There are so many reasons to love the simple slip with its barely-there spaghetti straps and bias cut. We dare you – name another wardrobe staple you can wear to nearly any occasion.
Case in point: It-Girls like Kate Moss, Carolyn Bassette Kennedy and Christie Turlington spent the majority of the ’90s swanning around in slip dresses looking effortlessly chic and elegant and just like other ’90s staples (see: scrunchies, tiny backpacks and tie-dye) the slip dress is back and more versatile than ever.
A great slip dress will never let you down; it should make you feel sexy yet understated, take you from day to night and be appropriate in pretty much every sartorial situation, no matter the season. Need a winter-appropriate outfit for drinks with your girlfriends? Throw on a slip dress with a fitted turtleneck layered underneath. Got a black-tie event coming up? Wear a longer slip with strappy stilettos. Lunch with your boyfriend’s family? A slip dress with a blazer over the top paired with sneakers is cool, casual and sophisticated.
When shopping for your slip dress it is important to consider your own body type. Unless you have supermodel like proportions probably steer clear of ankle grazing slips that will make you appear shorter and instead opt for the more universally flattering and versatile mid-calf length. A slip dress with adjustable straps is a major win as it will allow you to alter the lightweight dress to fit your height and figure without having to take a trip to the tailor. The material will also determine how much use you get out of your slip. Try and stay away from very shiny silk-like materials as these can look cheap and instead opt for something that’s a bit matter and more muted in a neutral shade, which will lend a more luxe look.
Mini slips can be chic (See Alexa Chung) but with so much skin on show we recommend confining this one to the summer months. Pair this look with a flat shoe (preferably a sandal or sneaker) to avoid looking like your trying too hard.
The ultimate investment piece, below are ten of the most timeless slips to have and to hold forever.
Silk Laundry 90s Silk Slip Dress, $250; at silklaundry.com.au.
Georgia Alice Hils metallic silk-blend dress $719; at net-a-porter.com.
The Line By K Florence Slip Dress Pink Floral $165; at thelinebyk.com.
Bec + Bridge Midnight Dance Dress $220; at becandbridge.com.au.
Ganni Cameron Satin Slip Dress, $250; at brownsfashion.com.
Solid & Striped Velvet Mini Dress, $274; at net-a-porter.com.
The Line By K Flynn Crinkled Satin Mini-Dress, $212; at thelinebyk.com.
Free People Read My Lips Nightie, $72; at freepeople.com.
& Other Stories, slip dress with tie shoulder details in sage green, $98; at asos.com.
ALEXACHUNG Lace-trimmed satin-crepe maxi dress, $190; at net-a-porter.com.
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