Trends may come and go at a rapid rate these days, but there’s still a handful of pieces that should remain a constant in any well-edited wardrobe. And while a decent white T-shirt and seasonless tailoring are obvious investments, it’s the slip dress I find myself reaching for the most, no matter the season or occasion.
The slip dress poster girl? That’ll depend on who you ask. Proof of the style’s versatility comes from the fact that everyone from Princess Diana to Courtney Love has been seen in one.
Kate Moss wore a simple silver slip in 1993, propelling her straight to paparazzi priority status when the flash of the camera lights turned it transparent. Rachel Green exposed herself to her boyfriend’s parents in one (not the finest example of the piece’s practicality, but an iconic moment nonetheless). Even Cindy Crawford got married in a short white slip.
Of course, the dress’ beginnings can be traced right back to the 1920s – but it was the 1990s, and the birth of grunge, that saw the traditional undergarment evolve into a piece in its own right.
Marc Jacobs’ seminal 1993 collection for Perry Ellis (which dramatically resulted in his firing) presented embroidered and checked slips in varying degrees of translucency, layered with plaid and grounded with Doc Martens. At the sleeker end of the spectrum, 1990s stalwarts Calvin Klein and Helmut Lang were working the slip’s clean lines into their minimalist visions.
Now, we might be in the throes of a y2k revival, but the 90s slip dress still reigns supreme. To me, it’s the ultimate multitasker – something that can be thrown on for pretty much any occasion. A floor-length slip dress works perfectly with a slouchy jumper for working days and weekend dates, while lace-up boots bring a tougher edge for weekends in the city. A black blazer looks just as good as a bomber jacket over the top, and stiletto heels can be switched in for more formal events. From office meetings to weekend errands, a slip always fits.
However, while the styling might come easy, finding the perfect slip dress is a surprisingly tricky feat: especially when you're as sartorially pedantic as I am.
Ideally, you want one cut on the bias - many cheaper high-street options are not, meaning they won’t flow in a flattering way – and made of silk or high-quality satin (lesser materials will pull frustratingly easily). If you’re petite, you’ll find many end at the wrong point on your leg – or drag sadly on the floor – while those of us with a larger bust will want one with thick enough straps to conceal a bra.
The Best Slip Dresses To Invest In Now
In my hunt to find the ultimate slip dress, the obvious starting point was St Agni: the brand is known and loved for its perfected minimalist pieces, and so a stellar slip dress was bound to be on the cards.
Sure enough, the brand has a classic style in stock right now, cut with tank-style straps and plunging to that perfect just-low-enough point at the neck. Anyone keen to tick off two trends in one should also consider the brand's translucent iteration: the coolest way to master the season's key sheer dresses.
Asceno is another brand to look to for note-perfect midi styles. The Lyon is the classic spaghetti-strap option – ideal for both casual days and elegant evenings – while the Bordeaux has straps just wide enough to conceal a T-shirt bra beneath (important if you’re wearing to the office).
St. Agni Bias Tank Dress
Reformation Silk Dress
Asceno Lyon Dress
DÔEN Obelia Silk-Satin Dress
On the high street, you’ll need to be selective to avoid substandard fabrics and not-quite-right cuts, but I have found a few surprise hits. Warehouse has a classic option in stock: available in a range of colours, plus that trusty black, this tank-style slip will work day or night, and is ideal for transitional layering too. Trust me: it looks much more expensive than it is.
Not just the brand for bridesmaid dresses, Ghost’s classic slip is the ultimate forever investment. It’s made from EcoVero cellulose fibre, which feels akin to a slippy, breathable viscose but is harvested from certified-sustainable wood. The handle is heavy enough to ensure a satisfying swish, while the bias-cut silhouette curves just above your bust for a flattering finish.
All Saints Hadley Cowl Neck Midi Slip Dress
Ghost Palm Slip Dress
H&M Asymmetric-Hem Slip Dress
But of course, the ultimate move is to find a stellar vintage style – and there are many out there waiting to be snapped up. Dior's vintage lingerie slips are perfect for layering with a cardigan and sheer tights, while there are tonnes of Nineties steals available at vintage favourites Rokit right now. As for me? I'll be dreaming of that original John Galliano for Dior for the foreseeable future.
Vintage Prada Slip Dress
Vintage Moschino Slip Dress
Vintage Morgan Slip Dress
John Galliano Bias-Cult Silk-Chiffon Dress
The 15 Most Iconic Slip Dress Moments
