Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
Plenty of '90s fashion trends remain relevant to this day, and chief among them is the slip dress. Born from the underwear-as-outerwear movement championed by Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier, the slip dress quietly made its way from the shadows into the spotlight. With designers like John Galliano creating covetable bias-cut creations (once favored by Princess Diana for Dior) to the minimalist-chic slips that designers Calvin Klein and Narciso Rodriguez floated down their catwalks, the slip dress became the era-defining look of choice.
Now, 30 years later, the sexy-yet-versatile piece has made its way into just about every woman's wardrobe, thanks to the simplicity of styling a slip dress. Whether winterized with tights and a sweater, amped up with heels and a leather jacket for date night, or paired down with a T-shirt and ankle boots for your off-duty day-to-day look, the slip dress might be the most adaptable dress in your closet. So, sit back, "slip" into something comfortable, and let's shop.
Best Slip Dresses
- Best Overall Slip Dress: Aritzia Wilfred Only Slip Midi Dress
- Best Budget Slip Dress: Quince: 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
- Best Splurgeworthy Slip Dress: Careste Ann Maria Slipdress
- Best Slip Dress for Dressing Up: Intimissimi Silk Slip
- Best Slip Dress for Every Day: SKIMS Soft Lounge Long Slipdress
The dress that launched a million TikToks and dupes, Kim Kardashian's SKIMS slip dress is truly one to behold. Made from a buttery-soft ribbed fabric, this dress is just as good to lounge in (as the name suggests) or to style up for a night out. In true Kim K fashion, this dress also has magical sculpting abilities—I have yet to see one person not look amazing with it on.
Pros: Comes in sizes XXS to 4X; Offered in seven colors; Soft rib-knit material.
Cons: Some colors are sheerer than others.
Real silk you can throw in the washer? Sounds too good to be true, but I'm here to tell you that it's not! Quince's silk slip dress can be washed with all of your other delicates, so you can save a trip to your dry cleaners. Plus, the silk is naturally thermoregulated, making this slip a major winner during the summer months.
Pros: Machine washable; 100 percent mulberry silk; Offered in eight colors; Has adjustable shoulder straps.
Cons: Fits slightly snug in the bust.
The brand may have gone viral for their leather Melina pants, but I'd argue Aritzia's slip dress is actually worth the internet's attention. The Wilfred Only Slip Dress comes in a light and airy silhouette, a flattering shape for anyone, and in a multitude of colors to switch it up from season to season. Plus if the midi length isn't your cup of tea, Aritzia offers a mini and maxi version, too.
Pros: Comes in sizes 2XS to 2XL; Offered in 17 colors; Comes in mini, midi, and maxi lengths; Has adjustable shoulder straps.
Cons: Delicate fabric.
With its shade green shade and billowing shape, Reformation's Daytona slip dress is begging to be your winter-to-spring go-to. This slip features a deep V neckline and thick shoulder straps, so wearing your favorite bra is not a problem. The ruching on the bust gives this dress a slightly elevated look, too.
Pros: Sustainably made; Flattering for larger busts; Bra-friendly; 100 percent silk.
Cons: Over $200; Dry-clean only.
If you're wanting a bit more coverage, might we suggest a racerback option like this one from L'Academie? The top of this slip fits like your favorite casual tank but then flows into an elegant midi length. We especially love the added sexiness of the slit and its throw-on style. Getting dressed up couldn't be easier.
Pros: Provides higher coverage; Features thigh slit; Fits larger busts.
Cons: Dry-clean only; Over $200.
Don't sleep on this former mall brand—Abercrombie has definitely stepped up their style and quality of late, made evident in this slip dress. This shiny satin number has the prettiest lace detailing around the bust, adding just a touch of formality. We're also obsessed with the color combo—whoever said black and brown does not go together has not seen this dress!
Pros: Under $75; Available in petite, regular, and tall lengths.
Cons: Runs large in the bust.
My jaw actually dropped when I saw this dress. For one, the color of this dress is incredible (Barbiecore pink is still going strong, by the way). Its bias cut and deep v-neck make this dress oh-so-flattering, plus the open back is actually swoon-worthy. Did we mention this dress comes in sizes 00 to 20?
Pros: 100 percent silk satin; Has pockets; Designed for a flattering slim fit.
Cons: Over $200.
Have you ever seen a more summer-ready dress? The bright peach hue of this slip dress would pair perfectly with a vacay glow. The polka-dot print and tie back detailing add an extra dose of fun to your 'fit, too. Just throw on your favorite sandals and gold anklet and you're ready to go.
Pros: Has adjustable shoulder straps and tie-back design; Lined at bust.
Cons: Hand wash only.
Like a crisp white shirt, this no-nonsense black slip can be the base layer of some of your most creatively styled days. For day, pair with a silk scarf and blazer for the office, or a sweater and sneakers for the weekend. For evening, go full glitz with some jewels, a lip, and your highest heel for a night to remember.
Pros: 100 percent silk; Breathable fabric; Thin enough to wear under clothes; Has adjustable shoulder straps.
Cons: Only comes in sizes XS to L.
This army green slip can become your all-season workhorse. Pair with wood and straw accessories with gold accents to play up that summer tan or bust out your denim jacket, nubby knits and boots to take you well into fall.
Pros: 100 percent silk; Has adjustable shoulder straps; Has side split hem.
Cons: Over $200; Dry clean only.
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