The 19 Best Slip Dresses to Keep in Your Wardrobe Year-Round
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Choices for everything from dinner dates to casual brunches.
InStyle / Brian Kopinski
A simple slip never goes out of style. Whether it’s Princess Diana in John Galliano’s Dior, Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw sporting an ivory midi in Sex and the City, or that one friend who swears all of her best moments have “happened while wearing a slip dress,” the boudoir-like silhouette upholds its reputation as having the right amount of class and edge, no matter who wears it.
Slips are effortlessly cool, in literally every sense; their sensual silhouettes are lightweight and breathable, making them an easy summer go-to. And while it was a celeb-favored choice in the ‘90s, the garment has moved from the minimalistic design seen in the early aughts, to a reinvented, updated shape today. We spoke with multiple experts, like Katie Kolodinski, Founder and Creative Director of Silk Laundry for some tips about where to start with so many new options hitting the stores every day.
That said, the slip dress trend isn’t going anywhere — except outside the bedroom (Ahem, these slips were meant to be seen). We invite you to browse and shop our favorites below.
Related: How to Style a Slip Dress, According to Celebrity Stylists
Best Overall: Quince Silk Slip Dress
What We Love: Machine washing this dress on cold won’t ruin it.
What We Don’t Love: It fits slightly snug in the chest area.
A classic slip should be uncomplicated — and this Quince dress proves that sentiment. Exquisite without the price tag, the delicate midi is 100 percent silk (that’s washable!) and falls to that sweet spot on the calf where it looks intentional, not awkward, and you’re still able to show off an appropriately-paired strappy sandal. Its silhouette tapers at the waist without gathering or creating any uncomfortable bumps. Plus, its flowy bodice creates a natural cooling effect, which is undeniably ideal for summer. On larger chests, it does fit a little snug, though, so consider sizing up.
Price at time of publish: $80
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 8 | Material: Silk satin | Length: Midi
Best Budget: The Drop Women's Ana Silky V-Neck Midi Slip Dress
What We Love: It instantly racks up compliments whenever we wear it.
What We Don’t Love: Finding the right bra with it might be tricky.
This dress has earned a bit of a gold-star status for senior editor Christina Butan, who repeatedly racks up compliments whenever she wears it out. You can consider the shocked faces, therefore, when she reveals that it’s only $50 on Amazon — it’s no wonder then that she owns four of the 25 colorways. The effortless dress features a V-neck both in the front and back of the dress with a fit that’s not too tight nor too loose and a hem that hits perfectly mid-calf. Because of the low back and spaghetti straps (which are adjustable, FYI), picking a proper bra to wear with it might pose a challenge. We suggest looking into a backless bra to avoid any clasps peeking through.
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 25 | Material: Polyester, elastane| Length: Midi
Best Splurge: Fleur du Mal Cowl Neck Slip Dress
What We Love: This slinky dress is 100 percent pure silk, making it look and feel high-end.
What We Don’t Love: The sizing could be more inclusive
Fleur Du Mal does lingerie right. To no surprise, their ready-to-wear proves to be no different with this satin Cowl Neck Slip. This fabric features that characteristically glossy appeal, and it feels lustrous and high-end. The cowl looks flattering on all body types, while the subtle draping hugs curves in all the right places. It even has adjustable straps, though, you can hardly tell, only adding to its luxurious look. Because it’s 100 percent silk, it certainly is a splurge. But it will be something you’ll have in your closet for years to come. And if you’re looking for a more embellished take on this dress, the brand also offers a version with faux pearls that dangle around the shoulder. (Talk about luxe.) We only wish they made it available for a wider size range.
Price at time of publish: $485
Size: XS–L | Colors: 4 | Material: Silk | Length: Midi
Best Plus-Size: Sante Grace The Best Curve Bias Cut Bamboo Slip Dress
What We Love: The dress is machine-washable.
What We Don’t Love: If not styled right, it runs the risk of looking like a nightgown.
While there are a plethora of slip dresses in the market, not many of them are size inclusive. Hats off to Sante Grace, therefore, for making a gorgeous dress for women with fuller figures. Available in five colors, the simple slip falls down in a straight silhouette and cuts off right below the knees. You can adjust the spaghetti straps to fit around your shoulders. We recommend styling it consciously, however, as it runs the risk of looking like a nightgown otherwise. A belt, some combat boots, and a leather jacket would look stunning with this.
Price at time of publish: $125
Size: 1X-4X | Colors: 5 | Material: Bamboo, polyester | Length: Midi
Best Petite: Petite Studio Milani Dress
What We Love: It comes with a removable self-tie belt.
What We Don’t Love: The size range is not very inclusive.
We got so frustrated shopping for our petite bodies, that we made an easy-access list of best stores for women five-foot-four and under, and Petite Studio topped that list. Short women tend to struggle most with dresses, which can easily overwhelm the figure and never seem to fall in the right spot on the leg. You’ll never have to worry about that, though, with this Milani dress, which lands right between your knees and ankles. Factor in its cute pattern and removable self-tie belt, and you’ve got a beautiful look for the summer. We only wish it came in a wider size range.
Price at time of publish: $118
Size: XXS–L | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyester | Length: Midi
Best Cowl Neck: Anthropologie Elyse Bias Slip Dress
What We Love: This quality garment has petite, standard, and plus offerings.
What We Don’t Love: The cowl neck hangs low, so your bra might poke out.
There’s something so elegant about a cowl neck, draping along your decolletage. Similar to the Fleur du Mal piece, this option from Anthropologie is elegant enough to wear as a wedding guest but for less money — and it has more sizes to choose from, too. With four different hues — from eye-catching red to sunshine yellow — this structured slip comes in petite, plus, and standard sizes. It’s not made from real silk, but regardless, it still looks luxurious, and it has an additional side slit detail that allows for some extra movement. The cowl neck hangs fairly low, potentially allowing for your bra to peek through. But the right undergarments will ensure no mishaps. And as soon as the summer ends, we suggest pairing this with a long sleeve shirt underneath to continue to wear year-round.
Price at time of publish: $120
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Viscose | Length: Midi
Best Mini: Aritzia Babaton Model Dress
What We Love: There’s very subtle cinching on the waist, which helps shape the body a little.
What We Don’t Love: It is quite short, so be conscious of your movements.
We couldn’t forget about our flirty minis. The classic slip comes in six sultry colors, from wine red to mature navy. It ends just around the thigh in a seductive cut — be careful as this may be a little too short, especially on our taller friends, but we think it's still worthwhile (think: date night or wedding after party) given how good you'll look in it. Cut from a glossy Japanese satin, the dress features a subtle cowl neck, and curves ever so slightly around the waist, giving the overall look a little more shape instead of falling straight down.
Price at time of publish: $98
Size: 2XS–XL | Colors: 6 | Material: Acetate | Length: Mini
Best Midi: Silk Laundry 90s Slip Dress
What We Love: With each style release, the brand produces a limited number of colorways and prints to reduce overproduction.
What We Don’t Love: This could mean that your fave could sell out fast, so be quick to purchase.
A midi slip should fall anywhere along your calf, just as this one from Silk Laundry does. The Australian-based brand is one of the best if-you-know-you-know brands, with celebs like Sienna Miller, Kourtney Kardashian, Lorde, and Chrissy Teigen all sporting their looks This piece is offered in a 90s-inspired look with a soft V-neck line and superior-quality silk. They only produce a few of each colorway to prevent overproduction and unnecessary waste — so basically, if you see one you like, we suggest you jump on it.
“They are high quality, soft, and a super versatile item in your closet,” New York City-based stylist and editor Audree Kate López tells InStyle. We’re fond of this classic-looking ivory style, but there are 20 different colors to choose from in case this one doesn’t speak to you.
Price at time of publish: $275
Size: XXS–XL | Colors: 1 | Material: Silk | Length: Midi
Best Long: Reformation Parma Silk Dress
What We Love: The long dress graces your ankles without becoming a walking hazard.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not bra or big-bust friendly.
Best maxi? Best print? Best sustainable? To be honest, the Reformation silk dress fits all the categories. Gracing your ankles, the long slip dress exudes luxe and sophistication. It’s available in three different floral prints, each of which comes with its own mood (think: fun and flirty to dark and mysterious). And of course, the brand wouldn’t be as loved as it is if it weren’t for its fierce commitment to sustainability. So what’s holding you back from purchasing it? The only thing we can think of is that it’s not necessarily bra-friendly, or big-bust friendly. Nipple pasties are a must, therefore.
Price at time of publish: $348
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 3 | Material: Silk charmeuse | Length: Maxi
Best Halter Neck: Anaphe 00's Backless Silk Halter Dress
What We Love: You can tie the straps in multiple ways along the back.
What We Don’t Love: It’s a bit of a hassle to find the other colorways.
Anaphe focuses purely on luxurious silkwear, so rest assured you’ll receive a quality piece if you shop here. Not only does this slip dress have a halter top (something quite hard to come by in the slip department), but it has an alluring backless design as well. You can tie the straps in multiple ways — around the neck, in crisscross form, or in the middle of your back in a cute bow. It’s available in multiple colors like rose, red, and ivory (although you have to go to a different landing page to get there).
Price at time of publish: $240
Size: XS–L | Colors: 3 | Material: Mulberry silk | Length: Midi
Best V-Neck: Cuyana Charmeuse Slip Dress
What We Love: The back detailing gives an ultra-feminine and sultry feel.
What We Don’t Love: The sizing could be more inclusive.
The dress has the perfect balance of demure and sultry, allowing you to easily go from the office to happy hour with friends afterward. A practical and poised option made from 100 percent silk, the Cuyana slip dress feautres two V-necks: in the front (of course) and the back. A silk band lays in the middle of the back's V in order to accommodate a bra worn underneath. But it doesn't look clunky or out of place — we actually think it appears quite elegant. The feminine, subtle leg slit gives this dress a little more oomph than most other slip dresses, too. We appreciate that it comes in a core black as well as a few seasonal colors, like ruby red and subdued taupe. But we do wish the brand expanded its limited size range.
Price at time of publish: $228
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Silk | Length: Knee-length
Best Patterned: Soul Studio Slip Slip in Marrakesh Sunset
What We Love: This slip is hand dyed with natural dyes from plants and flowers by a small team of artists.
What We Don’t Love: It can wrinkle easily.
Instead of a solid color, opt for a gorgeous pattern, like the one on this Soul Studio slip. The first time we spotted the dress, we immediately thought, we need to have it. And we have yet to look back.
It’s a tea-length pink-based patterned slip with an intricate bottom slit detail; it’s just as special as it is coveted (Trust us, you’re almost guaranteed compliments when you wear this one). This woman-owned brand based out of Austin T.X., dyes and sews their slips by hand, and the brand recovers leftover flowers/petals from florists to make it zero-waste, making your dress unique and one-of-a-kind. Oh, and it’s totally gorgeous, which goes without saying. Just avoid hanging it, because it can wrinkle easily.
Price at time of publish: $285
Size: XS–XXL | Colors: 1 | Material: Silk charmeuse | Length: Midi
Best Strapless: Bec + Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Dress
What We Love: This dress has a statement low back cowl back which gives the slip an edgy and striking shape.
What We Don’t Love: This slip gives a formal impression, so it’s probably best for an event rather than for casual wear.
If you’re looking for the most wedding-appropriate option from guest to bride, (it comes in ivory!), the Bec + Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Dress seen on both Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner is the way to go. The slinky, simple maxi highlights the back with an exaggerated cowl and then fastens with a clip. But watch out because your bra may be visible, depending on the type you choose — if you even plan to wear one at all.
Price at time of publish: $280
Size: 2–14 | Colors: 18 | Material: Viscose | Length: Maxi
Best High-Neck: Outerknown Ellison Slip Dress
What We Love: It’s comfortable enough to wear all day long.
What We Don’t Love: It can only be dry-cleaned.
For a touch of modesty, the high-neck slip dress exists. "One of the hardest working pieces in my closet is a slip dress,” says Suzanne Smallshaw, Senior Director of Fashion and Styling at Rent The Runway. She points out that slips are functional because of their ability to be dressed up and down with a simple change of accessory, and this Outerknown Slip Dress does that best. Smallshaw points out that having a neutral-colored slip will never go out of style and will become “one of those pieces you find yourself reaching for again and again.”
It’s a navy slip — though it comes in other punchy shades, like pink and yellow — with a tank-style neckline, and the sustainable garment is comfortable enough to go from day to night. Plus, it feels like cotton on the skin, even though it's made from (dry-clean only, FYI) cupro. Her way to style this slip? Dress it down with a sneaker or by adding a light knit on top.
Price at time of publish: $168
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 4 | Material: Cupro | Length: Maxi
Best Silk: Olivia von Halle The Issa Tourmaline Silk Satin Luxury Slip Dress
What We Love: It’s made of some of the finest silk available.
What We Don’t Love: It comes with complicated washing instructions.
Known for their luxurious silky pajamas and stylish nightgowns, Olivia von Halle doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quiet luxury. That’s because they solely use the highest quality materials. This one, for example, is made from pure 19 momme silk, ensuring it feels buttery smooth and impossibly soft. It comes in a variety of colors, like this nutmeg version or this fun floral print. Of course, a piece as high-quality as this comes with some complicated washing instructions, in order to maintain its pristine state, which can feel a little tedious.
Price at time of publish: $495
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 7 | Material: Silk | Length: Midi
Best Cotton: Gap Modern Convertible Strap Midi Dress
What We Love: It’s both stretchy and comfortable.
What We Don’t Love: Different colors come at different price points.
Believe it or not, slip dresses are not synonymous with silk or silk alternatives. All a dress requires to be considered a “slip” are spaghetti straps and a sleek, simple silhouette, easy enough to slip into. So here, a cotton slip dress that’s a little more figure-hugging and casual for everyday wear. This one from Gap is stretchier than silk thanks to its super soft Supima cotton-modal blend make up. It has straps that can be unhooked and crossed in the back, for a more interesting look. While it does come in several color options, a lot of them are offered in different price points.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: XXS–XXL | Colors: 4 | Material: Supima cotton, modal | Length: Midi
Best Linen: Dissh Georgie White Linen Midi Dress
What We Love: Subtle details make this stand out from the crowd.
What We Don’t Love: It comes with complicated washing instructions.
If cotton doesn't excite you, then how about a breathable linen alternative? The lightweight material is ideal for the summer, especially when it’s gracing an all-white structured slip such as this one (black is also available, for anyone with an allegiance to this color). The three most notable components are the thicker straps, the distressed details, and the outline down the front and around the chest. Without going too overboard, it stands out from the bunch, making this a wonderful piece for those with a minimal wardrobe and an aversion to blending in. The back dips a little lower than average as well. Just make sure to adhere to the washing instructions, as you cannot just throw it in with the rest of your clothing.
Price at time of publish: $180
Size: 2–12| Colors: 2 | Material: Linen, rayon | Length: Maxi
Best Open-Back: Lunya Washable Silk Bias Slip Dress
What We Love: It’s sultry, without being too revealing.
What We Don’t Love: The tag is visible from the back.
Open-back tops offer simple elegance, as opposed to something that’s more revealing on the front. We love this Lunya dress for exactly that: a subtle eye-catching detail on an otherwise everyday dress. The back isn’t too revealing either, given that it stops at your lower mid-section. We do wish the tag was properly covered, because it’s stitched on to show at all times, which might not be to everyone's liking, especially if you try to be discreet about the brands you wear. If you can get past this detail, though, you’ll love sauntering around in either the blue or the black version of this dress.
Price at time of publish: $198
Size: XS–XL | Colors: 2 | Material: Mulberry silk | Length: Midi
Best Square Neck: Everlane Satin Square Neck Slip Dress
What We Love: It’s made of a sustainable silk-alternative material.
What We Don’t Love: It’s not a dress for high-end events.
Balancing right between modest and sultry is the square neck slip dress. This option from Everlane has a subtle A-line cut and no form-fitting details. The high-shine dress is made of a satin alternative material called Naia Acetate, a sustainable material that looks and feels like satin. You can even machine-wash it — a component missing in silk. There is not much frill or fuss to this dress. Instead, it’s a pretty standard loose dress, great for white sneakers and simple cardigans. If you’re going for a wedding-appropriate elegant dress, this is probably not the one.
Price at time of publish: $90
Size: 00–16 | Colors: 3 | Material: Naia acetate | Length: Midi
What to Keep In Mind
Fabric
Katie Kolodinski, Silk Laundry’s Founder and Creative Director, tells InStyle that when shopping for slips, consider buying the best you can afford. “They will be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come. I would try to purchase one in a natural fabric that is cut on with bias to allow for movement and comfort. You can’t go past a silk slip.” Options like the Anaphe Backless Silk Halter Dress or the Olivia von Halle Issa Green Plain Silk Satin Dress are wonderful such options. That being said, pure silk isn’t always the most affordable, nor is it vegan. Modern technology allows us to create silk-like alternatives using polyester, viscose, or acetate. You would never guess that the Aritzia Babaton Model Dress, for example, is not silk.
Care
If you’re looking for a great resource on how to hand-wash your new silk slip, Silk Laundry posted an Instagram video on just that: “I find hand washing so quick, easy and a bit therapeutic,” Kolodinski writes in the post. She details that, when washing your silk slip, do so in cool or lukewarm water, use a gentle fabric wash, swirl — don’t soak — for around a minute, and gently squeeze the excess water. Don’t wring, as that could break the fibers. Still, you should always look at the brand's washing instructions. Some advise to bring it to the dry-cleaners, like the Bec and Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Dress, as water can stain the material easily.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you make sure your slip doesn’t just ‘look like lingerie’?
Slip dresses were designed originally to be functional undergarments. Only now, it’s not taboo to wear them as a stand-alone piece. Kolodinski tells InStyle that wearing them as the main event is what makes them so special: “They are extremely versatile and can be worn transitioning through seasons as they can be easily layered upon and underneath at any age.” And yet, certain styles run the risk of looking like lingerie or pajamas — that’s where styling comes in. A belt, a blazer, combat shoes, or jewelry are all ways you can vamp up your slip dress. For a more formal event, wear some heels and drape a cardigan over your shoulders.
What is the best bra for slip dresses?
The million dollar question: what bra do you wear with slip dresses? The spaghetti straps on a slip dress make finding the right bra quite difficult, but not impossible. Each dress might come with a different answer, therefore. A backless option like the Lunya Washable Silk Bias Slip Dress will require nipple pasties, stick-on bra, or no bra at all. You can get away with wearing a strapless bra with a strapless dresses like the Bec and Bridge Moon Dance Strapless Dress. Otherwise, it’s always safe to go with some boob tape.
Why Shop With Us?
Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle, with over two years of experience covering fashion and beauty. Morgan Sullivan is a freelance writer, who contributes stories on fashion and beauty. Together, they sourced several slip dresses fit for any occasion. By sourcing various options made of different materials, lengths, and cuts, they were able to compile an extensive list of the best slip dresses.
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