At some points in history, eg 30s 40s 50s, house dresses were meant for during the day at home doing chores - not necessarily all day, but for periods of work. They were meant to be easy on off yes, ie they wouldn’t zip at the back, and most importantly easy to wash, but not as easy on off as a dressing gown, and ‘decent’ enough that you could answer the door or if say you had a tradesmen in, or a casual visitor. These weren’t necessarily worn over other clothes, but were your ‘at home’ clothes. Some are very pretty, but also hard wearing and practical. Pockets etc. they usually open fully at the front with buttons or a long zip.
but there have been several iterations of similar garments. Some housecoats were lightweight designed to cover your clothes for messy work - these are also called dusters. Others were for warmth (before central heating) and are quilted, and were more loungewear than workwear, literally like a coat that you wear in the house.