How to Wear & Accessorize a Slip Dress in Any Situation

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Look trendy and confident in a slip dress with these expert-backed tips

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Styling a Slip Dress

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Layering

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Accessorizing

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Undergarments

90s fashion is back in full swing and slip dresses are more fashionable than ever! Made of silky, satin material, slip dresses are extremely lightweight, spaghetti-strap garments that come in various colors, lengths, and cuts. So, how do you wear this 90s trend? In this article, we’ll teach you how to style a slip dress for any occasion during any season. From layering to styling tips, we’ve got you covered!

This article is based on an interview with our personal wardrobe stylist ands peaker, Paul Julch, MA, founder of Urbanite | Suburbanite. Check out the full interview here.

Section 1 of 4:

Styling a Slip Dress

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1
For a casual occasion, try sneakers and a denim jacket. As fashion expert Paul Julch recommends, “You can make [a slip dress] a little more casual with a denim jacket and sneakers.” Treat the slip dress like a pair of jeans. Throw on a pair of sneakers that match, layer the top with a graphic tee, and toss on a denim jacket to complete the look.
- Julch also suggests wearing a loose fitting cardigan over a simple slip dress, especially in the fall when the air is a bit more crisp.
2
For the office, wear a blazer and chic heels. If you feel confident in a slip dress, own it and wear it to the office! Drape an oversized blazer over your shoulders and step into an office heel.^{[1]XResearch source} This look will certainly demand attention and help you make those business deals.
- If your slip dress is cut too low for the office, wear a tight-fitting shirt underneath for extra coverage.
- For a more preppy look, wear a collared button down shirt under your slip dress.
- For a more casual office look, wear a simple long-sleeve shirt on top of the slip dress in a corresponding color.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Reader Poll: we asked 859 How.com.vn readers, and 72% agreed that the best shoes to wear with dresses and skirts are heels. [Take Poll]
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3
For a night on the town, wear the dress with statement accessories. Perhaps you’re going out with your girlfriends or have a date with your crush planned. Either way, stick with a simple outfit with plenty of accessories to show off your killer body and confidence.^{[3]XResearch source} Here are some outfit ideas:
- Stick with a long, black satin slip dress and strappy silver heels and silver jewelry.
- Go with an orange slip dress and gold accessories.
- Try a cowl neck mini slip dress and high heels to accentuate your frame.
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For summer and spring, opt for woven accessories and canvas shoes. Slip dresses are perfect for the warmer months because of their flowy, lightweight fabric. Depending on the weather, you can wear the slip dress on its own or add a few layering pieces to take off as the day gets warmer. Here are some suggestions:
- Pair a woven purse and hat with a nude slip dress and strappy heels for a beach-day look.
- Keep it casual with a colorful midi slip dress, lightweight denim jacket, and white canvas shoes.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Opt for a trendier look by wearing a tight white t-shirt under a long, patterned slip dress.
5
For fall and winter, pair a slip dress with a chunky sweater. Just because it gets cooler doesn’t mean you have to give up your slip dresses! According to Julch, one of the best ways to style a slip dress in the fall and winter months is to wear “them with a chunkier sweater over it, so it essentially makes your slip dress look like a slip skirt.” Toss a neutral knit sweater over a colorful dress, or be bold with a complimentary color pairing.
- Try wearing a red knit sweater with an emerald green slip dress to a Christmas party.
- Stick with a black turtleneck and a beige slip dress for a day at the office.
- Wear a belt on the outside of the dress to tuck your sweater into for a chicer look.
6
For a wedding, stick with a long dress and sensible heels. While you shouldn’t show up to a wedding underdressed, you also don't want to outshine the bride. So, keep it fashionably simple with a longer slip dress, strappy heel, and delicate jewelry. While this outfit doesn’t seem like much, you’ll look amazing and be able to enjoy the festivities comfortably.
- Consider bringing a light blazer or cardigan to wear over your slip dress if it’s chilly at the venue.
- If heels aren’t your thing, no worries! Pair your dress with ballet flats so your feet won’t be as sore at the end of the night.
7
For a 90s grunge look, stick with leather jackets and plaid. Slip dresses were all the rage in the 90s, so why not bring back the 90s trend? Go for a grunge, rocker look by pairing a black slip dress with black tights, a black and white flannel, and a leather jacket.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Opt for clunky black shoes and bold sunglasses to complete the look.
- Style your hair in a messy bun or loose, messy curls to embody the rocker aesthetic.
Who says you have to wear or layer anything with a slip dress? Stick to the original 90s trend—following Jennifer Aniston and Kate Moss’ examples—and wear a slip dress on its own. Opt for a slip dress with a floral or animal print to draw even more eyes, and stick with a nude heel, sandal, or sneaker.

Section 2 of 4:

How do you layer a slip dress?

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Layer a slip dress with sweaters, blazers, or tights. Fashion experts recommend getting creative when layering a slip dress. Wear the dress over or under another article of clothing to show off your personal style and/or adhere to the weather. Take a look at these ways you could layer a slip dress:
- Wear a slip dress over another shirt. If it’s chilly outside, pair the slip dress with a long-sleeve shirt or turtleneck.^{[6]XResearch source} If it’s a crisp spring day, opt for a scalloped t-shirt.
- Wear a slip dress under a sweater. Pair the dress with a matching or monochromatic bulky sweater in the fall for a casual but business-appropriate look.
- Wear a slip dress under a hooded sweatshirt. For a more casual, laid-back vibe, toss your favorite hoodie over the dress to look effortlessly cool.
- Wear a slip dress under a flannel shirt. For a grunge look, pair a slip dress with a neutral flannel. You could even tie the flannel around your waist if you get too hot.
- Wear a slip dress under a blazer. Keep it business casual by tossing an oversized blazer over a sleek slip dress.
- Wear a slip dress over tights. In the cooler months, keep yourself warm by wearing black or skin-tone tights under a long slip dress.

Section 3 of 4:

What accessories do you wear?

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Accessorize with stylish heels, elegant jewelry, or belts. One of the many perks of a slip dress is that it can be dressed up or down. Accessories play a vital part in this, and experts recommend sprucing up a slip dress to match the given occasion. For instance:
- Add a layered necklace for a night on the town.
- Wear dangling earrings for a formal occasion.
- Line your wrists with sparkling bracelets for a semi-formal look.
- Wear a bold-colored heel to add a pop of color to a nude slip dress.
- Cinch your waist with a belt to accentuate your frame when you layer with an oversized sweater or jacket.^{[7]XResearch source}

Section 4 of 4:

What do you wear under a slip dress?

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A slip dress’ ultra-lightweight fabric leaves nothing for the imagination, making it a sexy and bold fashion statement. Even so, you may not be comfortable with the girls hanging out! So, opt for a strapless bra for a little extra push (without the visible straps) or try nipple covers to show off your natural figure without a nip-slip.
Panty lines can turn a trendy outfit from fab to drab! Keep what’s under your slip dress hidden away by wearing a seamless nude underwear or thong. This way, no one will see your panty line—their attention will be on how amazing you look in your outfit!