It’s been decades since Kate Moss, Courtney Love, and Carrie Bradshaw elevated the humble slip dress to It-girl status, yet the iconic ’90s style remains a modern wardrobe staple. Little wonder the one-and-done silhouette has stuck around so long: Cut on the bias (fashion speak for a 45° angle), slips drape over the body in a way that’s both effortlessly sexy and surprisingly comfortable.
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Once considered too risqué to wear outside the house, slinky little numbers can now be sported at work, weddings, and far beyond. To help you find the perfect one, we’ve highlighted six key types of slip dresses below—though it’s worth making room in your closet for multiple options.
The Keep-Forever LBD
The black slip dress is so classic, fashion editors rank them right alongside white tees and Levi’s 501s. Versatile enough to pair with practically anything, a timeless LBD slip makes a chic complement to trending items like ballerina sneakers, barn jackets, and studded hobo bags. Snag one now from Lunya, Skims, or Leset, so you’ll be ready to style whatever It-pieces the coming seasons bring.
Washable Silk Slip Dress, $263, Lunya
Barb satin slip dress, $178, LESET
Long slip dress, $130, Skims
Satin Bias Strapless Gown, $541, Norma Kamali
The Cami Slip, $127, Cou Cou
The Personality Print
Slip dresses may be defined by their simplicity, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. The understated, spaghetti-strap silhouette makes the perfect canvas for a conversation-starting print. Whether Leslie Amon’s chili-peppered LBD or the colourful lemon midi from L’Agence speaks more to your personal style, you’ll find an excuse to show off your new favourite dress again and again.
Spicy Galli Mini Dress, $765, Leslie Amon
Emaline Satin Maxi Slipdress, $266, Hutch
Helga Dress, $274, Miaou
'90s Slip Dress Rabbit Amaranth, $393, Silk Laundry
Akiya Tank Dress, $470, L'AGENCE
The Wedding Guest Dress
Classically sexy and effortlessly chic, an ankle-skimming slip dress can outsmart any wedding dress code. A change of shoes and accessories completely transforms a look, meaning you can rewear the same dress to a gala or cocktail party happening later in the year. Thankfully, Nili Lotan’s silk charmeuse gown and Meshki’s butter yellow maxi work just as well for garden parties as they do black-tie affairs.
Cami Silk Charmeuse Gown, $853, Lili Lotan
Draped dress with flower detail, $258, Mango
Slip Maxi Dress With Asymmetrical Hem in Butter, $168, Yvette
Hammered Satin Maxi Slipdress, $529, Vince
The Linen Summer Dress
Madewell, Favorite Daughter, and Banana Republic’s linen slip dresses will be among the first items you reach for when temperatures peak and vacation calls. The body-skimming tank silhouette keeps you cool and comfortable, and it pairs effortlessly with flip-flops, raffia bags, shell necklaces, and other beachy accoutrements.
Scoopneck Sleeveless Midi Dress in 100% Linen, $233, Madewell
The Josette Linen Slipdress, $330, Favorite Daughter
Draped Viscose-Linen Maxi Dress, $232, Banana Republic
Linen Double-Strap Slip Dress in Neutral, $341, Reiss
Lace-trim slip dress in linen, $329, J.Crew
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The Lingerie Slip
Lean into the slip’s boudoir origins with a lacy, lingerie-inspired dress that gives you an instant confidence boost. Reformation, Dôen, and LoveShackFancy’s flirty little numbers can slant ’90s grunge or 21st-century boho depending on how they’re styled. They also happen to make excelllent date-night dresses.
Lace camisole dress, $194, Mango
Cleodora Lace Trim Minidress, $330, Reformation
Alissa Dress, $385, Dôen
Satin camisole midi dress, $258, Massimo Dutti
Manuela Satin A-Line Maxi Dress, $658, LoveShackFancy
The Sleek Wardrobe Staple
A neutral-coloured slip dress can be a versatile staple in your everyday wardrobe. Éterne, Naadam, and Another Tomorrow’s understated midis and maxis can be layered over a fitted tee or slipped beneath a blazer. And they look just as good with Sambas as they do with chunky fisherman sandals, strappy high heels, and demure ballet flats.
Tank Maxi Dress, $135, Eterne
Baby Rib Slip Dress, $107, Naadam
Silk Slip Dress, $178, Cuyana Crepe De Chine Silk Slip Dress
Jersey Slip Dress, $336, Aya Muse
Square Neck Slip Dress, $1033, Another Tomorrow
This article was first seen on ELLE US.