How To Wear A Slip Dress

How to Wear A Slip Dress

How to Wear A Slip Dress

Simply Perfect

Out of all 36 garments in my Summer 2016 capsule wardrobe, this vibrant purple no name silk slip dress, a $19.99 TJ Maxx impulse purchase from 2011, is easily the most elegant.

Her sumptuous fabric, delicate spaghetti straps and cinched waist aren't particularly toddler-friendly details, but when the right occasion warrants a wear, she doesn't disappoint.

No Name Purple Silk Slip Dress -- Origin, TJ Maxx; Circa 2011

No Name Purple Silk Slip Dress -- Origin, TJ Maxx; Circa 2011

In Praise of the Slip Dress

Second to an understated sex appeal, my favorite thing about a slip dress is its unmatched versatility. With a simple switch of accessories you can go from office to out with ease and the classic simplicity of its silhouette shifts between style archetypes like a sartorial super hero.  

Seriously! Say that three times fast.

 

Beauty Business Outfit

How to Wear a Slip Dress: Day to Date

How to Wear a Slip Dress: Day to Date

For a summer cute meets business casual look,  I layered a lightweight linen cardigan on top and paired the look with flat gold sandals. A Hermes silk twill scarf folded length wise and worn around the neck adds a conservative touch, my orange Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff reminds you I am not at all conservative and a beaded green pendant picks up teal accents in the purple print scarf. Lastly, my trusty beige Loeffler Randall work tote goes with everything and is sized perfectly for a laptop, with plenty of extra room to house happy hour shoes and make up. 

Office Accoutrements 

After 5 Vibe

How to Wear a Slip Dress: Day to Date

How to Wear a Slip Dress: Day to Date

For a quick transition from work to fun, I lose the cardigan, switch out the gold flats for nude peep toes and re-tie my scarf around my waist. The cuff and pendant remain as is. With a swift handbag switch and a swipe of punchy pink lip balm (TheBalm Meet Matte Hughes in Chivalrous is EVERYTHING) - I'm ready for rose. 

Date Night Accessory Roll

Slip Dress Style File

The simple silhouette of a classic slip dress makes it an worthy closet staple for a range of Style Archetypes (What's a Style Archetype, you ask? Girl! Discover your Style Archetype here).

Minimalist

How a Minimalist Wears a Slip Dress

How a Minimalist Wears a Slip Dress

A Minimalist doesn't ALWAYS wear all black. The clean lines of a slip dress make it the perfect canvas to accessorize with architectural accents and a muted metallic pallet. 

Jewelry: Gold Bar Necklace, AuRate NYC

Jewelry: Vermeil Icon Cuff, AuRate NYC

Handbag: My own vintage Diane Von Furstenburg, similar

Shoes: Aquazzura Christy Sparkle Lace-up flat or Steve Madden Sunshine Lace-up

Jacket: BB Dakota draped trench

Classically Chic

How a Classically Chic Girl Wears a Slip Dress

A Classically Chic gal is drawn to structured garments and timeless accessories. She grounds the fluid drape of a slip dress with a sharp blazer and tempers the purple with a neutral bag and shoes. True to form, her diamond pendant never goes out of style (or off her neck) but she's not afraid to add personality with signature arm candy.

JewelryDiamond Pendant Necklace, AuRate NYC

Arm Candy: My own Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff layered over Hermes Twilly 

Handbag: My own Loeffler Randall Open Work Tote, similar

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Nude Peep Toe or Jessica Simpson Bibi Peep Toe Pumps

Jacket: My own vintage Pierre Cardin, similar by Theory

Free Spirit

How a Free Spirit Wears a Slip Dress

A Free Spirit loves her clothes to sway and swish and is inspired by any bygone, easy going era. With its clear homage to vintage Halston, a slip dress hits both marks. She layers her dress under an open kimono and pairs with a fringe bag.  Natural stone earrings project good vibes, a draped gold lariat calls attention to her neck and modern caged sandals keep her looking fresh. 

Jewelry: Gold Connected Necklace, AuRate NYC

Jewelry: My own Kendra Scott Chalcedony Danielle earrings

Handbag: Urban Expressions fringe bucket bag

Shoes: My own Schutz Juliana Caged Heel

Kimono: Anna Sui Bird of Paradise kimono or Romeo & Juliet Couture fringe hem kimono

Editorial Eclectic

How an Editorial Eclectic Wears a Slip Dress

Miss Editorial Eclectic approaches fashion like a mixed media artist. She confidently blends colors, textures, prints and fabric into every outfit. When pairing the deep purple slip dress with every jewel tone in her closet, her mind draws Jungle Book parallels from the bold palm print jacket to the gold winged ear cuff. Clutching a richly beaded handbag on her way to NYFW, she trots up the Lincoln Center stairs in tropical yellow it-girl heels, followed by a throng of bloggers vying for her street shot.

JewelryVermiel Feather Ear Cuff, AuRate NYC

Arm Candy: My own Hermes Collier de Chien Cuff

HandbagBeaded clutch

Shoes: Aquazzura Wild Thing sandals

Jacket: Dolce & Gabbana printed silk jacket 


If you like what I write and enjoyed my homage to an epic $19.99 dress - please click the little heart below!

For more Style Archetype ideas, follow MappCraft on Pinterest

 

xoxo

Jenn