With varying lengths, colours and even prints being sported widely to a diverse range of occasions, the slip dress is a principal piece in one’s wardrobe but can easily fall to the wayside in light of fast fashion trends.
So why did we all stock up in this style circa 2016? Well, it’s effortless, simple, sexy and sublime all at the same time. Not to mention it’s synonymous with ‘90s Kate Moss. In other words, it has It-girl written all over it.
Anyone who’s ever jumped on the slip dress wagon knows that the good ones – the quality ones – came at a price (in excess of $300), with silk, satin and bias cut options delivering the most indulgent results.
Kate Moss With Naomi Campbell, 1993
But like many trends its popularity fast-tracked it to the back of the wardrobe with newer trends, say wrap dresses with flounces, swiftly taking its place. (You know the ones.)
We’re here to say it doesn’t have to be this way. Don’t let those tireless dollars you spent on those slip dresses go to waste, they’re still chic AF (as is ’90s Kate Moss), and, if you let it be, it will remain one of your hardest working and best performing pieces in your wardrobe for many years to come.
Here’s how to ensure your slip dress remains a staple in your wardrobe:
…With a cropped sports jacket
Pandora Puffer, $199 from Ruby; Aztrek trainers, $160 from Reebok; Mr. Stitcher bag, $395 from Deadly Ponies.
As dress codes continue to blur, why not make your polished slip look practical by teaming it with a cropped puffer jacket (or hoody)? Just add some ugly sneakers for some serious street style credibility and, if your slip dress is matte, go for a high shine jacket, or vice versa.
…With a longline blazer
Dogtooth jacket, $50 from H&M; Doorknocker earrings, $189 from Flash Jewellery; Loafer mules, $30 from Cotton On.
Bring back this power match next time you need your inner girl boss to shine. Just add some suave earrings, some contemporary slides and you’ll be fit to take on anything and everything that comes your way. Opt for linen jackets in the summer and your heavier fabrics come autumn.
…With knitwear
Isabel Marant Etoile patches sweater, $619 from Workshop; Leather rounded mules, $139 from Zara; Rosefield watch, $189 from Superette.
Wearing an oversized slouchy jumper or roll neck works for cooler climes (or when your office air con is super severe). Plus, this type of styling makes the slip dress perform just like a satin midi skirt would – and those are super trendy right now. Complement the look with some slingback heels for work-apropos or some suede ankle boots in a similar tone.
…With a linen shirt
Classic linen shirt, $249 from Workshop; Arizona sandals, $160 from Birkenstock; Pearl and starfish earrings, $159 AUD from Reliqua; Round market bag, $169 from Country Road
Forget wearing your slip dress over a t-shirt – that’s so 2017. Instead, consider wearing your classic linen shirt (or pinch one from your boyfriend’s/ brother’s/father’s wardrobe) unbuttoned for a breezy casual look ideal for summer holidaying or weekend errands. Just add a chic market bag, some retro sunglasses and an ironically-practical pair of sandals or slides and you’re good to go!
…Under a mini dress
Sublime mini dress, $749 from Georgia Alice; Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $158 USD from Net-a-Porter; Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $158 USD from Net-a-Porter; High heel ankle boots, $139 from Zara.
Give that short ‘n’ sweet mini dress of yours formal sensibility by wearing your slimline slip dress underneath. So long as your mini dress conceals your straps with say a cap or long sleeve, you’ll be looking fashion-forward and elegant in no time.
…With wide-legged track pants
Bucket hat, $79 AUD from Lack of Colour; Veja V10 sneakers, $229 from Infinite Definite; Corvette trouser, $229 from Ruby
Hear us out on this one. Just like you would wear your slip dress over jeans, why not try teaming it with your favourite track pants? Y’know the ones with the stripes down the side? You’ll need to play around with some front tucking and cinching to make the length work but the chic-athleisure vibe will totally be there. (And hey, if it works for bike pants…)
…With a blouse the same colour
Isabel Marant Etoile shirt, $629 from Workshop; Polka dot mid-heels from Country Road; Amber sunglasses, $300 AUD from Auor.
Why not try mixing and matching different fabric textures by wearing say, a black shirt with statement sleeves either over or under your black slip? Thick Victorian-Jacquemus-Prairie kinda vibe. You’ll be brunch, lunch, and dinner date ready in no time.
