Be it an obsession with vintage or a post-pandemic desire to glam up our loungewear – the iconic slip dress is making a comeback for SS22.
A closet staple, who made her first appearance in the 1930’s, the simple black slip dress has been a core piece in my wardrobe since the the early 1990’s, in fact, it may just be my favorite silhouette to wear. A classic piece that is easy to style and pack, I can count on her for any occasion.
The History of the Slip Dress
When slips were revived in the post-modern 1990s, they were representative of several different trends, among them innerwear as outerwear (think: Madonna), vintage and thrift (Courtney Love), the revival of Old Hollywood glamour (Ginger, of course, and other screen goddesses like Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow); and minimalism – Slip Dressing From the 1930s, 1990s, and Today, Vogue, 11/2020
Cool Summer Style
Today I’ll show you a multitude of ways I wear my slip dresses, starting off with the most obvious, on her own with a strapless bra or bralette underneath.
Layer, Layer, Layer
A slip dress can be layered to work for ANY season. Consider a light weight jacket, blazer, trench, cardigan, kimono in the springtime; adding a thin or chunky knit, shirt, blouse, t-shirt, tights, leggings, pants, jeans etc – for added warmth in the cooler months.
As you can see the possibilities are truly endless, here’s a look at a few more ways I’ve added layers to my slip dresses, throughout the year.
Iconic 90’s: Pair with a Fitted Tee
Not in the mood for a strapless bra or bralette?
Slip on your favorite, most comfortable underpinnings, layer on a fitted tee; long (as shown above) or short sleeve, depending on the weather, and off you go.
This look looks great with anything from flip flops and trainers to sandals, slides, or wedges. The beauty of this looks is it travels well and can take you just about anywhere.
Retro Glam
I love to add baubles and long necklaces for a retro glam vibe. Add a kimono or faux fur (with strands of pearls!), and you’re ready to hit the town in style!
Office Appropriate
In this look, I paired my midi-slip dress with a pair of tall boots and denim trench. I layered a mesh tee underneath, in the event I removed my jacket and didn’t want to feel too bare.
Here’s the same dress, paired with my Veronica Beard Scuba Jacket and lug sole boots.
As Athleisure
The juxtaposition of a silky luxe slip dress with sneakers or trainers is such a great look. Comfort and luxury in one modern look, yes please!
Shop Slip Dresses (at every price!)
It is important to note, that all slip dresses are NOT the same. Available in all lengths; from mini to maxi (my go-to is the midi length), this silhouette can be cut on the bias (more forgiving) or straight, with spaghetti straps or bra-friendly wider straps to necklines that plunge or cover – you have to find the one that works best for YOU and YOUR lifestyle.
If you are looking for a true wardrobe workhorse, I’d begin by deciding your budget and purchasing the best fitting, quality piece in a color you absolutely love (or black). If you are just wanting to give the look a spin, you can find inexpensive options at places like Target – or browse the second hand marketplace.
My 2 personal favorites, of the 5 dresses I own are, the Elyse Bias Slip Dress (Anthropologie, in Standard, Petite, Plus sizes) and my midi length animal print dress (past season), from JCrew. After reading rave reviews, I just ordered the Gweneth Cupro Midi Slip Dress from JCrew, along with the drapey Parke blazer, for a 90’s, monotone, soft suiting look, and the bra friendly Silk Slip Dress by Cuyana has been long on my wish list.
New from J Crew this season is the Alicia Cupro racerback maxi slip dress, with great reviews (PRESS HERE). Banana Republic has a nice selection of slip dresses, though I have not personally tried any of these styles on. Last week when I was at Target doing a review on (THIS) sandal, I spotted (THIS) cute apron slip dress for $25, in 8 colors, XS-4X with good reviews.
Browse the Similar Posts
For more ideas on how to style a slip dress check out the following ASB Archived Posts:
- Styling a Slip Dress 5 Ways (PRESS HERE)
- 5 (more!) Ways to Style a Slip Dress for Cooler Months (PRESS HERE)
- How to Wear a Slip Dress in the Winter (PRESS HERE)
For ideas on what to wear UNDER a slip dress check out:
- What We Wear, UNDER it all (PRESS HERE)
- What to Wear Under and Over Halter Dresses (PRESS HERE)
Do you have a slip dress in your current wardrobe? How do you love to style yours?
Have a great week friends!
