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Get all the tips to create a stylish slip dress outfit, plus ways to style it for fall and winter! Find out why this simple dress is the perfect basic to mix and match creating endless outfits.

Learn easy ways to style a slip dress with items you already have in your closet. Even if you’re a modest dresser, there’s a slip dress outfit for you.

brunette woman in dress with text box filled with a number and text in the middle of image.

Target Dress | Embroidered Cardigan

With its delicate fabric and figure hugging curves, it’s no wonder the 90s lingerie inspired slip dress has been making a comeback!

Don’t assume this slinky dress is only for twenty-something runway models. No matter your age or body type, there’s a slip dress outfit for you!

Too often, we choose a wardrobe item thinking there’s only one way to wear it. This type of thinking leaves us with a closet full of clothes, and feeling like there’s nothing to wear!

While a lightweight slip dress is perfect for warm summer weather, I’m also sharing ways to take it into fall and winter.

If you love styling one item multiple ways, check out my satin blazer post!

Plus, I’m sharing tips and tricks to style the slip dress for almost any occasion. We’ll also cover what to look for in fit and design so you can wear your dress with confidence!

Whether you’re someone whose ready to rock the lingerie look, or looking for a modest way to style it, I’ve got you covered with this simple guide.

Use the drop down Table of Contents menu to navigate this post.

What is a Slip Dress?

A slip dress is a dress designed to look like a slip. Once a staple in women’s lingerie, a slip was worn under skirts and dresses, providing modesty, protection from sweat and oils, smoothing out lines from bras and girdles.

While t-shirt bras and lined dresses have replaced the need for a slip, it’s still inspired an iconic look made popular in the 90s by super model Kate Moss.

Brunette woman inside a house, wearing white dress and long pink cardigan.

How Should it Fit?

Although a slip dress is a fairly simple sheath design, there are some key elements you’ll want to look for when shopping for your most flattering silhouette.

  • Figure grazing – neither too tight or too loose, it should lightly graze over your curves, slightly highlighting the waistline.
  • Fitted straps – no matter how long or short your hemline is, your straps should meet the neckline right around your armpits.
  • Slightly tapered – The most flattering designs have tapering around the bust or waistline, highlighting your curves.

Of course if you like a roomier fit around the middle, by all means rock it! Then head to my shapeless dress post for more loose silhouettes!

How to Style a Slip Dress

Get the most wear out your wardrobe. Here are some fun ways to style your slip dress.

With a Jacket or Cardigan

Not only is a jacket practical for cooler weather, it also adds visual interest. I love the details on this embroidered jacket. It was surprisingly affordable, too!

Brunette woman wearing white dress and blue and white embroidered jacket.

Target Dress | Embroidered Cardigan

With a Sweater and Sneakers

A slip dress can become your casual weekend outfit paired with a comfy sweater and sneakers. If you’re drawn to feminine styles, but love comfort just as much, this look is right up your alley!

Brunette woman in front of tub wearing white skirt, sneakers and sweater.

Target Dress | Pink Keds | H&M Sweater (old, similar here)

Go Classic With a Button Up Shirt

Tie your button up shirt over your dress creating the perfect tropical getaway look.

Collage of slip dress outfit with text at the top.

Target Dress | J Crew Shirt | Jewel Badgley Mischka Heels) | See by Chloe Bag

Style Your Slip Dress For Fall

Where I live fall weather can be a mixture of hot and cool. I usually have to decide if I want to freeze in my shorts in the morning, but be cool later in the 95 degree afternoon heat.

For this type of unpredictable fall weather, layering is key. A sweater and knee high boots add warmth, and can easily be swapped out for something lighter.

Brunette woman in front of stairs wearing turtleneck fall outfit.

Target Dress | Michael Kors Sweater (old, similar here) | Leather Bag (similar) | 27 EDIT Knee High Boots

With a Jean Jacket

Pair it with a jean jacket and espadrilles and you’ll have a classic summer look for years to come!

Collage of slip dress outfit with text at top and border around.

Old Navy Jean Jacket | Target Dress | Jack Rogers Espadrille | Fable England Tote

Wear it as a Slip

Wearing your dress under a maxi or midi skirt works double time as top and slip. Just make sure your hemline is longer than your slip.

Brunette woman in front of stairs wearing tank and skirt.

Target Dress | WHBM Velvet Skirt (old, similar here) | Loft Block Heels (similar)

With a Blazer and Skirt

Taking the slip concept from above, throw on a blazer and you’ll be office appropriate.

Brunette woman in front of tub wearing grey blazer outfit and skirt.

Target Dress | Loft Blazer

Roll up Blazer Sleeves

A satin blazer turns this simple dress into a stylish look that can be worn for fun late nights.

Selfie of brunette woman in bathroom wearing white dress and tan blazer.

Target Dress | Express Satin Blazer

With a Belt and Boots

Add a waist belt and knee high boots to give your dress a put together daytime look.

Brunette woman in front of tub wearing white dress, blazer, belt and boots.

Target Dress | Suede Boots

Add a Long Cardigan

A long cozy cardigan is a simple way to wear a slip dress in the fall. Avoid a nightgown and robe look by pairing it with sleek heels.

Brunette woman in front of stairs wearing white dress and long pink cardigan.

Target Dress | Long Pink Cardigan | Loft Heels (old, similar here)

Style it for Winter

The secret to taking a slip dress into winter is serious layering. Top your dress with thermals, sweaters, and wool or faux fur coats. Your legs will be warm with thick leggings and over the knee boots.

Collage of slip dress winter outfit with text at top and border around.

Target Dress | Boden Faux Fur Jacket | 27 Edit Leather Boots | H&M Sweater | Aerie Leggings

Get more styling tips for winter in my winter colors post!

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoes can you wear with a slip dress?

What’s great about a slip dress is that it’s so versatile you can wear pretty much any shoes you want!

What kind of bra should I wear with a slip dress?

This entirely depends on the style of your dress, but opt for one that has a smoothing effect under clothes. Lace and jewels will look bumpy. If your slip dress has thicker straps, wear your regular bra. For spaghetti straps go with a strapless bra. If your slip dress is backless use a stick on bra.

How can I style a slip dress for a wedding?

You’ll need to consider the type of wedding you’ll be attending. If it’s formal, pair it with a nice blazer, jacket, or shawl. Don’t forget jewelry, accessories, and a nice updo. For a casual wedding, go with wider straps and strappy sandals. And unless you’re the bride, never choose white!

Shop

Find more of my favorite slip dresses!

Red satin dress

Red Cowl Back Slip Dress

Pink dress with one strap

Express One Shoulder Dress

Bright pink satin dress

Target V Neck Dress

Light pink satin slip dress

Nanette Pink Slip Dress

Gold slip dress

DANNIJO Gold

Slip Dress

Model in black floral satin dress

ASTR The Label Black Floral Dress

Yellow floral satin dress

Yellow Floral Slip Dress

Model in long green floral dress

Reformation Green Floral Dress

Backside of model in green satin dress.

Petal & Pup Long Sleeve Dress

Model in v neck green satin dress

Reformation Green Slip Dress

Model in long blue dress

ASTR The Label Ruffle Sleeve Dress

Model in blue floral satin dress.

Reformation Blue Floral Dress

One sleeve deep purple dress

Banana Republic One Strap Slip Dress

Long halter lavender dress

Topshop Long Lavender Slip Dress

Do you love slip dresses as much as I do? Comment below!

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