or do you think some boundaries between sleepwear and street wear should remain? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear from both sides of this stylish debate.