How to Style a Slip Dress: 6 Styling Tips for Slip Dresses
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Mar 4, 2022 • 2 min read
A minimalist and flirty garment, a slip dress is a timeless piece versatile enough to wear for a more dressy occasion or street style looks. Learn how to style a slip dress year-round with these tips.
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What Is a Slip Dress?
A slip dress is a lightweight dress with spaghetti straps that resembles a slip, an undergarment worn under dresses as an extra layer. Sewn in luxe fabrics like satin, silk, chiffon, or linen, slip dresses feature a low-cut neckline, like a V-neck or square neck, and vary in length, from short minidresses to long dresses that fall at the ankle. The best slip dresses feature a bias cut, a technique used by clothing makers to cut fabric at a diagonal angle across the weave to give the material more softness and elasticity.
How to Style a Slip Dress: 6 Styling Tips
Known for their versatility and classic look, slip dresses are a closet staple year-round. Here are six slip dress outfit ideas:
- 1. Layer with a sweater in cold months. Slip dresses are thin, but you can wear the dress during colder months by adding a cashmere sweater and tights. Wear the dress over a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck sweater, or layer a cowl-neck sweater over your slip dress to make your dress look like a slip skirt.
- 2. Layer with a white tee in warm weather. A midi-length or mini slip dress is a great summer dress because of its thin, flowing fabric and open neckline. For a classic Parisian-inspired look, style your slip dress over a white T-shirt, and pair it with white sneakers or strappy sandals. Finish the look with a denim jacket, blazer, or cardigan to stay warm on cool nights.
- 3. Pair with heels for a classic wedding guest outfit. A satin or silk slip dress is a timeless outfit for a spring or summer wedding. Opt for a midi or maxi slip dress for a formal wedding, and consider a dress with a colorful pattern, such as a floral print slip dress.
- 4. Pair with outerwear in the fall. To wear a slip dress during the fall, layer the dress under a light jacket. Style a classic trench coat over a black slip dress and wear the look with knee-high boots, or pair your slip dress with a long cardigan for a casual autumn outfit.
- 5. Style with a biker jacket. Pair a satin slip dress with a leather jacket or combat boots for an edgy date night look.
- 6. Wear with a blazer or button-down for a casual look. Pair a midi slip dress with an oversized blazer or white button-down for a simple look. If you wear a button-down over the dress, tie the bottom ends of the shirt into a chic knot at your waist.
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