Slip dresses are a perfect summer wardrobe must-have. Given their easy silhouettes and variety of prints and texture that they are available in, it does not comes as a surprise that street styles maven, red carpet heavyweights, and designer have experimented with them. We can’t help but acknowledge the humble dress’s adaptability. From being a 90s staple, which at that time owing to it’s ‘lingerie inspired’ details graduated to become perfect evening wear, has now made headway into every fashion enthusiasts wardrobe. And why not? When you can pair it with a number of separates and add a bit of character to your look, it is safe to say that these dresses are a perfect summer investment. We just need a style guide to understand how to wear slip dresses.
Charting back the history of fashion’s obsession with this simple silhouette one can’t help but notice strong references of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell at the Diamonds Are Forever charity gala when both were spotted clad in Versace chainmail slip dresses. Both Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang have created multiple renditions of their sleek satin slip dresses still popular with the likes of Selena Gomez today. If that’s not all Moss’ another appearance in a see-through slip dress with skull prints at Alexander McQueen’s 2004 show goes to prove the versatility of the dress. Besides this Hollywood has also embraced this super versatile closet staple, from Michelle Pfeiffer’s blue slip dress from Scarface to Elizabeth Taylor’s lingerie-inspired slip from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are strong points of reference.
The runway has also been replete with the slip. From Versace, Coach, Marc Jacobs to Tory Burch, some of the leading names rolled out their renditions of the classic slip.
Confused about how to add a bit of drama to the slip here are a few tips.
Pair with a shirt/t-shirt
Shirts and t-shirts with slip dresses are a season approved pairing. It depends on the kind of shirt or t-shirt you want to loop in. The classic crisp whites layered under a slip dress is never a bad look. Just in case you want to make a statement, go for slogan t-shirts. In summers go ahead with striking hues, think mustard yellow, greens, and tones of orange paired with a black slip. Take cues from street style fixtures such as Chiara Ferragni and Giovanna Battaglia. Avoid going for a head-to-toe clashing print and pattern look. For cues look upto Namrata Joshipura, Michael Kors and Dhruv Kapoor.
With trousers or jeans
From Ralph Lauren’s sleek trousers paired with slips to Oscar De La Renta’s ankle length pants paired slit slips, this has already been a runway approved trend. An easy trend for the ones with lanky legs, can easily help you transition from a casual look to a more formal one. Ensure that you veer away from printed trousers, go for more monotone one’s. Also pick slip dresses devoid of any drama; heavy prints or too much textural interplay is a big no. Keep it sleek. When nothing works a cool pair of jeans can save you. Be it a nightout or a casual day at work, a billowing slip paired with jeans is big on the summer trend wheel.
Layer it up
Layering as a trend in summers can be tricky. Thumb rule is to experiment with textures. A light weight denim or a chambray jacket over a slip dress can elevate ones look. Also, a classic black blazer with a slip is a winning look. Lightweight duster coats have been a street wear signature, we suggest loop them in to layer over a satin slip dress and your evening look is sorted. Take cues from the likes of Gigi Hadid and Leandra Medine.
Accessorize
Accessorising is an art, mastered by a few. Just in case you want to start too, we suggest pickup a classic belt, if with a logo, even better. To exude a more off-duty vibe go for ankle length boots or sneakers. Lately slip dresses along with the right kind of accessories have been defining airport chic. Victoria Beckham’s yellow satin slip dress with a yellow duster coat paired with classic shades and heels make for a winning look. You can always throw in minimal jewellery, belts, statement cuffs or just earrings and you can put an evening look together. The right kind footwear is important, we say veer away from boots, stick to a sleek pair of heels.
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