A classic dress that rarely goes out of style is a great little slip dress. They’re super versatile and can really work all year long if styled properly. I’ve recently rediscovered mine in my closet, a simple black slip dress that I wore years ago here. I took it out for a spin recently and I’m hooked. So much so it inspired today’s post, how to wear a slip dress. From day, to night, to even making it work for the office (pending your office vibes of course!).
This classic dress is just great to throw into your suitcase too when you travel. You can wear it so many instances and it takes up little to no space.
What Is A Slip Dress?
Slip dresses are silky and slinky spaghetti strap dresses. Although they very much resemble an underslip or petticoat, these are actual dresses that are meant to be worn out and about. They’re often cut on a bias and have a slit. Slip dresses can range from mini dresses to maxis and everything in between. They’re sexy and slinky and feel very feminine. I think every closet should own one since they’re actually quite versatile! Choose classic black, or go for a fun print like leopard of snakeskin.
The slip dress trend also translates to slip skirts too. The hottest trend right now for fall is probably the slip midi skirt and they’re EVERYWHERE. So whether you choose a dress or skirt, this is definitely a fun piece to style in your closet this season.
How To Wear A Slip Dress
When styling a slip dress you want to be very aware of the style you’ve chosen to keep in your closet and where you’re headed. Do not be wearing some low cut, short, sexy as can be slip dress to the office by just putting a blazer over it. It won’t work. But if you have one that’s knee length, or midi, that’s a touch more conservative, it could potentially work.
You also want to be aware of what you’re wearing UNDER the slip dress. Due to the silky fabric, these pieces can sometimes not be super forgiving and show every little lump or panty line. I recommend wearing your favorite Spanx (I like these, they’re not super constricting. I call them my lazy Spanx). It’s just ideal to smooth yourself out a bit with such a silky fabric.
shop slip dresses
What To Wear Under A Slip Dress
When thinking about what to wear under a slip dress so you feel confident and don’t show any panty lines, I like to choose more fitted shapewear, versus wearing another slip underneath. My favorite pieces that are lightweight and aren’t super constricting include these SPANX and these from Target. Shop my favorite shapewear to wear underneath a slip dress below.
A Casual Look
There are a few ways to dress down a simple slip dress. From adding a denim jacket, or throwing a sweater over it and treating it like a skirt. You can also add a little white tee or thin turtleneck under a slip dress and it becomes a very Parisian inspired look. This is a great way to also transition this from summer to fall.
Dressed Down For the Weekend
My favorite way to dress anything down is simply with a denim jacket and white sneakers. It’s practically fool proof. This would be a great outfit to wear for a Saturday day outing, or just on the weekend to grab lunch with a friend. It’s also a nice way to bring the slip dress out from a night time event, to day time.
get the look
Try A Different Color
For a casual take for spring and summer, try a different color that feels more seasonally appropriate. This blushy pink midi dress is perfect for spring and paired with a white sneaker and denim jacket.
To The Office Or A Meeting
Definitely work this in if and only if your slip dress is not too sexy, low cut or short. A great silky dress can be appropriate for the office when done right. So be cautious! But if you work in a fashion field or run your own business, go for it! Here’s how to do it.
Take It 9-5
So this may be something that will work on a case by case basis. And depending on your slip dress. But if you’re in a fairly fashion-forward business, throwing on a great long blazer and heel can be a fun way to take this piece to the office. I would just make sure your slip dress isn’t too body-hugging, sexy or short. Which, honestly, mine fits the bill. It hits right over the knee and is a tad loose. This blazer helps to pull it all together.
get the look
Business Casual For Spring
Try a slip dress with a low block heel sandal and a little cropped jacket to top it off with. This look would be graet for an office that allows business casual. You can swap the printed denim jacket for something more conservative if you like. Try a linen blazer or cropped textured jacket to top it off with.
Out On The Town
When thinking about what to wear out on the town, a dress is always a great idea. A slip dress is sexy and feminine and can be worn nearly all year long. A slip dress in fall can work with booties and a jacket, or in the summer, a strappy sandal and summer clutch.
Cocktail Time!
The BEST way to wear a slip dress is obviously out on the town with friends. It’s sexy, it’s classic, and you can choose a jacket or show off those shoulders. It’s all up to you and the season. In the summer, opt for a strappy sandal. In the fall and winter, throw on a suede jacket and booties.
get the look
Dinner Out
I wore this midi slip dress out to dinner in Paris and it was just the perfect piece. It’s so effortless, yet still sexy and makes it a really easy piece to travel with. It pairs perfectly with my go to leather jacket that I almost always pack on a trip. And simple black heels that are easy to walk in. Make this your go-to travel date night outfit!
Edgy And Casual
This might be my favorite way to style a slip dress. It’s easy and effortless, but has a bit of edge to it. Pairing a slip dress with your more casual and edgy shoes is a great way to mix it up. Add a long blazer (which is clearly a favorite addition) or even a moto jacket or long cardigan would be great too.
Edge It Up
This look would be great for early fall or spring before it gets to warm or too cold. You could also totally do tights with this for winter. I love the white Chelsea boot with the classic black slip.
get the look
For The Winter
You can even wear a slip dress in the winter time with the right layers. I like wearing my midi length one for this, but you can still do this with a mini version too. Just layer a turtleneck underneath and add boots. This look is great for a
Cozy Layers For Dinner Or Drinks
To wear this out on the town in the winter, just add a thin turtleneck underneath. This turns the dress instantly into a piece for winter. Add a boot or bootie and tights if you like. You can also add a sweater over it instead of the turtleneck.
Photos by Hannah Lozano
