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The slip dress edit: 19 chic styles for every budget and occasion
From silk and satin maxis to zebra-print minis...
A chic slip dress is a fashion girlie's best friend. No shade to our other summer dresses, but think about it: The slip dress is a capsule wardrobe staple. It's up there with jeans, an oversized boyfriend shirt and your favourite fashion trainers. With the effortless ability to be black tie or casual, it's the dress we find ourselves turning to again and again.
Best slip dresses to shop now
Wear it under a blazer with loafers for a stylish workwear outfit, layer it over a white t-shirt with a pair of walking sandals for an outdoorsy weekend — the combos are endless. Come winter, simply throw a cardigan on top, add tights and knee-high boots (try cowboy boots for a Western-inspired take on the look).
The slip dress is truly a jack-of-all-trades fashion investment, and with the summer sales in full swing, there’s so many gorgeous picks available for a steal. Keep scrolling to shop our edit for every budget and occasion...
Starting strong with this chocolate brown silk midi from Reformation. The cute cap-sleeves add a formal twist to the classic cut, making it a gorge choice for special occasions like graduation ceremonies and weddings.
ALLSAINTS is a day dress aficionado, and this casual twist on the classic black slip is perfect for mothers-to-be — the adjustable straps, side split and stretch jersey offer maximum comfort as you glow and grow.
Pretty in pink takes on a whole new meaning with this asymmetric slip from Reiss. Add strappy kitten heels, a T-bar necklace, and a metallic clutch and your wedding guest outfit is sorted.
SKIMS Soft Lounge Ribbed Stretch-Modal Maxi Slip Dress
So simple and elegant, SKIMS’ ribbed maxi slip dress makes for an easy outfit win. We love the minimalist design and figure-hugging fit. Dress it up with bold accessories for the evening or keep it low-key with wedge sandals and sunnies during the day.
A slip dress is an excellent summer staple to pack for summer city breaks and lazy beach holidays. Effortless and airy, this strappy H&M number defo does the trick.
Tap into the underwear-as-outerwear trend thanks to the luxe lace trim on this slinky slip. From the cornflower hue to the sheer lace cut-out details, there’s a lot to love about this design. Oh, and did we mention it's backless? J’adore!
Nobody’s Child Burgundy Lace Trim Ally Mini Dress
This cutie is currently on sale for over 50% off. Burgundy is the perfect transitional ode to autumn, and the white lace trim and mini length? It’s giving: “I could be taking a glamourous nap or heading out on the town.”
If you’re after a showstopper, Reformation should always be your first port of call. This 100% silk maxi is giving Bond Girl femme fatale in the best way.
Rixo truly own the slip dress style – its vibrant, breezy designs never miss. Not keen on spaghetti straps and plunging necklines? This long-sleeve, boat-neck maxi is perfect if you want to keep things modest.
Step into a show-stopper with this ruffle-detail maxi slip dress. The floral print and ultra-high slit make it a gorgeously romantic pick.
Another reminder that slip dresses aren’t just made from silk and satin. Get that trademark slip silhouette in a structured fabric, like denim, that will hang looser on your body.
Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Sleeve Slip Mini Dress
This backless mini is an absolute treat. We love that the long sleeves and boat neck give the daring style an elevated update.
This stunning sequinned slip is admittedly not cheap, but its versatile colour and timeless silhouette make it a piece that’s sure to stand the test of time in your wardrobe.
Anthropologie The Fleur Strapless Satin Maxi Slip Dress
Similarly, they don’t have to have thin shoulder straps either. Anyone want to invite us to rooftop drinks, just so we have an excuse to wear this elegant beauty?
We love SKIMS for its quality basics, and this pink, knitted maxi gives the humble slip a pretty update. Too hot for a dressing gown? Need to throw something on to run errands? This is your girl.
A destination wedding is a slip dress’s favourite playground, and this one is sure to make you feel like the bee’s knees. As well as a plunging, sweetheart neck, it features a ruched bust detail that's super flattering for those with big boobs.
WOW. This micro mini looks like something straight out of Euphoria. Match with a micro metallic bag and mega heels for a date with the dance floor.
Um, can we take a moment to appreciate this drop dead gorgeous maxi? With the mega high split, cowl neck and deep brown shade, we could totally see both Rachel Green and Jennifer Aniston rocking this dress in the 90s.
The Reiss summer sale is full of gems, and one of them is this sunset-coloured slip dress. With black summer sandals and an oversized tote, it’s a vibrant way to enjoy the last days of summer.
What is a slip dress?
Okay, you might think you know what a slip dress is, but there are some key characteristics that define a slip style. Getting its name from its shared design with an underslip or petticoat, a slip dress traditionally features a bias cut – a dress-making technique that cuts fabric diagonally to create a floaty, figure-skimming silhouette. This means it's super flattering across almost every body shape and size, making it universally popular!
The most common designs have spaghetti straps and are made of silk or satin. Modern iterations range from V-neck denim styles and cap-sleeve cotton creations to slinky lace looks. If it's a party dress you’re after, you can't go wrong with one of the many lace-panelled, backless or cut-out styles we've seen around.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
Shadé (pronounced sh-ah-day) is the Senior Fashion & Lifestyle Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. From what to shop in the latest Revolve flash sale to how to style the hottest new trends, she shares shopping advice, reports on new collabs and reviews your fave fashion brands.
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