Every decade has its own particularly embarrassing fashion faux pas to grapple with, and there were plenty of them in the ‘90s. We had butterfly clips, stick-on earrings, stir up pants and fanny packs, just to name a few. Personally speaking, I would go crazy if these wince-inducing styles were resurrected.
However, amongst these disasters, there’s one trend that I really do miss from that era the slip dress. I’m still obsessed with the iconic sheer slip dress Kate Moss wore to a party back in 1993, when she was just 19. To be honest, I’m not sure why the slip dress went away in the first place.
So you can imagine my delight when I saw these slinky dresses being sent down the runways recently. These intimates-inspired frocks are definitely having a major moment in fashion right now.
If the thought of wearing them as workwear terrifies you, calm down. You can wear a slip dress in many ways: Layer it under a T-shirt, or spruce it up with minimal accessories. Here are five easy way to style it for work that will ensure that you still look elegant, polished and professional!
1. Layer it over a T-shirt, shirt or even a turtleneck
Slip dresses are intrinsically sensuous items of clothing, so most designs tend to boast a lower neckline. Tone it down by layering it over a plain top of your preference to ensure that no boob flashing takes place!
2. Work it with a structured blazer
Combat the slinky and laissez-faire outlook of the slip with a well-structured blazer. This will lend a polished and sharp finish to your look. Yes, of course you can wear this to the boardroom.
3. Borrow from the boys
Temper the slip’s inherent sexiness with some borrowed-from-the-men staples, like an oversized blazer and some on-trend masculine loafers.
4. Throw on a soft sweater
If your office sports a more relaxed dress code, you should try this super cosy and comfortable style; turning the slip dress into a skirt. Select one with visually arresting details like lace on the hem, then layer a sweater over it so that just a peek of the slip dress is visible. Sexy and totally HR-acceptable.
5. Edgy footwear
Opt for chunky shoes like a pair of platforms, ankle boots, brogues and loafers as the contrasting “hardness” helps to anchor the look and give it a more professional touch. Stilettos, strappy sandals and feminine shoes may make the outfit come across as too provocative.
6. Go athleisure-cool with a bomber jacket
I know this one is tough for many offices, so I’d say save this as your casual Friday outfit! The bomber jacket is another trend that all the A-listers are obsessed with. You can try wearing a simple slip under a fitted bomber jacket; it’s not often that you can work two trends in a outfit!