How to Style a Slip Dress: 6 Great Tips

If you’re looking for versatile dresses, you can’t go wrong with a slip dress. These flattering, easy-to-wear dresses have been around for a long time. While lengths may change and materials vary, they continue to have the capacity to make you feel great. These dresses embody a feminine and sultry vibe. However, they can easily be dressed up or down, becoming edgy, work wearable or a great go-to dress for any event.

First, let’s consider what a slip dress is. The origins of slip dresses go back to a freeing change in fashion. A time when layers of petticoats worn under clothing changed to thin-strapped silky garments to prevent it from bunching up or clinging due to static. Today's fashion does so much more, letting how you wear a slip dress represent your style. From cottagecore to goth, there is a slip dress for you.

In the 1920s, the slip dress moved from being hidden to a standalone, minimalistic dress as the women of that era rejected the previous full-length cumbersome dresses. This was a time when women enjoyed the freedom of wearing essentially what is a midi dress to us today. A dress to showcase their individuality, and this freedom continues into the present day. We see stars wearing slip dresses on the red carpet and on social media, showing just how versatile the dress is by styling it in many different ways.

From long and midi to short and mini, there are several creative ways to style a slip dress, whether for work, a wedding, or to rock your street style. Here are our easy styling tips if you want to know how to wear a slip dress.

1. Choosing The Material Of Your Slip Dresses

A characteristic of the quintessential slip dress is its bias cut. This gives it a beautiful drape and soft folds that are so flattering to the figure. Material cut on the bias also gives the fabric more stretch, making it more fluid to move in. The most popular material for slip dresses includes light to medium woven fabrics like:

• Lawn
• Velvet 
• Lace
• Linen blends
• Rayon challis
• Voile
• Crepe
• Tencel
• Silk Crepe
• Satin
• Georgette
• Charmeuse

2. Standing Out In Your Standalone Slip Dress

We all like to make an impression, and celebrities and influencers have paved the way for how amazingly you can style a slip dress. Adding layers, accessories, and footwear lets you create your own style. When styling a slip dress for an evening or party, look for bold details like cutouts, a sequined ruffle, or an eye-catching colour. Choosing a one-shoulder slip dress style can present an eye-catching evening outfit.

3. Romantic & Whimsical - A Tonal Look

A wardrobe essential, the simplicity of the slip dress is a statement in itself. Choose a long or short slip dress colour in lighter shades, then add delicate jewellery and strappy sandals for a romantic and alluring vibe. This is a good look when considering how to style a slip dress, but remember to colour-coordinate your accessories. To prevent your minimalistic style from looking dull and boring, choose from a slightly lighter or darker colour tone than your dress, where the bag and shoes also match.

4. Rocking The Classic Black Slip Dress Outfit

Black adds instant sophistication to your slip dress that can work for any occasion, from an evening event to an edgy street vibe.

• Choose a black slip dress outfit with lace insets to add more allure to the dress, and pair it with strappy black heels 
• This is also a great way to style a slip dress as a wedding guest dress
• Add a leather jacket for an instant edge to your overall look 
• Easily create a street style slip dress outfit by adding black ankle boots and jacket, then accessorise with a dropped chain necklace

5. Metallic Slip Dresses To Bedazzle

You can find metallic slip dresses in many styles, but they will really make an impression when you style your slip dress for the evening. These stunning dresses are ideal for partying and looking fabulous at any special event. Try pairing a mini metallic dress with booties and a leather jacket. 

If you’re wondering how to style a slip dress for a wedding, pair your midi or maxi metallic slip dress with strappy sandals and a classy blazer. A tip to note is the longer the slip dress, the thinner the heel to keep that elongated silhouette.

6. How To Style A Slip Dress By Layering Up 

If you’re thinking about how to wear your slip dress in winter, a cropped sweater or chunky knit over the top works well and keeps you warm. You can also add a chic overcoat or trench coat the same length as your dress. Finally, add tights and a long-sleeved top—maybe a slim-fitting turtleneck—layered under the dress for a more professional office look.

How to wear a slip dress in autumn means styling your slip dress with a tailored blazer. Try wearing lighter knits or putting a buttoned white shirt underneath or over the top of your dress. Create a boho look by adding a denim jacket which works very well with a lacy slip dress.

Wear your slip dress with a white t-shirt underneath when considering how to dress down a slip dress. Pair the outfit with white trainers or strappy sandals for a Parisian look, or add slip ons if you’re going for a beachy vibe. 

Add masculine contrast to these quintessential feminine dresses for an exciting and balanced outfit. Use items like military boots and an oversized jacket, using accessories to round off your look like chokers and chain belts.

Find Your Style

Taking on board some of the above tips lets you wear a slip dress for many occasions, from shopping to formal events. By layering and accessorising, you can create many different ideas of how to style a slip dress. These are fun-to-wear dresses and should be in every woman's closet. Check out the variety of slip dresses, from mini to long, available on NA-KD for every season. You can also discover how to stylishly tie a wrap dress or how to wear a hair scarf.