When discussing how to wear a slip dress, we must consider its elegant, romantic appeal. While there are thousands of blog posts and influencers suggesting you wear a slip dress to work or to run errands, this isn’t practical for most of us.
Dress: All Saints, Similar Here / Necklace: Nordstrom / Earrings: Argento Vivo, Similar Here / Watch: Baume & Mercier / Bag: Frame, Similar Here / Shoes: Steve Madden
Certainly, slip dresses have a wide range of styling possibilities, but they’re not appropriate in every environment.
A slip dress is an inherently sexy garment. It won’t work in most offices or at the grocery store.
However, for a date, a night out, or a wedding guest look, a slip dress can be a flattering, elegant solution. Treat a slip dress as you would any party dress.
Read on to find my favorite ways to style a slip dress.
How to Choose the Perfect Slip Dress
There are many fabric options for slip dresses. Typically, they’re silk, satin, lace, viscose, or a polyester blend that mimics those fabrics.
The AllSaints dress I’m wearing is 100% viscose. I like this because I can skip the dry cleaner.
I recommend staying away from lace in the lower price ranges. It can make your slip dress look like a cheap nightgown.
You’ll need to consider color and patterns based on your personal style. You’ll also need to consider when and where you’ll wear your slip dress. A solid color is more formal and classic, while a bold pattern is more fun and laid back.
What Color is Best for Slip Dresses
I prefer slip dresses in darker colors and bolder patterns. This prevents them from looking like undergarments. Think of blue, forest green, purple, black with a pattern, white with a pattern.
I caution my clients against solid nude, black, brown, and white slip dresses. These can look too much like underwear.
A boldly patterned slip dress is a great look for dinner with friends. An elegant, solid blue slip dress is a fantastic wedding guest look.
When choosing the right cut for your slip dress, a v-neck or a scoop neck are the most flattering. Cowl necks can work too, but they tend to up the sexiness level of a slip dress. Choose a cowl neck slip dress if you’re going for that type of look.
Now, for the skirt portion of the dress, I always prefer midi and maxi-length slip dresses with a slit. Not only does this make movement easier, it helps elongate the line of the body.
By wearing a dress with a slit or an asymmetrical hem, you’ll appear longer and leaner.
When choosing the perfect slip dress, it is important to consider the fabric, color, pattern, fit, and silhouette. If you need more help choosing a flattering dress, check out my comprehensive tips here.
How to Layer a Slip Dress
There are only a few garments that look right layered under or over a slip dress.
For an underpinning, a tight long-sleeve tee or turtleneck in a complementary color works well. For example, I have worn my black and gold slip dress over a mock neck tee from Reformation.
As for outerwear, I’ve found that cropped leather jackets, cropped blazers, and cardigans can work with slip dresses.
Jacket: BlankNYC, Similar Here / Dress: All Saints, Similar Here / Necklace: Nordstrom / Earrings: Argento Vivo, Similar Here / Watch: Baume & Mercier / Bag: Frame, Similar Here / Shoes: Steve Madden
If you run cold like me, you can also combine the layered undershirt with a jacket for maximum warmth during the fall and winter seasons.
If you run even colder, consider adding a slip or shapewear underneath your slip dress. This will add extra warmth and smooth out any lines and bulges.
How to Accessorize a Slip Dress
Part of the charm of slip dresses is their easy minimalism. I don’t like cluttering that up with too many accessories.
I prefer to keep accessories minimal. Add a gold chain and a pair of studs. Maybe throw on a watch or a bracelet. That’s all you really need to accessorize a slip dress.
As far as footwear goes, that depends on the season and the occasion. A nice block heel or a leather sandal can work in spring, summer, and early fall. When late fall and winter come around, ankle booties are a great option.
Final Thoughts on How to Wear a Slip Dress
Choose the right dress for your body type and style. Slip dresses come in many styles, so choose one that flatters your figure and personal style.
Layer creatively. Slip dresses can be layered with a variety of tops, jackets, and cardigans to create different looks.
When layering a slip dress, make sure to balance the proportions of the top and bottom pieces. For example, if you are wearing a long slip dress, you might want to pair it with a shorter cardigan or cropped jacket.
Enhance comfort. Slip dresses are often made of thin, delicate fabrics. So you might want to add a slip or shapewear underneath to add some warmth and comfort.
Slip dresses are a great way to showcase your individuality and style. Feel empowered to incorporate them into your wardrobe and experiment with different looks.
Professional Photos by Dayley Photography
