I Can't Stop Buying These $30 Vintage Cotton Nightgowns on Poshmark.
Hot sleepers, rejoice
Obsession takes many forms. I’ve been dedicated to a certain 80s dance brand’s tshirts for the past six years and won’t even tell my closest friends the name, for fear the already sparse secondhand market would dry up.
But this recent compulsion is a little less scarce. I’m talking about Eileen West cotton nightgowns. They’re $65-$100 new—not bad—but they’re plentiful on resale sites for anywhere from $20-$45.
Let’s back up. Why nightgowns? If you, like me, suffer NY summers clinging to your opratic AC shaking for dear life under your window, you know how important the As Little Clothing As Possible principle is. In the 1700s, French royalty wore nightgowns as a sign of extravagance and to denote their authority. In 2019, I started wearing them to keep my AC bill down.
These days, I find them indulgent, romantic, a little Virginia Woolf in the best way. Sure, they’re still way cooler than any set I own, but they’re also fun to flounce around in with a sweater in the spring months, too.
Now that I’ve sold you on the concept, let’s talk about why buying Eileen West cotton nightgowns secondhand is the answer.
The brand has existed for over 40 years. They’re not pulling any fast ones with designs or patterns.
You can find a lot of 100% cotton nightgowns from Eileen West that wash really well. I don’t dry mine, but I barely dry my socks.
And 100% cotton is important because while silk + other blends look, I guess, sexier, they’re a pain to wash and not as breathable.
My preference is short sleeve/tank and mini length, but don’t let me hold you back! I’ll be curating mostly this silhouette, only because I think it’s most practical for summer sleeping.
Sizing: I wear a Large, but one of my cardinal rules is to size up on sleepwear. I could wear a Medium, if that helps, but a Large is perfectly roomy.
I don’t wear my nightgowns in public because it leans a little psych ward escapee for me, but I ADORE when other people do. I’ll be peppering in some chic accessories for my Sleeping Beauties out there.
Bonus points for finding a nightgown from the Queen Anne’s Lace line, which is their fancier option.
Whether your inspiration is a Lorazepam-soaked stay at the White Lotus or something more akin to Kiera Knightley in Atonement, I’ve curated a bunch of great options, most of them under $50. Try it out! And trust me, you’ll wonder what the appeal of elastic waistbands and “flirty boy shorts” ever was.
Let’s start with something for the less adventurous. This is a classic Eileen West design you can buy new for $75.
The detailing on this is superb! It’s a Medium/$40.
As mentioned, I dream of being able to wear a white nightgown and a pair of Frye motorcycle boots like these and a massive grey cashmere sweater on a grocery run.
I love the bow on this pale pink nightgown. Assume they’re all Eileen West unless I say otherwise. This one’s $35.
This looks how waking up on a summer Friday feels. It’s $42 but I’d offer $35!
New to me! J Fields Jewelry has so many beautiful pieces and a lot of them are tres affordable. This silver pendant is under $200.
If you’re less of a mini girl, no worries! This $30 version is a little longer and a size Small.
New with tags alert! This is listed at $45, but I’d offer $32. It’s also a Small.
Do you know how long I deliberated over buying this trio? They’re great, never worn, all size Large and in new condition. But I can’t handle the long sleeves and length. Maybe you can! They’re $85!!!
Go full trad wife and use this to tie your hair back.
Super into the stripes on this Medium/$28 number.
It’s worth mentioning April Cornell, but my heart’s really with Eileen West. This is new + $75.
Here’s my favorite new option, of course from Vermont Country Store. It’s $54 and comes in regular and plus sizes.
This Eileen West nightgown would be a cute bridal gift, but maybe check with the bride to make sure it’s her vibe.
Ok, picture this XS/$40 nightgown with…
…this Clare V necklace (nice one
)…
…and this over your shoulders.
This is $40/XL and I love the ribbon detailing so much.
It’s common knowledge that basket bags and nightgowns go hand in hand.
And I hate to say it, but this sleep mask is superior and makes a very practical gift.
Last one! Large + $30 + very Parker Posey. Especially when paired with these.
Honorable Mentions
Mother’s Day is coming up. If your mom is practical like mine, a Leaf razor might just be the thing. The whole site’s 17% off until Earth Day on April 22.
Want to shop under $100 vintage in the city with me and my best friend Ruby? Rothy’s is hosting our vintage sale THIS SUNDAY. You can RSVP here. We’re going to have the best time.
I’m watching The Righteous Gemstones thanks to
and I’m having a VERY good time.Thank you for reading Long Live. It means so much to me. You can preorder my romance novel, Exit Lane, on Bookshop or Amazon. You can shop my favs here, follow along on Instagram + Tiktok, and shop my Notion template. Get matched at EV Salon. And if you want to partner on a future Long Live, email evan@communite.co x
Doing God's work here. My favorite nightgowns are also from my paternal grandmother. Nothing beats these oldies.
This!!! I almost caved yesterday and bought the LPA ones that came out because I’m obsessed with a Doen one I have I save for date nights with a big cardigan and boots!! Happy to feel less alone and have this option! TYSM!!!