My paternal grandmother was always beautifully dressed. She had long black hair, streaked with with white, that she rolled up into a "corona" around her head. Put a tiara on her and she would have looked fine for dinner at Downton Abbey. She loved velvets and heavy brocades.
She sold beautiful costume jewelry, so she always had some "sparklies" on.
I can't remember her ever having a house dress on unless she was out working on her flowers.
My maternal grandmother, though always neatly dressed, was the quintessential housewife. Housedresses at home, day dress for the supermarket, suit and the usual dead critters draped on the shoulders for church. She spent most of her time in the kitchen or working around the house, so that's all she needed.