How To Style A Slip Dress

Hello, and Happy New Year!

 

Apologies for the absence over the last few days - like many, I opted to take a break and spend it with my gorgeous three-year-old daughter Olive, husband Grant, kelpies Clancy, Banjo and Millie, and of course, our chooks Peppa and Dora. Oh, and then there was the visiting family! 


If you follow me on Instagram (Whatismystyle) and Twitter (What's My Style), you'll see that I post some personal pics to mix it up a little and to give a glimpse of my life, not just as a stylist, but a farmer / wool producer (which is used to make many of the clothes you wear). It also allows me to indulge in my other love of photography. Watch this space as I am planning some styling photo shoots on the land - can't wait for it to all come together. I will continue to do styled outfits with advice/tips on how to wear them factoring in body shape and current trends. I'd love to hear your suggestions and aim to blog at least weekly to begin with.

 

So let's get on with it, starting with the Slip Dress. Given trends tend to move in 20-year-cycles, it's no surprise to see the 90s inspired slip dress re-emerge. Although some may baulk at wearing a slip dress, if conscientious about your body shape, the slip dress is great for its simplicity and versatility. I have styled it three different ways to show you.


Casual

Pair a slip dress with a kimono jacket for a casual vibe. Add a thin belt to cinch in the waist or let it flow over the dress. Just add earrings for jewellery. Sneakers, a backpack and retro sunnies give a sporty twist, adding interest to the outfit. Keep the make-up natural with lip gloss. The kimono is great for covering up areas of body that you may be conscientious about. Be sure the fabric of the slip dress skims over, not clings to the body.

 

Inverted triangle (shoulders broader than hips)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Slip dress has subtle flare giving balance to lower part of body
• Dress and kimono give softness and femininity to the body shape
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to define waistline
• Opt for smaller earrings or instead a wrist cuff or statement ring to draw attention away for broad shoulders

 Hourglass (hips, shoulders similar width with defined waist)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to highlight enviable waistline
• While fringe on kimono is a tonal colour to the dress, suggest opting for one with clean cut lines to avoid making hips look visually larger
• Shoes are similar colour to dress, visually lengthening the silhouette especially for those who are shorter, or opt for similar coloured or nude heeled sandals

 Rectangle (shoulders, waist and hips similar width)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to define waistline

 Triangle (hips bigger than shoulders)

• Has a flattering open neckline
• Cinch kimono in at waist with belt to give shape
• While fringe on kimono is a tonal colour to the dress, suggest opting for one with clean cut lines to avoid making hips look visually larger
• Keep pattern on kimono relatively tonal
• The kimono pattern, along with statement earrings and lip colour will draw the eye to the upper part of the body away from the hips
• If shorter, opt for similar coloured or nude heeled sandals

 
Work

Opt for a longer cream slip dress and pair it with a smart vest making it workplace appropriate. Or wear the slip dress under a skirt and add vest if necessary. The vest and/or skirt can later be removed, transforming it into an After 5 outfit. Add fabulous heels, earrings and a wrist cuff, and an orange bag and shade of lippy for a pop of colour.

Inverted triangle

• Has a flattering neckline
• The vest, slip and skirt add softness and femininity to the shape
• The vest and skirt define the waistline
• Wear vest with slip dress as the thin straps on the slip will emphasize broad shoulders; the wide shoulder straps on the vest avoid this
• The asymmetric angle of the vest, along with wrist cuff , handbag and interesting shoes draw attention away for broad shoulders
• The flare in the skirt gives balance to the lower part of the silhouette

 Rectangle

• Has a flattering neckline
• The style of the vest and skirt gives shape and defines the waist
• Can wear slip without vest

 Triangle

• Can also wear slip without vest as will draw eye upwards away from hips
• Opt for necklace rather than wrist cuff to also attract attention to the upper part of the body
• Open neckline flattering while belted vest defines the waistline
• Opt for tonal colours to visually lengthen the silhouette

 

 After 5

Contrast the femininity of the slip dress with an edgy black leather jacket, studded heels and ear cuffs. Add a clutch with interesting detail and red shade of lippy for pop of colour. Again ensure the fabric of the slip slims over, not clings to the body.


Rectangle

• Opt for fitted leather jacket to define the waistline and wear it open

 Triangle

• Can pull this outfit off if have the height, with heels
• Ensure the leather jacket is fitted and cropped for your body shape and wear it open to show the full silhouette and colour of the slip dress to help visually lengthen the body
• The jacket, along with ear cuffs and lip colour, will draw attention to the upper part of the body, away from the hips

 

I hope this inspires you to try a slip dress, perfect for those warm summer days. But as I mentioned, its versatility lends itself to be suitably styled for trans-seasonal wear and even for the colder months. Use your imagination!

 

Until next time, stay safe and well.

Nicky xx

 

 

 

 

How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps.