Fashion & Style

What Is A Slip Dress and How to Style It

by Hannah Rose, Copywriter

What Is A Slip Dress?

The 90s silhouette is back. Combining the ease of a nightie with the look of something fancy, the slip dress is the wardrobe piece that requires minimal effort but gives maximum impact. From mini to floor-length finishes, the suits-all shape is a wardrobe winner. Got a meeting? It’ll work for that. Brunch date? The strappy number is your answer. Date night? It’s a slip dress situation. Whatever the occasion, this is the dress to be seen in. Now you know the answer to ‘what is a slip dress’, it’s time to move onto how to style it.

How To Style A Slip Dress: 12 Ways

Whether you want to know how to wear a slip dress to a wedding or what to wear under a slip dress, the likes of Jade Thirwall, Ashley Roberts and co. are here to show you how to style a slip dress.

Ashley Roberts carrying flowers and wearing a long black slip dress with a white stripe t-shirt

1. The Monochrome Look

Want to know how to layer a slip dress? Copy Ashley Roberts by slipping a satin midi over a stripe T-shirt and team with chunky trainers for a more casual look. If you’re also wondering how to stop a slip dress slipping off your shoulders, wearing a tee underneath is a great solution.

2. The Pretty-Meets-Tough Look

Hailey knows exactly how to style a slip dress and she does it in the coolest way possible (no surprise there). Make like her and give a glam floral mini a tough edge with a super-oversized shacket and chunky boots. It’s cute, it’s cool and it’s seriously effortless.

Hailey Bieber wearing a floral mini slip dress with a oversized shacket and black chunky boots walking down steps

Anne-Marie at the iHeart Radio Music Awards wearing a satin slip dress with fluffy stiletto heels and sunglasses

3. The Red-Carpet-Ready Look

Occasion in the diary? Dress to impress in a satin slip and fluffy stiletto heels. Choose champagne shades for added glamour. Oh, and if you’re panicking about how wear a slip dress with a bra, we say, always keep it strapless.

4. The Autumnal Look

Forget what to wear under a slip dress for a second, it’s time to think about what to wear over one. And we’re not just talking jackets but bags too. When the weather’s chilly, add an oversized blazer and knee-high boots. Take it one step further by slinging a matching bag on.

Woman crossing the road wearing a green slip dress styled with an oversized blazer and knee high boots

Heidi Klum exiting a shop wearing a red slip dress and sandals with a jacket tied around her waist

5. The Sunny-Day Look

Sun shining? A strappy number and sandals will be your best friends. If you’re wondering how a slip dress should fit, we’d recommend keeping it loose on warm days for easy-breezy style. If you want to create shape, just tie a jacket around your waist.

6. The Smart-Casual Look

Jessica Alba shows us how to make a slip dress formal with a long duster coat. Make like her and team it with chunky trainers for when you’re running errands and carry a pair of heels in your bag to whip out for those all-important meetings.

Jessica Alba wearing a white midi slip dress with a long black duster coat and white shoes

Woman in the street wearing a brown mini slip dress with knee high boots and black oversized blazer

7. The Oh-So-Cool Look

Bored of the usual jeans and a nice top? Take a mini, pair it with an oversized blazer and knee-high boots, and you’ve got yourself an outfit that’s perfect for the bar and beyond. For a put-together feel, match your blazer with your boots.

8. The Special-Occasion Look

Jade shows us how to wear a slip dress to a wedding, night out or pretty much any fancy occasion. Go for a shimmering satin number, clutch and stilettos for an outfit that’s seriously glam. Your Insta feed will thank you for it…

Jade Thirwell walking in the street wearing a pink satin midi slip dress and heels carrying a clutch bag

Woman wearing a frill hem slip dress with a bomber jacket, black chunky boots and sunglasses

9. The Bohemian Look

When it comes to the 90s number, it’s not all about those curve-hugging styles, you know. Size up and go for a frill hem for a floaty bohemian feel. For added cool, throw on a bomber jacket and team with chunky boots.

10. The Glam-Casual Look

Glam casual - two words that don’t usually go together but sum up this outfit perfectly. If you want to know how to style a slip dress to stand out, choosing satin finishes and bright shades is the way to do it. Give it a sporty spin with chunky trainers.

Clara Amfo wearing a yellow slip dress with chunky trainers at the National Portrait Gallery

Woman wearing a black midi slip dress styled with black chunky boots and a fedora

11. The Grunge Look

How to layer a slip dress for when you want to look cool? With mesh, of course. We’re loving this grunge look that’s a far cry from the stereotypical glamour associated with this style. A hat and chunky boots take it one step further.

12. The Effortlessly Cool Look

Satin styles can easily be worn in the day. Just add an oversized bomber jacket and boots for an effortless touch. If your plans change, just slip off the bomber and watch your outfit change from casual to glam. Perfect.

Ready to find your new favourite style? Take a look here…

Hailey Bieber crossing the road wearing a yellow mini slip dress and oversized bomber jacket and boots

Pick Your Favourite

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