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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 hot and surprisingly comfortable.
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
$198.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Barb Satin Slip Dress
$255.00 at mytheresa.com
Soft Lounge Long Slip Dress
$80.00 at nordstrom.com
Satin Bias Strapless Gown
$325.00 at amazon.com
The Cami Slip
$90.00 at shopbop.com
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 colorful lemon midi from L’Agence speaks more to your personal style, you’ll find an excuse to show off your new favorite dress again and again.
Spicy Galli Mini Dress
$546.00 at Revolve
Emaline Satin Maxi Slipdress
$199.99 at nordstrom.com
Helga Dress
$195.00 at revolve.com
’90s Slip Dress
$300.00 at silklaundry.com
Akiya Tank Dress
$365.00 at shopbop.com
The Wedding Guest Dress
Classically hot 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
$595.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Draped Dress With Flower Detail
$199.99 at Mango
Yvette Slip Maxi Dress
$139.00 at meshki.us
Cadence Satin Maxi Dress
$595.00 at Neiman Marcus
Satin Bias Maxi Slip Dress
$398.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
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 Linen Midi Dress
$148.00 at madewell.com
The Josette Linen Slip Dress
$248.00 at nordstrom.com
Draped Viscose-Linen Maxi Dress
$180.00 at bananarepublic.gap.com
Roxanne Linen Slip Dress
$265.00 at bloomingdales.com
Lace-Trim Linen Slip Dress
$198.00 at jcrew.com
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
$149.99 at Mango
Cleodora Dress
$248.00 at saksfifthavenue.com
Alissa Dress
$268.00 at shopdoen.com
Satin Camisole Midi Dress
$200.00 at massimodutti.com
Manuela Dress
$495.00 at nordstrom.com
The Sleek Wardrobe Staple
A neutral-colored 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.
Maxi Tank Dress
$225.00 at eterne.com
Baby Rib Slip Dress
$78.00 at naadam.co
Crepe De Chine Silk Slip Dress
$138.00 at cuyana.com
Jersey Slip Dress
$335.00 at mytheresa.com
Square Neck Slip Dress
$790.00 at anothertomorrow.co
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