Every year when the faintest flicker of summer appears, I carve out a good hour or so to unearth my favourite vintage slips from my wardrobe. Frosted with lace and paper-light, the silhouette is the breeziest throw-on option to combat humid London days.
While not the most appropriate for the office, I live in these barely-there frocks on the weekend. Despite the inevitable ‘put some clothes on!’ comments that arise from my family members, flinging on a romantic slip number is the easiest sartorial shortcut for the warmer seasons and never fails to yield compliments from fellow fashion lovers.
Thankfully, I have the celebrity backing of muses across the globe. Over the weekend, Hailey Bieber whipped up a social media storm as she stepped out at Coachella sporting a vintage Dior slip from the house’s autumn/winter 1998 runway collection.
Sourced from Tab Vintage, the resplendent piece featured a silk jacquard body in a striking shade of honied mustard, finished with violet lace trims that created the perfect colour contrast. Fans fell hook, liner and sinker for the silhouette, which effortlessly married Palm Springs style and retro romance.
Hailey is certainly not alone in her love for the lingerie-inspired garment. Sabrina Carpenter, AKA the nightwear-as-outerwear trend pioneer, opted for a similar vintage slip gem to mark her 26th birthday - a Christian Dior by John Galliano autumn/winter 1997 treasure.
© @sabrinacarpenter
© DiorPerhaps most famously, the world witnessed the one and only Kate Moss don that transparent, copper-colored lamé slip dress at the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party back in 1993, which was created by British designer Liza Bruce. The slip later became synonymous with her cool-girl 90s style, with the supermodel later sporting several Calvin Klein iterations that cemented the legacy of the piece.
And - of course - not forgetting the impact of Gianni Versace, who during his 90s reign, catapulted the simple slip into eveningwear kryptonite - enlisting the help of the ‘supers’ to sell his bold, sexed-up slip dress designs to those in desperate need of some high-octane Italian glamour. Donatella tapped back into this desire to dress up for SS24, funnelling chainmail, checkerboard options with lime green lace detailing down the runway - modelled by icons including Claudia Schiffer.
Evidently, fashion has long coveted the slip dress - and this love affair doesn’t seem to be waning anytime soon. Chemena Kamali’s sparked a renewed interest in longline styles courtesy of her reign at Chloé, which platformed boho-chic silhouettes with lace detailing o’plenty. Autumn/winter 2026 was pivotal for the sultry slip, with brands including Alexander McQueen, Gabriela Hearst, Annie’s Ibiza, Loewe and Roberto Cavalli reviving the look.
Hence, it’s time to incorporate some sleek slips into your wardrobes. From high fashion to high street names, shop our favourite picks below.
Best slip dresses to shop now:
Blumen Mini Dress
Wiederhoeft
Wiederhoeft is the brand taking the sartorial elite by storm - and the Blumen dress is testament to why. Crafted from elegant silk satin in a pearlescent hue, the beautiful piece is topped off with georgette and chiffon trims for a fantastical finish.
Silk-Lace Mini Slip Dress
Marjolaine
Infuse your silk archive with a touch of colour courtesy of Marjolaine. This plum-pink concoction is a luxury lace treasure - perfect for summer parties and beyond.
Jon Dress
Hand Over
If you don't know Hand Over, then get to know. The brand is brimming with sell-out sequinned pieces that radiate cool-girl energy - and we love the colourful charm of the glimmering Jon Dress.
Lace Camisole Dress
Mango
Step into summer with a lick of lace thanks to Mango's baby blue gem. We'd style ours with some delicate silver jewels and kitten heels for a true 90s effect.
Lace-Trimmed Silk Crepe De Chine Maxi Dress
Chloé
Made from exquisite silk crepe de chine fabric, Chloé's lace-trimmed maxi dress is a timeless lesson in luxury.
Florence Slip Dress
Dora Larsen
Take a leaf out of Hailey's book and lean into playful colour contrast. Dora Larsen's affordable pink slip mini is frosted with lime green scalloped lace and crafted from recycled materials for a sustainable finish.
Elizabeth Dress
If Only If
Cut from 100 per cent silk, If Only If's pale pink mini number is heading straight to the top of our summer wish list. Style yours with cowboy boots and an oversized bomber for a quintessential Cali-girl aesthetic.
Aries Slip Dress
Sir
A stunning option for after-hours affairs, Sir's Aries Slip is designed to help you make an entrance wherever you go.
Blush Mini Dress
Fruity Booty
It-girl label Fruity Booty is the place to look for effortless, easy-wear pieces with a cult following. The pale blush tone of this mini is primed for sensual spring layering.
Kaya Satin Chemise
Boux Avenue
Lingerie for everyday is our new sartorial motto - something Boux Avenue's affordable slip encapsulates perfectly. Featuring a mini silhouette and pretty pink lace trims, this yellow throw-on is ideal for rolling out of the party and straight into bed.
Iris Dress
Annie's Ibiza
Inspired by gothic architecture and cut from deadstock Italian stretch silk satin in a resplendent mustard hue, Annie's Ibiza's Iris Dress is party season perfection. Pair yours with the matching bolero for a glamorous medieval-inspired ensemble.
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