What Is a Slip Dress? How to Style One of the Summer's Top Dress Trends
Interested in learning more about what a slip dress is and how to style it? You’ve come to the right place!
Main image courtesy of Shopbop.
Have you heard of the ever-popular slip dress but aren’t quite sure what it is? This fashion trend always seems to be in style, especially during the hot summer months ahead. One of main reasons the slip dress is always at the top of a fashionista’s must-haves is because it is incredibly versatile, and can be worn in all kinds of ways. You can even style summer’s top dress trend when the weather starts to turn cooler!
If you want to know a little more about what a slip dress is, keep reading, because we’re going to cover:
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Slip dresses: what they are
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Where to buy slip dresses
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Our favorite ways to style slip dresses
What is a slip dress?
These dresses are an effortlessly easy way to elevate your wardrobe
You will always look put together when you step out in a slip dress. Image courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar.
Slip dresses are a favorite of women everywhere, perhaps because they come in a variety of lengths, patterns, textures, and colors. These dresses are based on the type of slips women used to wear under dresses or skirts to keep the static cling away, and prevent clothing from bunching up at the hem. Made from silky and soft material that was designed to easily slip over your head, slips were an essential part of women’s clothing for decades. They eventually fell out of favor as styles changed, but they got new life as a clothing item all their own. Slip dresses look like the slips of the past, and usually have thin straps, are silky, and can even incorporate lace at the hem or the chest. However, instead of being hidden under other clothing, these dresses are worn for all kinds of occasions, from casual and fun to dressy and date night worthy.
Originally popularized in the 1990s with the rise of minimalist fashion, slip dresses this season are taking a cue from their lingerie past. You’ll find dresses with lace details, cut outs, and all kinds of lengths, cut both symmetrically and asymmetrically.
One of the reasons why these dresses have been popular for decades and seem to appear each season, is that they can be worn in all kinds of ways. They are perfect for those hot summer nights when you need a dress that clings to you in all the right ways. Paired with strappy sandals, this would be perfect for a date or a night out on the town with the girls.
You can also choose a longer slip dress and pair it with your favorite sneakers for a casual look that’s also cute. Slip dresses are comfortable enough to run errands in, but they also work when you need to show up to brunch.
And as the weather gets a little chill in the air, these silky dresses take on an edgier look when paired with a leather jacket, blazer, or a denim jacket. Keep it casual with boots, or if you’re going for a vampy vibe, put on your favorite pair of black heels.
Slip dresses are a great addition to your closet, not only for their versatility, but because a well made one just seems to give you an effortlessly stylish look.
Where to buy a slip dress
You can purchase slip dresses in almost any women’s store or section of a department store. Shop around the internet or visit your favorite store in person, and chances are there are slip dresses for you to check out. Places you’ll find slip dresses include:
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Nordstrom
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Nordstrom’s Rack
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Bloomingdales
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Saks Fifth Avenue
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Macy’s
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And many more!
Did you know you can also find a wide selection of slip dresses at Shopbop? Whether you want something sexy with lace, or are going for something patterned and floral, you’ll find all kinds of slip dresses here. There are minis, midis, and maxis to browse through, and lots of different necklines and colors—perfect for anything you have in store, day or night.
How to style a slip dress
It’s easier than you think to style a slip dress for any occasion
Slip dresses are an elegant way to go formal, or keep it casual. Image courtesy of Shopbop.
When it’s time to style your slip dress, there are only a few things you need to keep in mind.
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Pick the right one for your occasion. As we know, slip dresses come in all shapes and styles, so determine which one is best for your specific occasion. If you have a fancy dinner or a wedding, consider wearing either a short or long dress with a sweetheart neckline and strappy sandals. Darker colors as well as vibrant colors look great for nighttime occasions.
Alternatively, if you’re styling your slip dress for a daytime event, you’ll want to make sure you go with a longer length and a modest neckline. Choose either mules, slides, or flat sandals and a neutral color that will go with almost anything. If it’s chilly you can always add a jacket or a duster sweater to cover your shoulders, but still look great.
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Learn how to layer. This is especially true for cooler temperatures or events that you may want to have more coverage. Leather jackets, blazers, denim jackets, and sweaters are easy to wear over your slip dress (and they look great too). The contrast between the silk material of the dress and the texture of your jacket or sweater is always a great go-to combination, whether you’re grabbing coffee with friends, or going into the office for casual Friday.
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Be aware of the kinds of undergarments out there. This is especially true if you’re wearing your slip dress without any layers. Strapless bras are great for slip dresses, as are undergarments like Spanx. However if your dress has a low neckline, you may want to look into nippy tape or covers.
It’s super easy to style a slip dress if you keep these 3 tips in mind. One of the best parts of owning a slip dress is that you can wear it to all kinds of occasions, whether casual or more formal. You’ll never have to worry about not having anything to wear again when you find the right slip dress for you!
What to wear over a slip dress
Wearing something over a slip dress is one of the best ways to ensure you can keep wearing it into the chillier months. When the weather turns cool and you start to crave those pumpkin spice lattes, you don’t have to put your slip dress away. Slip dresses in neutral colors (think tan, camel, off white, beige, light gray, and brown) will look amazing in the fall months as the leaves start to change. Because they pair well with almost any color, feel free to wear a maroon, brown, dark purple, green, or deep orange sweater over it. You can choose to wear a cardigan, duster, or even a turtleneck sweater would look great over your dress to turn it into a skirt.
Slip dresses are usually cut on a bias, which means they fit nicely at the waist, but have a draping effect that allows you to move easily in the skirt. Then just add your favorite boots or booties and you’ve got a great outfit that works for fall or winter.
Even though the dress itself is made of thin material, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear it in winter. Just add a pair of leggings or tights, boots and a sweater, and you have an easy to pull together classic winter look. This works well for daytime activities, or even going out for date night or meeting friends for dinner.
How to style a slip dress for a wedding
This soft pink slip dress with the feather details would be perfect for a spring or summer wedding. If the wedding is in the cooler months, try wearing deep jewel tones like reds, purples, and greens. Image courtesy of Shopbop.
Another occasion you can wear your slip dress to is a wedding! These have been a popular choice of wedding guests for years, because it’s easy to look polished in this style. If it’s a wedding in the fall or winter, consider picking up a darker color such as a red, black, or purple. You can easily include a blazer or a wrap to keep you warm.
If the wedding is in the warmer months, go with something bright or a pastel color to keep it light and airy. Make sure to get some strappy heels and a cute purse, and you should be ready to go! A midi or a maxi length would work great for a wedding. Just pair it with some jewelry that compliments the color of your dress and you’re all set.
How will you style your slip dress this summer?
If you don’t already have a slip dress in your closet, it’s time to pick one up ASAP. You’ll get lots of wear out of it this summer, but don’t forget to bring it out for cooler temps and enjoy layering jackets and sweaters over it!
