As a fashion stylist, I’m obsessed with the versatility of the slip dress. This wardrobe staple can be dressed up or down effortlessly, making it the perfect piece for busy women on the go. With a few styling tweaks, you can take your slip dress from the office to date night to brunch with the girls.
In this post, I’ll share my expert tips on how to elevate your slip dress game, showcasing a variety of styles that are sure to keep your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
Be sure to pin your favorite slip dress outfit to your relevant Pinterest board for future reference by clicking the “pin it” button on each image! Let’s dive in.
1. Play with Contrast
Juxtaposing textures and colors is an easy way to make your slip dress outfit stand out. I love pairing silky slips with rough, casual pieces like denim jackets and leather boots. The contrast creates visual interest and an almost effortless vibe.
For example, you could wear a sleek black slip dress with an oversized light wash denim jacket and black leather ankle booties. I’d finish the look with a couple of delicate necklaces for a touch of shine. This chic yet laidback outfit works perfectly for weekend activities like apple picking or going to see live music.
If you want something dressier, try a shimmery champagne slip with dark wide-leg jeans, black pointy-toe flats, and a black crossbody bag. The mixture of light and dark tones is so elegant. Add a colorful scarf for a pop of brightness if you wish.
No matter which direction you go, playing with contrasting colors and textures takes a slip dress from basic to bold. I love how it creates visual interest and a touch of edge.
2. Layer It Up
One of my favorite aspects of slip dresses is that they layer beautifully with other pieces. You can create unique silhouettes by wearing slips over trousers, jeans, or leggings. Layering is also a practical way to make your dress more weather-appropriate for colder months.
For example, I’d pair a black slip dress over a crisp white button-down shirt and black skinny jeans with pointy black flats for the office. Finish with a long pendant necklace to complement the neckline. This gives you the polish of a dress with the coverage and warmth of a layered outfit. It’s one of my go-to looks for looking put-together at work without compromising comfort.
If you want something more casual, try wearing a silky cami-style slip dress over a fitted black turtleneck bodysuit and black leggings with white sneakers. Then add loads of gold jewelry for a dressed-up athleisure vibe that works for brunch or running errands.
Layering slip dresses over other pieces lets you get so creative with shapes, textures, and colors. Play around with mixing dressy and casual elements to find combos you love.
3. Accessorize Boldly
One of the things I love most about slip dresses is that they serve as a neutral canvas for bold accessories. Statement earrings, chunky bangles, wide belts, eye-catching shoes—anything goes!
For example, brighten up a black slip dress with vibrant pink or red statement earrings and matching strappy heels. Finish with a red lip for a night-out look that’s guaranteed to turn heads.
Or make a subtle patterned slip dress pop by pairing it with an intricate gold statement necklace, nude pointy-toe mules, and a woven clutch. The result is date-night perfection.
If you’ll be wearing your slip dress in cooler weather, have fun with scarves and hats too. A colorful patterned scarf layered over a neutral slip dress makes any outfit instantly more interesting. Similarly, wide-brim fedoras or floppy hats look so chic with slip dresses, especially for weekend daytime activities.
The styling options are truly endless thanks to the simple silhouette of the slip dress. Don’t be afraid to pile on the jewelry, shoes, bags, and other accents to create memorable outfits.
4. Cinch With a Belt
One of my all-time favorite styling tricks for slip dresses is belting at the waist. Adding a belt instantly defines your shape for a flattering, feminine look.
For example, cinch a V-neck spaghetti strap slip dress with a wide corset-style belt in a matching nude tone. Pair it with nude pointy-toe heels for a polished ensemble.
Or put a skinny metallic belt over a silky cowl-neck slip dress and finish with strappy metallic heels and a matching clutch. I’d add a red lip and loose waves in my hair to complement the glam vibe.
Belts allow you to highlight the waist and create more curve-hugging silhouettes with your slip dress. They’re especially handy for making oversized, flowy styles more figure-flattering. Play around with different belt widths, colors, materials, and buckle styles to find your perfect match.
5. Pair with an Oversized Blazer
Topping a slip dress with an oversized blazer or coat instantly elevates the look. It adds a sophisticated, almost boss-babe vibe that works for both day and night occasions.
For example, I’d pair a slim spaghetti-strap slip dress with an oversized gray plaid blazer, pointy black booties, and a black crossbody bag for a business meeting. It’s professional enough thanks to the blazer but still shows some personality.
Or make date night memorable by wearing a satin cowl neck slip dress with an oversized black velvet blazer, sparkly heels, and a beaded clutch. I love how the velvet adds lush texture next to the smooth satin slip.
Oversized blazers and coats balance the slim silhouette of slip dresses perfectly. They add structure and polish that makes the outfit work for cocktails, parties, date nights, and more. I’d just style your hair and makeup to match the formality of the event.
6. Cozy Up with an Oversized Sweater
For casual fall and winter wear, layering an oversized sweater over a slip dress is a go-to look of mine. It keeps you cozy while transforming your dress into a chic faux skirt.
For example, pair a black spaghetti-strap slip with an oversized cream cable-knit sweater, black tights, and black knee-high boots. Finish with a black crossbody bag for an effortlessly cool weekend outfit.
Or make it work-appropriate with a satin cami slip dress in a jewel tone like emerald green. Layer a thick turtleneck sweater in cream or gray on top, then add pointed-toe flats and a tote bag. So cute!
Oversized sweaters balance out the slim shape of slip dresses perfectly. They add warmth and coverage while keeping your look feminine thanks to the skirt-like shape.
7. Keep It Office-Appropriate
While slip dresses tend to skew more feminine and delicate, they can definitely work for the office too. The key is to balance the silhouette with structured pieces that feel professional rather than overly sexy.
For example, pair a black spaghetti-strap slip dress with a fitted blazer in a muted color like navy or gray. Then add pointy-toe flats and simple jewelry like stud earrings and a thin bracelet or watch. I’d finish with a structured top-handle bag instead of something overly soft or embellished.
Similarly, a cowl-neck midi slip dress looks professional and pulled-together with a matching blazer, classic pumps, and a leather tote. I’d go easy on accessories here—the color-coordinated outfit makes enough of a statement on its own thanks to the unexpected slip dress.
With strategic layering and accessories, slip dresses can totally work for conservative office dress codes. Stick to neutral colors, simple lines, and professional footwear when in doubt.
8. Channel Your Inner Cowgirl
If you love playful, eclectic outfits like me, I highly recommend pairing your slip dress with western-inspired pieces. Mixing the feminine dress with rugged cowboy boots and hats creates such a fun contrast.
For example, a black spaghetti-strap slip would look so sassy with distressed high-waisted jeans, a denim jacket, cowboy boots, and a black cowboy hat. I’d finish with a red bandana tied around the neck for a pop of color.
Or make it more glam with a silky champagne-colored slip dress, tan suede knee-high boots, a matching wide-brim hat, and layered gold necklaces. So chic!
Cowboy-inspired accessories breathe new life into basic slip dresses. And since western wear is having such a major fashion moment lately, it’s the perfect time to give this playful style a try. Yeehaw!
9. Make It Athleisure
These days I’m all about mixing traditionally dressy pieces with sporty, casual elements to create unique athleisure outfits. Slip dresses lend themselves perfectly to this contrasting combo.
For example, a slim black spaghetti-strap slip dress looks so edgy and modern paired with white leather sneakers, a black bomber jacket, and a black baseball cap. I’d finish with a sleek ponytail and minimal jewelry.
Or try wearing a bright colored slip dress like hot pink or cobalt blue with white chunky sneakers, an oversized denim jacket, and a sporty nylon backpack. So cute yet comfortable!
Athleisure outfits are my go-to for running errands and casual weekend activities when I still want to look stylish. Mixing slip dresses with sporty layers like bombers and sneakers lets you feel comfy while standing out from the leggings-and-hoodie crowd.
10. ‘90s Grunge Revival
If you love vintage fashion as much as I do, wearing slip dresses over t-shirts and layers screams ‘90s grunge. It’s such a fun way to revive the iconic styles of the era.
For example, a neutral spaghetti-strap slip dress looks so cool over an oversized white tee, black bike shorts, and black combat boots. Adding an unbuttoned plaid flannel shirt around your waist completes the nostalgic ensemble.
Or channel the decade’s dark romance trend with a black lace-trimmed slip dress worn over a gray long sleeve tee, black leggings, and chunky black sneakers. Pile on the silver jewelry for that iconic ‘90s look.
Grunge-inspired slip dress outfits let you revisit the edgy styles of the decade with a modern twist. They’re just the right amount of nostalgic while still looking fresh and on-trend.
11. Monochrome Magic
Sticking to a single color from head to toe is such a chic way to style any outfit. With slip dresses, I especially love an all-black monochrome look.
For example, pair a black satin cowl-neck slip dress with black over-the-knee boots, a black faux fur coat, black hat, and black crossbody bag. Finish with bold red lips as the only pop of color—so striking!
Or make it more casual with a black spaghetti-strap slip, black biker jacket, black chunky sneakers, and black baseball cap. Add loads of silver jewelry for extra allure.
No matter how you style it, black-on-black just oozes sophistication and edge. Experiment by playing with different textures like leather, suede, velvet, lace, etc. to add visual interest to your monochrome slip dress outfit.
12. Swap Heels for Sneakers
One of my favorite ways to style a slip dress for daytime is by swapping stilettos for comfortable sneakers. The dressy-yet-casual contrast creates such a cool, modern look.
For example, pair a cowl-neck midi slip dress with white leather low-top sneakers, a jean jacket, and a black baseball cap for effortless weekend style. I’d finish with delicate gold jewelry and a topknot for a pulled-together vibe.
Or make your slip dress night-out ready with vibrant patterned sneakers, like cheetah print or bright colors. Then add edgy accessories like a leather moto jacket, chained shoulder bag, and dark nail polish to complement the sporty shoes.
Sneakers add a casual twist that balances out the femininity of slip dresses perfectly. And they allow you to wear your dress for a full day of activities without suffering in heels!
13. Add a Cardigan
For transitional weather when it’s not quite full-on winter coat season yet, I love layering a cozy open cardigan over my slip dresses. It adds warmth while keeping the silhouette long and flowy.
For example, pair a spaghetti-strap slip dress with an oversized, long gray cardigan sweater, black tights, and black ankle booties. Finish with a colorful scarf and top-handle bag for a cute weekend errand outfit.
Or try a short floral kimono-style cardigan over your slip to complement the hem length. Then add nude heels and a matching nude bag for a sweet yet polished look.
Open cardigans are perfect lightweight layers for slip dresses. They add coverage and visual interest while still showing off the dress itself. The longer and more flowy, the better for keeping proportions sleek!
14. Over a Button-Up Shirt
If you like unexpected combos as much as I do, wearing a slip dress over an button-up shirt may be right up your alley. The mixture of masculine and feminine creates the coolest juxtaposition.
For example, pair a slim spaghetti-strap slip with an oversized white button-down men’s shirt, cuffed at the sleeves. Then add blue jeans, a brown belt, and brown cowboy boots to complement the masculine pieces.
Or tuck a silky cami-style slip dress into a black and white gingham button-down tied at the waist. Then add black bike shorts underneath and white sneakers for a contemporary twist.
Button-up shirts lend structure that balances the delicate nature of slip dresses perfectly. Let the collar and cuffs peek out from underneath your dress for an eclectic look with lots of personality.
Start Styling Your Slip Dresses!
As you can see, slip dresses are endlessly versatile wardrobe staples worth having in your closet. With creative mixing and matching, you can take your slip dress from the office to date night to brunch and beyond.
Hopefully this roundup gave you lots of fresh ideas for ways to style slip dresses. The options are truly endless thanks to the simple silhouette and neutral color palette of most slips.
Be sure to pin this blog post to your relevant Pinterest boards for future use. And don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns, textures, colors, and unexpected combinations. That’s where the magic happens!
How will you style your slip dress? Let me know in the comments below!