How to Wear a Slip Dress in Autumn and Winter: 10 Outfits That Actually Work

The short answer: layer it. In autumn and winter, a slip dress works best over a fine knit, under a long coat, and above a boot, so the dress becomes the light layer in a warm outfit. Start with a fine roll neck underneath, add a knee-high boot and a long wool coat, and a summer dress turns into a winter uniform. Our pick this season is the Dries Van Noten Jacquard slip dress in Light Green, a loose midi slip in floral double-dye jacquard heavy enough for colder months. Browse every style in our midi dresses edit and the Dries Van Noten collection.

The slip dress started as underwear, a bias-cut silk layer worn under clothes, and became outerwear in the 1990s, when designers sent it down the runway on its own. It has stayed because it is the simplest dress there is: two straps, a straight line, a fabric that moves. That simplicity is also why it layers so well. Below are the outfits we wear from October to March, and what to look for when you buy one.

10 ways to wear a slip dress when it is cold

1. Over a fine roll neck

A thin merino roll neck under the dress. Match the colour of the dress for a long line, contrast it for more punch. The finer the knit, the better it looks.

2. Under a chunky cardigan

A heavy cardigan, buttoned once at the waist, gives the slip a shape and keeps you warm.

3. With a plaid shirt as a jacket

A heavy flannel shirt worn open on top. Our edit of plaid shirts for women has the ones that work.

4. With over-the-knee boots

A midi slip that meets the top of an over-the-knee boot leaves almost no leg showing, which is the point in January. See over-the-knee boots.

5. Over a white tee

The 1990s classic. A white T-shirt under the slip, sleeves showing, with flat shoes. Try a long sleeve version like the Long sleeve cotton tee in White.

6. Over trousers

A slip dress over straight trousers is a modern tunic. Keep both in close colours.

7. With a tailored blazer

An oversized blazer over a satin slip is the most reliable evening look we know.

8. Under a long coat

Let the hem of the dress show by two inches below a long wool coat. Nothing else needed.

9. With tights and loafers

Black opaque tights and a heeled loafer make a slip office-appropriate. Read heeled loafers.

10. With square-toe boots

A mid-calf boot with a block heel under a midi slip, the outfit of the season. More in square-toe boots.

What to wear under a slip dress

• Bra: a strapless bra works under thin straps, a fine bralette in the dress colour looks intended, and a lined slip needs nothing at all.
• Underneath layer: a seamless slip in a nude tone stops a light dress clinging and reading sheer.
• Legs: sheer black tights at 20 denier for evening, 60 denier opaques for day.

How to choose a slip dress

Length decides how you will wear it. A midi to the calf is the most versatile; it works with boots, flats and a coat. A maxi suits evening. A mini works best over trousers and with knee-high boots.

Our picks

1. Dries Van Noten Jacquard slip dress in Light Green

Floral double-dye jacquard in viscose and polyester, loose through the body, midi length. Heavy enough to wear over a knit.

2. St. Agni Silk Twill Relaxed Slip Dress in Milk

A relaxed silk twill slip in milk white, the purest form of the shape.

3. Max Mara Dono Envers Satin Slip Dress in Ruby

Satin in a deep ruby, cut close. The evening slip for under a blazer.

4. Gabriela Hearst Lady Hall Knit Slip Dress in Ivory Silk

A knitted silk slip, warmer and more forgiving than satin.

5. Maison Margiela Taped Slip Dress in Black

A black slip with the house’s taped seams, for a more architectural line.

6. Zimmermann Echo Embroidered Slip Dress

An embroidered slip with a romantic finish, lovely with a chunky cardigan.

7. Dries Van Noten Printed slip dress in Red

A printed slip from the house, in a red that holds its own against a black coat.

8. ME+EM Fit and Flare Maxi Slip Dress in Dark Chocolate Brown

A fit and flare maxi slip in chocolate brown, the colour of the season.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a slip dress in winter?

Yes. Wear it over a fine knit, add tights and boots, and finish with a long coat. Heavier fabrics such as jacquard, crepe and knitted silk work best.

What do you wear over a slip dress?

Cardigans, oversized blazers, flannel shirts and long wool coats all work. Anything with structure contrasts well with the fluid dress.

What shoes go with a slip dress?

In autumn and winter: knee-high and over-the-knee boots, square-toe mid-calf boots, heeled loafers. In summer: flat sandals and kitten heels.

Should a slip dress be tight?

No. A slip should skim the body. If it pulls across the hips, size up, and look for a bias cut, which has a little give.

Can you wear a T-shirt under a slip dress?

Yes. A fitted white T-shirt under a slip dress is a classic 1990s look, and a long sleeve tee makes it work in autumn.