What’s silky, smooth and works for all occasions, day and night? Aside from your favourite lingerie set, a slip dress is the ultimate trans-seasonal staple that’ll see you through spring, summer and beyond.
Sure, there was a time when the slip dress was considered strictly bedroom attire — a hidden inner layer normally associated with curlers and fuzzy slippers — but the lingerie-inspired frock has shed its pyjama reputation to become a bona fide going-out dress.
Now, the wardrobe staple comes in many iterations: there’s a whole world of slip dresses to see, in every shape, size, colour and pattern, ready for a wide array of events. Today, it can serve as a wedding guest dress, a happy hour ensemble and a house dress. It’s an acceptable purchase year-round because you can wear it on its own in the summertime, then layer it with a tee or turtleneck as it gets cooler, eventually pairing it with faux fur jackets and coats for those brisk winter days. For 20 elevated slip dresses that bring a new touch to daytime or evening dressing, rather than a mood-lit bedroom, scroll on.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Intimately There She Goes Printed Maxi Slip, £108
This is not your ordinary slip dress. Free People has elevated the typically clean-cut style with a flowy, asymmetrical silhouette that hugs your curves and that can easily be dressed up or down. Off to a destination wedding? This piece would work for the event itself, plus dinner dates on the beach or off-duty days sightseeing.
Intimately There She Goes Printed Maxi Slip, $, available at Free People
Lulus Chic Intricacy Magenta Satin Jacquard Slip Mini Dress, £74
Barbiecore hot pink is still as strong as ever, and looks especially beautiful when crafted in this flower and butterfly embossed jacquard. It’s subtle but elevates the simple cut.
Lulus Chic Intricacy Magenta Satin Jacquard Slip Mini Dress, $, available at Lulus
Lisa Says Gah Sofia Slip Dress, £129
For the maximalists among us, we present to you the ultimate dinner date dress, complete with cheeky illustrations. What better conversation starter than wearing your three courses on your body?
Lisa Says Gah Sofia Slip Dress, $, available at Lisa Says Gah
& Other Stories Printed Slip Midi Dress, £135
Whether you’re journeying near or far, wear a piece of adventure in the form of this painterly inspired landscape dress — you never know what escapades you might get up to.
& Other Stories Printed Slip Midi Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
Fashion//SZN Plisse Cowl Neck Midaxi Dress in Bold Floral Print, £30
Picture it: you in this dress, the sun on your skin, your toes in the sand, and some sort of fancy, ice cold tropical cocktail in hand. The dream!
J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Dress in Luster Charmeuse, £110
It’s hard to deny the appeal of an emerald green dress, especially when it’s a shade that suits practically everyone (just ask anyone still obsessed with that dress in Atonement).
J.Crew Gwyneth Slip Dress in Luster Charmeuse, $, available at J.Crew
Abercrombie & Fitch The A&F Camille Midi Dress, £100
This is the dress: the one that will serve you well, no matter the occasion. It fits like a glove and works like a blank canvas. A black slip dress can be accessorised any way you want: with statement jewellery and matching shoes, or with delicate kitten heels and a chain pendant.
By Anthropologie Sleeveless Draped-Back Asymmetrical Midi Slip Dress, £148
The square neckline and subdued colour palette say “elegant affair,” while the leg slit, asymmetrical hem and draped back say “I’ll see you on the dance floor later.”
Fleur du Mal Eco Luxe Keyhole Slip Dress, £305
Add a little spice to the classic slip dress and you’ll get this fiery red number with a keyhole detail. Plus, it’s made of 97% recycled poly!
Fleur du Mal Eco Luxe Keyhole Slip Dress, $, available at Fleur Du Mal
For Love & Lemons Rosalyn Maxi Dress, £323
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Well, if it ain’t broke… What better way to welcome the sunshine than this number, which takes the floral rulebook and throws it out of the window; breaking up all those ditsy blooms with bold, asymmetrical swathes of lace that offer subtly sexy, sheer peekaboo sections.
For Love & Lemons Rosalyn Maxi Dress, $, available at Revolve
Cider Mesh Cowl Neck Ruched Maxi Dress, £25
Don’t let late spring showers cramp your style — make them your inspiration in an artsy, watercolour-inspired print and a colour palette borrowed from a Cézanne painting.
Topshop Velvet and Lace Midi Slip Dress in Black, £55 £27
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill black slip dress; the delicate lace detailing along the neckline and the rich velvet material add a sultry, dark romantic edge. This is the kind of dress you’ll be rewearing and layering up right through autumn and into winter — just imagine how brilliantly that lace will pop against a crisp white turtleneck.
Rebdolls Kenya Leopard Halter Maxi Slip Dress, £49
Say it with us, folks: animal print is a neutral! With this mindset, this is a match made in heaven for your summer holiday — especially for that beachside cocktail bar in your plans.
Reformation Marlowe Dress, £98
No one does simple, sexy, ’90s supermodel-esque chic like Reformation. We’re getting Carrie Bradshaw vibes from this one — it doesn’t need a lot to complete the look. Perhaps simple heeled sandals, a mini shoulder bag and your hair worn free and natural, à la Carrie.
Madewell x Aimee Song Sequin Slip Maxi Dress, £227 £72
Brides, it’s time to thank Aimee Song. The Song of Style fashion blogger has co-designed a shimmering sequin slip dress with Madewell that is calling your name. The embellished midi can be styled for everything from hen dos to bridal showers.
Madewell x Aimee Song Sequin Slip Maxi Dress, $, available at Madewell
Pretty Lavish Curve Satin Slip Maxi Dress in Black, £68
Clean and simple — the scoop neckline and minimalistic silhouette on this design make this a classy piece to wear to black-tie weddings and work events.
Pretty Lavish Curve Satin Slip Maxi Dress in Black, $, available at ASOS
River Island Plus Red Plisse Ombre Slip Midi Dress, £45
Slip dresses don’t all have to hug your body. This loose-fitting one from River Island is perfect for keeping cool on a hot summer day (and the ombré design is great for hiding any sneaky sweat patches).
River Island Plus Red Plisse Ombre Slip Midi Dress, $, available at River Island
Wildfang The Empower Satin Adjustable Slip Dress, £166
Adjustable straps? Yes. Plus, a fully detached scarf that can be used to style this chartreuse midi in different ways: wrap it around your waist for a chic cinched look; loop it around your neck, skinny scarf style; wear it as a headband; or tie it into a bow on your bag.
Simple Retro Plus Size Kama Floral Chiffon Slip Dress, £48 £30
It may be 2024, not the early 19th century, and there may be a dire lack of balls, garden tea parties and promenades in the diary, but that won’t stop us from dressing like a (modern-day) Bridgerton lady. Soft pastels, delicate florals and pretty ruffle details all summer long, please!
Lunya Washable Silk Slip Dress, £205
Washable silk? Yes, you’ve read that correctly. Lunya has crafted an effortlessly sexy slip dress that is just as effortless to care for.
Lunya Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Lunya
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
12 “Dress & Trainers” Combos To Save For Later
