In one word, the perfect slip dress makes you feel “sexy.”
The power of the slip dress lies in it’s understated sexiness. It takes you from daytime to nightfall. Those 90’s babes knew what they were doing when they first shimmied into the slip dress.
Historically a slip was worn underneath a dress to help it fall smoothly. Then the underwear-as-outerwear trend caught on and slip dresses went to the forefront of fashion.
Kate Moss, of course, led the way thanks to her friendship with John Galliano (who heralded the slip to the runway). But the other 90’s girls also knew what to do with them.
Naomi Campbell, Winona Ryder, Sofia Coppola, and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy all pulled out their slinkiest slip dresses and wowed the world with this new style.
We remember the 90’s as Spice Girls (with the exception of Posh Spice’s “little black dresses”) and grunge. In the underbelly of this decade there was a subtle fashion minimalism where the slip dress flourished.
The power of the slip dress is just as effective today as it was 20 years ago.
Camille Rowe, Lily Aldridge, and countless Instagram it-girls all rely on the slip dress.
Why?
Understated sexiness will always be in fashion.
What To Wear Under a Slip Dress
… or what kind of bra and underwear to wear with a slip dress.
Most bras will show under a slip dress.
If your slip can accommodate a strapless bra, then definitely go with one.
… I say definitely go with one, because adhesive nipple covers can get really hot — like temperature-wise.
If you’re in a cooler climate, or wearing them at night, you might be able to get away with pasties… but idk, they don’t always work for me.
If your slip dress is super low-cut, and you can’t get away with a strapless bra, I’d recommend specially designed nippy tape.
You can use nippy tape to amplify your cleavage or just to hide your nipples from poking someone’s eye out.
… or if you’re in a pinch, just use band-aids.
As far as underwear goes, I’d recommend a seamless brief/thong/whatever and if you are self-conscious of stomach pooches (like me), then a garment with some tummy support (like this one, review here).
Finding The Right Slip Dress Checklist
I.e. Can you move around without feeling constricted?
If you can’t just pop the slip dress over your head, chances are it’s the wrong slip.
The best slips are cut on the bias, so it hugs your figure, but not TOO much.
The perfect slip dress leaves something to the imagination because…
Ideally your slip dress should come to just before your fingers. Not too short, not too long. Just enough to show some leg, but just enough so you can still bend over without flashing the world.
You can generally find a good silk slip for less than $200.
Silk knows what to do for your body more than polyester or rayon.
An undeniably sensual fabric, it also feels sexier and more charming when it’s on you. It puts you into the mood for whatever persona you want to take in a slip dress.
Want to be more rock and roll? Grab your beat-up leather jacket or slip on your holy (literally hole ridden) old t-shirt underneath.
Want to be more coquet-ish? A pair of strappy heels will help with that.
Want a more well-traveled vibe? Nothing works better than some well placed jewelry.
Above all, always get 100% silk. Does anyone actually love polyester?