A Satin Slip Dress Is the 1 Essential You Need in Your Closet for Spring: Here Are 22 We Love
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We've all heard the advice about throwing an extra outfit in your carry-on while traveling—that way, when your luggage inevitably gets lost (gulp), you'll be prepared. But how to decide what that one holy grail outfit should be? Luckily, we know exactly what our desert island pick would be every time. If you only have one choice for going from brunch to sight-seeing, allow us to re-introduce the satin slip dress.
The style is so versatile the only two places stylist Zadrian Smith wouldn’t suggest wearing one are to church and the gym. “The silk satin dress is definitely a go-to for every woman," he says. "I think every woman should own one because you can just insert it into any context, any situation, any environment and make it work.”
Need more proof it's a worthy investment? Smith points out that the style is a celebrity favorite—we especially love how stars Demi Moore, Halle Bailey and Jennifer Aniston have made the look their own in recent days.
Meet the Expert
Zadrian Smith is an international stylist and one half of the notable styling duo Zadrian + Sarah. Together, the pair has worked with a curated list of celebs such as Ariana DeBose, Patrick Gibson and Hong Chau. Based in London, New York, Los Angeles and Paris, the duo provides brand consultancy and styles both editorial spreads and red carpet events for their high-profile clients.
How to Style a Satin Slip Dress
Described by Smith as, “the perfect transitional piece, very much like the LBD...a black blazer or pair of black denim,” the satin slip dress is a staple that's meant to be worn year-round—which means it can be overwhelming deciding where to start when it comes to styling. The coolest way he's seen it worn was with a pair of well-loved Doc Martens, an oversized blazer and a classic red lip. Smith says this combination is ideal for looking both incredible and effortless at the same time.
For a feminine, sexy spring look, Smith suggests pairing a satin slip dress with pointed-toe, knee-high boots and some great jewelry. To dress it down for a busy weekend, pair it with sneakers and an oversized trench or chunky knit sweater.
Need some more visual inspo? We love this TikTok video on how to transition a satin slip dress from winter to spring in which creator Alyssa suggests layering a turtleneck under your dress during cooler weather with knee-high boots. For warmer days, she swaps for sneakers and adds a light jacket or cardigan.
The Best Shoes to Wear with a Satin Slip Dress
When it comes to shoes, for a balanced look, Smith advises opting for a pair of Doc Marten combat boots. A more chic option, he says, is a simple slingback heel. Smith notes that a sky-high stiletto isn’t necessary, since “the slip dress already screams sexy,” and a kitten heel can perfectly pull together your outfit. For women that are always on-the-go, the stylist recommends simple sneaks, like adidas' Stan Smiths, that will easily transition from running errands to grabbing brunch.
The Best Satin Slip Dresses at a Glance
- Why We Love It: adjustable straps, woman-owned brand
- Material: deluxe satin
- Size Range: XS to XL
If you’re heading to a formal event and want to channel your inner Andie Anderson from How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (karaoke stunt optional), the Resa River slip will be your best bet. (You can even get it in a similar canary yellow hue in select sizing). The adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, while the open back and high leg slit give off a sexy vibe without being too revealing. Be sure to take extra care to keep this dress away from any rough textures, jewelry or handbags it could snag on, as the brand mentions the fabric is extremely sensitive.
- Why We Love It: slight stretch, try before you buy, machine-washable
- Material: polyester and elastane
- Size Range: XXS to 5X
This classic midi dress by The Drop has a comfortable, breezy fit, according to reviewers, and buyers are also loving its versatility and soft fabric. One reviewer wrote "I love this simple-but-elegant satin slip dress. It’s definitely perfect for a dressy event." Unsure of your size? Choose the “try before you buy” option, which will give you a week to try on your dress before you decide to keep it.
- Why We Love It: relaxed fit, eco-friendly
- Material: silk
- Size Range: 0 to 12
Made with 100 percent silk, Reformation’s Poppies dress is equal parts sexy, classy and eco-friendly—the company claims it will save 7 pounds of carbon dioxide and 16 gallons of water. We love the unique side cutouts and the fact that it will actually fit tall girls—the model wearing the size 2 option is 5-foot-11.
- Why We Love It: anti-wrinkle properties, easy pull-on style
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XXL
This slip dress has a midi length and thin spaghetti straps that make it a fantastic option for transitioning from season to season. "There are so many ways to transition a slip dress (over a turtleneck, under a sweater, under a denim jacket, etc.), so I bit the bullet on this Amazon find, and I'm so glad I did—it's the most versatile thing in my closet!" says Commerce Director Nicole Briese.
Between its lustrous satin fabric and vintage button-up style, the La Lune dress has won our vote for the best long satin dress. With a partial lining, it also features faux buttons that won't accidentally pop open, so you won’t have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while you’re out and about. It's also partially made from Lenzing EcoVero, a unique eco-material made from sustainably sourced wood pulp, which reportedly requires half of the water that traditional viscose does and releases half of the carbon dioxide emissions, according to Core Fabrics.
- Why We Love It: fully lined, unique strap details
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XXS to XL
We absolutely love the unique cross-back straps of this shorter pink frock, which adds a touch of intrigue over the low-cut back. It’s full lining creates a polished look and ensures nothing will show through underneath.
- Why We Love It: lightweight, stretchy fabric, adjustable straps
- Material: silk and spandex
- Size Range: S to XXL
The fun pattern of this BruceGlen dress, imported from the Dominican Republic, is pretty much made to stop traffic. It's also surprisingly functional with fully adjustable straps that will allow you to customize how high or low the neckline goes and a stretch silk satin fabric that will feel great against your skin.
- Why We Love It: pull-on style, unique neckline
- Material: nylon and spandex
- Size Range: XS to XL
There’s nothing better than a dress you can throw on-and-go in, which is why we love this Romwe option. Between its stretchy fabric, which reviewers say is thicker than they imagined, the supportive feel and its simple pull-on style, it's a breeze to wear. The single adjustable strap is a huge bonus, too, since you won’t have to worry about it slipping down your shoulder all night.
- Why We Love It: button-back closure, partially recycled materials
- Material: polyester and recycled polyester
- Size Range: 2 to 10
The dramatic flared sleeves and flowy fabric of this Mango gown, designed in Barcelona, make it a true show-stopper. We love that it’s made with partially recycled materials, and the keyhole back adds a bit of intrigue while you're walking away.
- Why We Love It: adjustable front tie, elastic back smocking, lightweight fabric
- Material: satin
- Size Range: XS to 3X
If you’re looking for a pretty pattern to get you in the spring mood, you can't go wrong with a great floral print, which this dress has in spades. With a stretchy smocked back and completely adjustable tie front, it’s easy to create your perfect fit, and the side slit adds a flirty touch. Reviewers say the fabric feels lightweight and has a flattering fit, too. Shared one reviewer: "Bought this for a hot summer wedding and it was really cute and lightweight, which was great for the heat."
- Why We Love It: machine-washable, stand-out patterns, wrinkle-resistant
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
This incredible slip dress by LNA keeps selling out and we can definitely see why. From the colorful watercolor and animal prints to the body-skimming cut, it's sure to earn you more than a few compliments. The polyester fabric is known to have a quick drying time and be resistant to wrinkles, making it easy to care for. This dress tends to sell out very quickly, though (it's out of stock at the moment), but you can sign up to be notified right away when it's back.
- Why We Love It: machine-washable, naturally thermoregulating
- Material: mulberry silk
- Size Range: XS to XL
This Quince dress made it to our list of favorites for so many reasons. It’s not only machine washable, it’s also Oeko-Tex certified, which means it's made without harsh chemicals or dyes, and has a classic midi-length bias cut with adjustable straps. The 100 percent silk material is hypoallergenic and naturally thermoregulating. It also contains amino acids that are great for skin nourishment, according to the brand.
- Why We Love It: bust lining, removable belt
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
If you're looking for a versatile wedding guest look, this dress should be on your radar. You can wear it with or without the removable belt, and extra lining at the bust means you won't have to worry about anyone seeing anything they shouldn't in photos. According to its Amazon fans, the material drapes nicely but it's also rather thin.
- Why We Love It: fully lined, adjustable tie-back
- Material: viscose and polyester
- Size Range: XS to L
With a plunging neckline and cut-out details, the Karlotta dress is an eye-catching take on the usual black satin slip dress. The full lining provides that extra smoothing we seek and the tie-back can be adjusted for a more tailored fit. Better yet, buyers say the dress runs true to size and the material feels high quality—ooo la la!
- Why We Love It: 100 percent silk, lightweight feel, adjustable straps
- Material: silk
- Size Range: XS to XL
This 100 percent silk dress checks all of our boxes for the perfect slip. It has a lightweight feel, it's slim (but not tight!), has an easy pullover design and adjustable straps and we love that the silk drapes nicely and is good for regulating temperature in both hot and cold weather. Plus, the gorgeous bronze hue wears well any time of year.
- Why We Love It: color swatches available, fully lined
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to 3X
Available in a ton of different colors in sizes up to 3X, the Lisa dress is a bonafide classic. You can even request a swatch to be delivered first, so you can get a feel for the color you like best. The polyester fabric is durable and lightweight and the drapey cowl-neck style is ideal for anyone wanting to draw a little extra attention to the neck and bust lines.
- Why We Love It: 100 percent silk, strapless bra-friendly
- Material: silk
- Size Range: XS to XL
To channel that glamorous Old Hollywood vibe, look no further than Reformation’s Joana Dress. The sleek style is strapless, yet still bra-friendly. The length, which hits slightly above the ankle, is just begging to show off your favorite strappy sandals, and the 100 percent silk material is made sustainably, saving 23 gallons of water in production, according to the brand.
- Why We Love It: adjustable tie-back, lightweight material
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: S to XXL
Halter styles are great for broad shoulders, since they draw the eye inward, and this dress has a high-neck design with an adjustable tie back, so you can customize how tight or loose it is. Reviewers say it's cut perfectly to the body, too. As one happy buyer writes, "This dress is so flattering and lovely. Great deal for the price and I plan to wear it to an upcoming wedding! Love that the tie is adjustable and the slit is the perfect height/length."
- Why We Love It: machine-washable, adjustable straps
- Material: polyester
- Size Range: XS to XL
Who says maternity wear has to be frumpy? This satin slip dress, which has a convenient pullover style and adjustable straps, is not only designed to display your bump comfortably, it comes in a bold color that’s perfect for packing a colorful punch. Plus, it can pull double-duty for shower and babymoon outfits!
- Why We Love It: comfortable, adjustable straps
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: XS to L
The standout asymmetrical cut of this maxi dress is sure to turn a few heads at your next cocktail party. Take it from this buyer, who shares, "I LOVE this dress so much. So flattered and silky soft. The straps adjust perfectly and it fits comfortably under your armpits so it’s not super tight." Reviewers also say it has a comfortable fit—just note that the chest area tends to run a little on the larger side.
- Why We Love It: fully lined, adjustable straps
- Material: polyester and spandex
- Size Range: XXS to XL
ICYMI, green is majorly trending this spring, and this lime-colored mini (margaritas, anyone?) with gleaming sequin details by More To Come will keep you plenty en vogue. We love the adjustable straps and full lining (all the better to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions), and the sequins add a perfect touch of sparkle for a night out.
- Why We Love It: machine-washable, adjustable straps
- Material: polyester, elastane and lace
- Size Range: 0 to 14
The lace inserts of this silky-smooth maxi dress add a layer of style that set it apart from the slip dress pack. Reviewers adore the chocolate bronze hue ("Such a beautiful color, like a chocolate bronze. The dress fits really nice," wrote one), but also note to size up. For shorter women, it’s available in a stunning dark khaki-colored petite length.
Assistant Commerce Editor
- Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
- Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
- Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School
