The catwalk (that of high fashion) on the catwalk (that of the beach), the slip dress conquers the it-girls and summer 2023.
Here’s everything you need to know to wear it with style. Yes, even for mid-August!
We have seen it worn by models on the runways of some iconic brands, by influencers in the front row and at events, and by celebrities on the red carpet. Let’s face it: if the slip dress – the slip dress that resembles a petticoat – had experienced an actual “golden age” in 2022, in this first part of the calendar it has definitely confirmed itself as a cornerstone of the wardrobe. And the slip dress for summer 2023 seems to be a wild card that no one intends to give up!
The merit is versatility and extreme adaptability. Born to embrace and accompany the curves, enhance femininity, and immediately give a diva allure, it can be revisited in a more casual key if played down with accessories, shoes, and ad hoc mix and match. For example, the simple white t-shirt to wear under (or over), an oversized sweater, a pair of skinny jeans, and a blazer. But let’s see better how to wear the slip dress for this summer of 2023.
THE IDENTIKIT OF THE SLIP DRESS
Before going into the styling tips for a slip dress in the perfect summer 2023 styles, let’s spend a few words to give the identikit of the perfect slip dress. It is the feminine dress par excellence, in satin or silk, characterized by a deep neckline (often also on the back), thin shoulder straps, and a soft and slippery line that recalls that of a dress.
The golden age of the slip dress was the 90s. That very refined and sensual dress in its simplicity and essentiality was worn by style icons such as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Lady Diana, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Kate Moss.
Over the years the slip dress has never really gone out of fashion, and there have been many celebrities who have resorted to it for glamorous events. For some time however, thanks to the return of the trends of the 90s and early 2000s on the catwalks and in the shop windows, the very young contemporary style icons have (re)discovered it: Kendall Jenner, Zendaya, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and Emily Ratajkowski have only a few.
In short, the slip dress is the party dress par excellence (yes, even for the mid-August dinner!), and for the hot season keeping it in the wardrobe is a guarantee of always having the right look at the hand. Furthermore, with a little creativity, the slip dress can be worn not only at sunset but also during the day, at the beach, or when returning to the city: here are some tips for looks with the “summer 2022 edition” slip dress.
THE TIMELESS CHARM OF THE “LITTLE BLACK DRESS”
Black, very simple, and of excellent workmanship: the maximum expression of the slip dress is in the classic variant, ideal for more elegant or formal occasions. Sensual without being excessive, it’s the perfect canvas on which to build a look by playing with bright bijoux and stilettos. With a leather biker jacket and combat boots, it takes on a much more rocker look: the choice is yours. It will be perfect (also) for a return to the city in style!
PRINTS AND COLOURS
More casual and perfect for days at the beach in the colored variant, perhaps combined with a pattern. The line remains unchanged – thin shoulder straps, accentuated neckline, and calf-length – but the look is immediately more carefree and informal. Casual with flat sandals, cool with “ugly sandals” variants, and elegant with jewel models, it will be the perfect companion for your mid-August holiday (but also for the whole summer!).
ESSENTIAL AND ROMANTIC
Inspired by nightwear, the slip dress goes well with pastel or delicate colors such as pink, blush, blue, and mint green. The variable is linked to the colors of the personal palette, but once the shade has been chosen, a pair of white sneakers is enough to complete the look in a more aggressive way. In total pink, it remains a hymn to romanticism.
T-SHIRT CRAZE
Another way to wear the slip dress is to match it with a simple white or printed t-shirt. A basic level of “layering” to immediately make the dress less formal and more grunge, especially if combined with a pair of tank boots or chunky sandals.
WITH THE GYPSY BELT
Lovers of the gypsy look will adore the slip dress version cinched at the waist by a belt, preferably in leather. An excellent trick also to highlight the point of view and loosen the dress by changing the length and the way it falls, without touching the hem.
BOLD AND COLOURFUL
An explosion of sensuality, the fiery red slip dress with a neckline reveals the contrasting bralette. A look to try for the most glamorous occasions, for those who want to be daring. Another idea for your hottest summer parties!
THE SHORT VERSION
The classic slip dress “calls” for calf length, but nothing prevents you from opting for the short variant and focusing on the bare leg. Especially for this summer of 2023 in which the “micro” is back in all sorts of ways.
In this case, however, it is better to choose a simple, almost basic model, and then play more with the accessories: the choker, for example, but also necklaces of different lengths or bangles on the wrists.