Slip Dress Outfit Ideas You Can Pull Together in Minutes

(Image credit: Christian Vierig)

published 14 May 2020

I've publicly proclaimed my love for slip dresses and have no plans on ever stopping myself from buying more. This sleepwear-as-outerwear look (or underwear-as-outerwear style, as some put it) is comfortable, effortless, and the best for looking timeless but not in a try hard way. Though I tend to keep slip dresses in my wardrobe year-round (I like to stare at them in the wintertime and dream of warmer days), the most optimal time to wear them is summer.

For days when the sun's powerful rays scorch your skin, a slip dress can feel like you're not wearing anything at all, which is glorious because going out naked is not an option. The slip dress is lightweight, silky, and can be quite flowy if you opt for the non-body hugging options. Slips are also appropriate for any type of setting, from your workplace (I have tips on how to pull off this look) to someone's wedding (avoid wearing white). Check out five ways to style your favorite slip below and if you want more shopping options, your wish is my command.

The No-Fuss, On-the-Go Outfit

A tried-and-true way to wear your slip dress, if you want more coverage, is to style a crewneck t-shirt underneath. This two-tone dress option is elevated yet wearable for everyday activities. Since the base is comprised of neutrals, you can up the style ante with an animal print bucket hat and gold jewelry that echoes your outfit's color palette.

Shop the pieces: 1. Banana Republic t-shirt, $23; 2. Silk Laundry dress, $375; 3. Loeffler Randall bucket hat, $60; 4. Foundrae necklace, $2,750; 5. Mejuri chain bracelet, $90 and TAI zebra bracelet, $55; 6. Vince handbag, $395; 7. Villa Rouge sandals, $120

The Weekend Outfit

Summer is a time for embracing bright colors, so do it head to toe in this pastel green/yellow ensemble. A mini slip dress is great when you want to catch any breeze that comes your way on sweltering hot days. No need for a cardigan or any cover up—just accessorize with a cool bag, some pearl earrings, and sunglasses. This outfit also sends out both ladylike and effortlessly sexy vibes.

Shop the pieces: 1. Aritzia slip dress, $120; 2. Illesteva sunglasses, $220; 3. Tory Burch earrings, $158; 4. Dior handbag, $4,450; 5. Simon Miller sandals, $410

The Work Week Outfit

To get away with wearing a slip dress in more conservative settings (and not risk looking like you just rolled out of bed), style a button-down under or over your dress. If you find the fabric bunches together underneath, simply swap out for a blazer. Thankfully, this printed slip is dressy and grand enough to wear alone too. Pair with sneakers for casualness but a statement handbag for that fashun touch.

Shop the pieces: 1. Everlane shirt, $64; 2. Ganni slip dress, $505; 3. Gucci sunglasses, $360; 4. & Other Stories earrings, $19; 5. The Row bag, $990; 6. Adidas leather sneakers, $70

The Special Events Outfit

This is how you get away with wearing a slip dress to a wedding. The satin number is delicately appliquéd with floral lace from waist up and along the hemlines for that elegant and fancy finish. It's your average slip dress that is all "grown up." Save this piece for important occasions where you want to stun and feel comfortable. Style with equally feminine accessories like a pearl embellished bag and luxe white sandals.

Shop the pieces: 1. Lela Rose slip dress, $1,590; 2. Completedworks earrings, $475; 3. ASOS handbag, $45; 4. Prada leather sandals, $850

The Date-Night Outfit

If you don't own that classic black slip dress (or need a new one), scoop up this lacy spaghetti strap number. To make your outfit more interesting, add in a pair of bold earrings and the season's trendiest handbag. After your friends and family are done admiring you from the top, they'll compliment you on your cow print shoes. They're the perfect footwear to complete your nighttime look.

Shop the pieces: 1. Khaite slip dress, $552; 2. Dolce & Gabbana earrings, $795; 3. Song of Style sandals, $158; 4. Bottega Veneta pouch, $2,700

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Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.