If you’re looking for new outfit ideas, why not try a new twist on a dress? I shopped in my closet to create slip dress outfits without spending a dime!
Slip dresses have been a wardrobe staple for years. This simple silhouette resembles a woman’s under slip or petticoat and has evolved in fashion over the decades.
Personally, slip dresses were never on my “radar.” I just happen to have one in my closet since it was too small for a friend who bought it on clearance at Forever 21.
But spaghetti straps are a headache for the larger-chested girls who always have to wear a bra. And I wouldn’t feel comfortable going without one. And so to the bottom of the closet wardrobe pile, it went.
Now that I’m in my 30s, more intentional about my spending, and revamping my style, I’m revisiting pieces in my closet that I haven’t touched in years.
Some clothes that I would’ve turned my nose up at one point are now catching my eye in different ways. It’s amazing how your taste and style evolve as you get older.
Spring is the perfect season for layering. Think of a white slip style dress as a blank canvas waiting for your art creation!
What is a Slip Dress?
A traditional slip dress, also known as an underdress, is worn as a middle layer that mediates between your underwear and outerwear and has been known to keep garments in place and keep you cool throughout the day.
But today, a slip dress usually refers to the style of the dress is traditionally cut on the bias with spaghetti straps.
It still resembles the undergarment but is meant to be seen with lace and sheer details and constructed out of a variety of fabrics.
How to Layer a Slip Dress:
- Oversized Sweaters
- Jackets and Blazers
- Tonal-matching Blouses
- Cardigan
- Sheer Tops
- Cropped Sweaters
- White T-Shirts
Keep it subtle. Neutrals are your friend. You can make a statement with basics, layering and accessories is your solution.
Vary texture: Slip dresses are usually known to be silky or have some type of lace. Play up the outfits with hard and soft layers.
Shoes: Shoes can either elevate an outfit or make an everyday casual look. Vary pieces between tennis shoes, boots, heels etc to see what you like.
If you’re looking for a way to step out of your comfort zone for spring in a way that’s still feminine and cute, here are some chic white slip dress ideas to inspire your style!
How to Style a White Slip Dress
#1 Hard and Soft with Lace and Leather
The problem: You have to wear a bra but the dress has spaghetti straps.
Solution: Throw a jacket over it!
This outfit is a LOOK. If you’re not all about baring it all with spaghetti straps or get cold easily, which I do, mix up your outfit with a stylish leather jacket.
I’m all about balance. If you’re wearing something delicate and feminine like lace, balance it out with edge and texture with a leather jacket.
Leather jackets are great because they keep you from being cold, but they aren’t so hot that you can’t wear them year-around.
#2 Casual Everyday with a Denim Shirt or Jacket
Problem: Button down shirt gaps at the chest.
Solution: Tie the shirt instead!
I haven’t worn this shirt in I don’t know how long. I love denim shirts and jackets but I never liked how this fit me.
Whenever I would wear an undershirt, there was always that weird gap in the bust that made it never fit right.
However, to switch it up, I tied the dress in the front instead of having to button. Look how it complements the dress! I love the look of denim and white together.
#3 Cozy Comfort with an Oversized Sweater
Problem: Sweater is oversized and see through.
Solution: Throw it over a dress and wear off the shoulder to make the bigger size look intentional.
Here is another piece I have not worn. I’m not even sure where I bought this sweater or why.
Not only is it see thru but it has always been slightly too big for me. And not in an oversized cute and chic way, more in a ill-fitted drowning type of way.
But with this slip dress, it gives a chic and effortless relaxed look. This is the girl you would find at the library who still has a sense of style.
I like that it drapes off the dress to expose the straps. This is the one scenario I think a white bra strap showing isn’t a big deal.
#4 Simply Chic with a Sheer Cami
Problem: Low cut, tiny fastener. Have no idea why I bought this shirt.
Solution: Wear as a sheer camisole!
As I kept going through wardrobe options, it became abundantly clear that I did not know how to shop back in the day.
This sheer top was public enemy number #1 and I’m not sure what I was thinking. The top is cute, don’t get me wrong. I love a bit of sheer for coverage but this tiny fastener!
As a larger chested girl, I knew before I bought this that this was never going to stay snapped so why did I even try?
Note: If your clothing is not functional at the store, it’s not going to work magic and be functional at home either.
But I do love the color of this top and decided to make it work. With inspiration from the denim shirt, instead of trying to fasten, I wrapped the ends in front to make a cami/cardigan. Cute!
#5 Play Up Small Details in Clothes
Problem: Dress is too bare.
Solution: Throw on a cardigan and patterned leggings for interest! (Can also use blazer)
I love black and white/cream combination of anything. It’s classic and if you’re into textures and accessorizing, you can create the most amazing outfits.
Try to play into the details that are already present. For example, the edge detail of this slip dress has just a bit of lace.
I threw on a pair of patterned tights that imitated the design and then topped off the outfit with a pair of ballet flats.
#6 Break It Up With a Print
Problem: Blouse does not hold in place well, leaving the bra exposed.
Solution: Layer over a dress for coverage!
This is another sheer top that wasn’t very functional at the time. It ties in the back and never laid correctly on my chest so I was always spilling out somewhere!
But look at it as a top with this dress! It’s sheer, delicate, and flowy, with a subtle print to break up the solid white of the dress. And how I tie it no longer matters!
The aesthetic pairs nicely with the lace on the edge of the dress itself. To elevate the look even more, I picked out a pair of neutral colored heels.
#7 Bring Back the 90s With a Dress Over a Shirt
Problem: Black crop turtleneck is no longer age-appropriate.
Solution: Wear it under the dress for a nostalgic 90s look!
This idea of throwing a strapless dress over a t-shirt is so vintage and still works to this day. As you can tell, I love black and white but I wanted to mix and match.
Instead of a t-shirt, I used a black turtleneck for a more chic and classy look. I included patterned black leggings to break up the monotony of solid colors.
I finished with my favorite Rockport heels. These heels are so bad ass and comfortable at the same time.
