How to Style a Silk Slip Dress for Fall

Save time when you shop for 2-in-1s or Two-Fers.

If you, like me, have become totally enamored with silk slip dresses, this is the blog post for you. Yes! They are everywhere. And Yes! They are feminine, functional and can be flattering. They can also be challenging to work with as the weather cools off. If you adore the idea of a silk slip dress but find that it doesn’t feel flattering on your frame or is a chore to style, we’ve got you covered.

Before we begin, All Saints has a stellar collection of “2 in 1s” or “two-fers.” Either name refers to a sweater that comes with a silk slip dress. They are beautiful and not inexpensive. This is one of my favorites. Enjoy a wide variety of prices and several styling options just for YOU. As always, I’d love to hear how it goes. Happy Fall, Dear Reader.

P.S. Poplin is an affiliate. When you are ready to purchase, please click through the images below in the same session when you check out your cart. This may result in commission at no additional cost to you and allows us to invest the resources into meaty blog posts like these. Thanks again for supporting Poplin!

What You Need to Know to Style Your Silk Slip Dress this Fall

This flat front dress is just right for layering sweaters, jackets and tops over. Silk midi dress- available in multiple colors.

The cowl neck is ideal when you’ll be showing off the entire dress with a jacket or cardigan. Silk midi dress available in three colors.

Opt for a mini silk dress, when you want to show off your legs or if you have some swoon-worthy boots to share. Silk mini dress available in multiple colors.

Choose the Ideal Slip Dress for Your Figure

The most important thing to know about a silk or satin slip dress is that a shiny fabric reflects light differently than an opaque option. Specifically, your eye will be drawn to the parts of your body that are curvier than the rest of your figure. So, if you’d like to draw attention to your bust, a shiny top is an ideal way to do that. At the same time, a shiny slip dress will draw the eye to your stomach or hips, if either or both of those are curvy. Be thoughtful about areas that make you feel self conscious when styling your slip dress. It absolutely doesn’t mean that you must avoid silk or satin slip dresses if you have curves on the bottom that you may want to minimize. It just means that you need to style accordingly.

The Perfect Slip Dress Styling for Each Body Type

Triangle

Ready to minimize your lower half? Opt for a boxy sweater that hits just over your stomach, giving the impression that your stomach is flatter. Wearing a heel will flatter your frame even more. Finish off this approach with a bolder color or print on top and a more subdued color on the bottom.

Vince silk slip dress in plus size! Yes, please!

Ethically made triangle shaped handbag comes in two colors and completes this look.

Opt for a boxy cashmere sweater (available in multiple colors). This one comes in plus sizes, too.

A sexy heel can be functional and walkable, too. Try this over the knee boot with a kitten heel with your silk slip dress.

hourglass

A silk or satin slip dress is a major win for your body type. Maintain your natural balance and show off your curves in any number of styles. I especially love the cowl neck and ruching that hug the hourglass frame. Really, the less boxy the better for you.

It’s time to save with this flattering satin slip dress.

Sometimes a handbag feels like a work of art.

With a super comfortable heel, this elegant knee high boot is available in multiple colors and materials.

Rectangle

Any style slip dress is flattering on a traditional rectangle body type. If you’re ready to layer up for cold weather, opt for feminine pieces that give the illusion you have more curves.

Obsessed with this Knitted cotton blend basket bag that carries it all.

Cut out satin slip dress is lovely on a rectangle shaped figure.

Diamond

A silk or satin slip dress is a scary proposition for a diamond figure as that fabric can be especially unflattering for a curvy stomach. The easiest route to success is opting for the boxy sweater approach listed for Triangle figures. If you are ready to try something that shows off the top of the dress, go with a long jacket that draws the eye to your vertical middle, rather than your horizontal middle. Jewelry and a heel will help seal the deal.

Petite silk slip dress.

Shop small and layer up with these delicate necklaces.

Shop small with this designer favorite on sale.

Shop small and layer up with these delicate necklaces.

Metallic ankle boots for the win! Effortless to pair this neutral is anything but boring. Fun Fact: These boots are available in a zillion colors.

The photo doesn’t do this super rad bracelet justice. Shop small from this designer with this rare sale price.

A velvet sling bag (available in multiple colors) adds dimension to your outfit without compromising functionality.

Inverted Triangle

Satin or silk slip dresses can be super flattering on an Inverted Triangle frame as the shiny fabric draws the eye down balancing your figure. Remember that spaghetti straps can make your shoulders look broader because they are not proportional to your strong top half. Look for slip dresses with a wider strap, when possible. If you are layering for fall, the straps might not matter as much.

Opt for a silk slip dress with wide straps to balance out broad shoulders. A midi length also shows off your legs.

Hoops are always a great idea.

The right beenie will take you far. This well made unisex classic is a solid choice.

And affordable, hip reversible bomber for women? Yes, please!

And affordable, hip reversible bomber for women? Yes, please!

Pair this sling bag with a pair of chunky platform boots for an edgy, urban vibe. Then, introduce feminine pieces like a silk slip dress to make this outfit shine.

And there you have it! I can’t wait to hear what you think and how you are styling your slip dresses.


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