The ‘90s Trend Is Back | How to Style Slip Dresses in 2024
A plain black slip dress is a wardrobe essential and like any good LBD it can be dressed up or dressed down.
The iconic style from the ’90s (think Rachel Green, Carrie Bradshaw, and Kate Moss) is back (okay, so I never knew it left 🙃), and while it’s most often seen styled as a stand-alone piece, I’ll show you how to make it your own as well as appropriate for occasions other than parties with some creative layering tricks.
Spoiler alert: layers don’t always have to be worn over dresses.
Keep reading to see how I’ve used layers and accessories to turn a simple black slip dress into a sexy outfit for a night out on the town or into a more casual look by styling it over a t-shirt with dad sneakers for a chic daytime look or to wear on a date to the movies.
Granted, this style of dress is often made from silk but there are plenty of silk-free versions around (Jan ‘N June makes some pretty midi-length ones).
If you’re concerned about finding one that’s vegan-friendly, be sure to double-check the label for the presence of silk or other animal materials and read my post on How to Tell if Clothing is Vegan for additional tips.
Slip Dress Worn Over a T-Shirt
The first look takes advantage of spring-essential layering. A slip dress, by definition, is a rather formal dress, especially one that’s a shiny vegan satin material. One easy way to overcome this fact is with unconventional layering and sporty accessories.
A jean jacket in a light wash, oversized cycling sunglasses, and bleach-white dad shoes (worn with striped socks) all help to amp up the casual vibe.
A chain-strap purse and vintage wristwatch inject some elegant charm and ensure the look isn’t overpowered by sporty features.
Styling this type of dress over a t-shirt is not only an unexpected pairing, it also acts as a counterbalance to the dress’s fanciness.
Any fun printed t-shirt styled underneath (perhaps a vintage band tee or one with a catchy cartoon quote on it like this Snoopy shirt I’m wearing) instantly makes a slip dress wearable during the day.
I’m sure your local thrift shop is full of boy’s, men’s, and women’s tees that would fit the bill. Mashing together preloved pieces in this type of unusual way ensures you won’t pass someone on the street wearing the same outfit.
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SLIP DRESS | Calvin Klein (shop similar styles)
WHITE DAD SNEAKERS | Rombaut
ORGANIC COTTON SOCKS | Pact
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
SUNGLASSES | Oakley
Slip Dress Styled Over a Men’s Button-up Shirt
This version of slip dress styling offers some understated sexiness by showing just the right amount of skin and keeping the color palette virtually entirely black.
This style of slip dress can be rather short so by wearing one over an oversized shirt it makes for a more modest look without detracting from the overall sexiness.
Any type of men’s shirt would work here, it’s really just a matter of the vibe you’re going for. I selected one with a subtle pinstripe to keep with the dark and sexy theme but a solid pink or lime green button-down would also look really fresh against a black slip dress.
You really have free rein as to which color shirt to style underneath. The only stipulation would be to select one that’s distinguishable from the color of the dress.
This is just one of the countless ways of styling a men’s oversized button-down shirt (for other ideas check out two of my other posts 3 White Vegan Sneakers and How to Style Brown With Blue).
– OUTFIT DETAILS –
SLIP DRESS | Sandro (shop similar styles)
HEELED SANDALS | Susi Studio (similar by Cult of Coquette)
PURSE | Stella McCartney (current styles by Stella McCartney)
SUNGLASSES | Emporio Armani (current styles by Emporio Armani)
Final Thoughts
While the slip dress was a runaway hit of the ’90s, I find their silhouette to be classic and timeless making them an ever-current trend. Whether you wear one alone or styled over a shirt, you’re sure to turn heads and evoke a bit of nostalgia.
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As always, happy styling and thanks for reading!
Michelle Rothenburger
Michelle Rothenburger is a vegan fashion blogger whose work has been featured in such publications as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Vilda. Find out more by reading Michelle’s full story (from bullied to fashion influencer) and feel free to send her a personal message.
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All your must-have vegan accessories!
Thanks for reading my blog post until the end.
To me, no outfit is complete without some killer accessories, that’s why I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite vegan accessories below.
Some of the links are affiliate links, meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission to help support my blog and keep it ad-free.
Combat Boots: You can’t go wrong with these killer black vegan leather combat boots from Viron World. I dedicated this entire post to them and also styled them in a grungy look and for winter.
White Lug-Sole Boots: If you’re looking for an awesome pair of chunky white boots then this pair from Venus is Vegan is a dream. As comfortable as they are chic, you’ll want to style them with everything. Use discount code HARMFREEFASHION20 to save 20% off all styles. I show you three ways to style them for winter and one way for spring.
White Chunky Sneakers: These white trainers from Humans are Vain have the perfect amount of chunkiness in addition to an unexpected splash of color. If you use the coupon code HARMFREEFASHION you’ll get 15% off. Here’s how I styled them with a layered outfit for spring, with mom denim shorts, and with winter layers.
White Low-top Sneakers: If you’re searching for the perfect classic white shoes then these beauties from BeFlamboyant are it. Discount code HARMFREEFASHION will save you 10% off. See how I styled them for winter and with a timeless trench coat.
Timeless Purses: My favorite brand for classic purses is Angela Roi. The styles are all super fashionable and made from a luxurious-looking pebbled vegan leather. I have their Barton mini bag in postbox red, which is sadly out of stock but all of their other styles are equally as cool and timeless.
Personally recommended purse brands: To see a detailed list of my favorite purse brands check out my Best of Vegan Handbags post.
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