Why no woman’s closet is complete without a slip dress

The slip dress has a long history of causing a stir, as far back as legendary provocateurs Marie Antoinette and Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who were among the first to flirt with the idea of underwear as outerwear. During the ’90s, the slip dress exploded in popularity: Gwyneth Paltrow dazzled in a beaded version at the 1996 Academy Awards; Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was married in a brilliant white Narciso Rodriguez slip in the same year; and Kate Moss – the ultimate ’90s style icon – made the slip dress her signature, regularly stepping out in silky, sparkly and even see-through styles. This season, slip dresses are more relevant than ever, as we look to incorporate indoor comfort into the outdoor realm with the return of after-dark dinners and intimate parties. Here’s how to work the look now…

A classic slip dress boasts infinite versatility – all you need to take it from off-duty to after-hours are a few styling switch-ups. Elevate your weekend wardrobe by pairing Bernadette’s painterly slip with crisp tennis sneakers for a warm-weather look that will take you from brunch to gallery with ease – the floral pattern is a fresh, refined take on the classic summer tea dress. Oversized sunglasses and chunky hoops add an urban edge, while a Saint Laurent satchel will toughen up your look and turn the slip’s inherent femininity on its head. Going out? Simply add high heels and statement earrings.

The slip dress might be simple, but choosing the right hue gives it maximum impact. Deep chocolate offers a new take on the classic LBD, with a warmer tone that perfectly offsets summer’s bronzed shoulders – Galvan’s version, with super-fine spaghetti straps and a flattering V neckline, is just the ticket for easy elegance. Add Gianvito Rossi’s barely-there sandals in a neutral tone to give your outfit a minimalist air that riffs off the 1990s. Finally, slick your hair back, add a gold-tone necklace and finish with Bottega Veneta’s envelope bag – its chunky chain strap delivers just the right amount of flourish.