‘90s-Inspired Slip Dresses Are My Secret to Looking Chic This Fall
The minimalist style is a must-have.
Plenty of '90s fashion trends remain relevant to this day, slip dresses chief among them.
Born from the underwear-as-outerwear movement championed by Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier, the slip dress emerged from the lingerie drawer into the spotlight. With designers like John Galliano, Calvin Klein, and Narciso Rodriguez crafting covetable bias-cut creations and minimalist-chic slips favored by everyone from Princess Diana to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, it became an era-defining look.
Now, three decades later, the sexy-yet-versatile piece has made its way into just about every It girl’s wardrobe. That's largely due to the inherent ease of styling a slip dress: Whether winterized with tights and a sweater, amped up with heels and a leather jacket for a date night, or paired down with a T-shirt and ankle boots for your off-duty look, it might be most adaptable item in your closet. So, sit back, "slip" into something comfortable, and let's shop.
If you know me, you’re likely aware that my obsession with lace-trimmed dresses runs deep. I’m elevating my collection with Zara’s slip, which is decorated with an asymmetrical hemline for a dynamic flair.
Aritzia specializes in wardrobe staples, so it should come as no surprise that the brand offers plenty of easygoing slip dresses that you can wear on repeat. Dress this one down with boots and a denim jacket or take things up a notch with kitten heels and a faux fur coat.
Real silk you can throw in the washer? Sounds too good to be true, but I’m here to tell you that it's not! Quince's slip dresses can be washed with all of your other delicates, so you can save a trip to your dry cleaners.
If you’re in need of a wedding guest dress, look no further. Designed with delicate ruching, this gorgeous number is undeniably polished.
Your going-out getup just got really exciting, thanks to Mango’s lacey satin dress. With a slide slit, a plunge neckline, and an open back, this style is guaranteed to turn heads.
Just because temperatures are dropping doesn’t mean you can’t pull on a thigh-skimming mini dress. Stay nice and warm with a pair of tights, knee-high boots, and a hefty double-breasted coat.
Crafted with frilly lace fabric and drenched in an earthy shade, Dôen’s Odelina slip dress has “boho-chic” written all over it. Given the fact that free-spirited styles are currently trending, I’ll be adding this piece to my assortment ASAP.
With its chocolate brown hue and slinky shape, this Banana Republic slip dress is begging for your attention. Plus, it features a deep V neckline and thick shoulder straps, so wearing your favorite bra won't pose a problem.
I’m already getting a head start on holiday shopping. (Yes, really.) I spotted this lustrous slip dress from Old Navy, which will be perfect for festive cocktail parties and dinners.
This neck tie is so ‘90s, and I’m here for it. I plan to heighten the throwback appeal of this look with thin gold hoops and a sharp pair of mules.
Cherry red is still fashion’s favorite color trend, and it’s not going anywhere. Play into the fiery hue with this seductive lace slip dress from Simone Rocha.
Staud’s Nadia slip champions lingerie dressing to the fullest with sheer fabric and spaghetti straps. Style this sultry dress with a trench coat and pointy pumps for an effortless outfit formula that won’t disappoint.
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Brooke Knappenberger is the Associate Commerce Editor at Marie Claire, where she specializes in crafting shopping stories—from sales content to buying guides that span every vertical on the site. She also oversees holiday coverage with an emphasis on gifting guides as well as Power Pick, our monthly column on the items that power the lives of MC’s editors. She also tackled shopping content as Marie Claire's Editorial Fellow prior to her role as Associate Commerce Editor.
She has over three years of experience writing on fashion, beauty, and entertainment and her work has appeared on Looper, NickiSwift, The Sun US, and Vox Magazine of Columbia, Missouri. Brooke obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with an emphasis on Magazine Editing and has a minor in Textile and Apparel Management.