In this bizarre in-between period of reentering society and, by proxy, dressing for the occasion [1], one can't help but feel anxious and unsettled. Like many of us, I've been looking forward to wearing real clothes again, but now that the time has finally come, I've found myself suddenly unable to let go of the plethora of house dresses [2], leggings [3], and loungewear [4] that I've amassed while working from home during the pandemic (you'll have to pry my tie-dye sweatsuit [5] from my cold, dead hands!). The mere thought of putting on a full-fledged outfit sends my mind into a tailspin. My humble suggestion? Find a middle ground.
Enter the slip dress. Unlike the traditional '90s style [6] beloved by style icons like Kate Moss [7] and Naomi Campbell [8], this iteration is like a cross between a nightgown and PJs, rendering it ideal for transitioning into the new normal. Simple, easy to wear, and, yes, chic, the slip dress 2.0 is more flattering than a frumpy house dress yet exceedingly comfortable and versatile — pair it with sneakers and a jean jacket for a laid-back look, or dress it up with heels and a clutch for a night out (remember those?). You could even preemptively pack it in your bag in the event of an unexpected sleepover; there's no judgement here.
After countless hours of being holed up indoors, there's nothing wrong with embracing a basic that's sexy without being too over the top. Consider this new-and-improved slip dress your foray into actually getting dressed. Ahead, shop my favourite slip dresses to wear this spring and beyond — inside or outside.
Negative Underwear Whipped Slip
Negative Underwear Whipped Slip [10] ($85)
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Slip Dress
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Slip Dress [11] ($75)
Banana Republic Factory True Hues Essential Layering Slip
Banana Republic Factory True Hues Essential Layering Slip [12] ($40, originally $50)
Summersalt The Cloud 9 Silky Slip Dress
Summersalt The Cloud 9 Silky Slip Dress [13] ($75)
Intimissimi Ultrafresh Supima Cotton Slip
Intimissimi Ultrafresh Supima Cotton Slip [14] ($22)
Banana Republic Camisole Layering Slip
Banana Republic Camisole Layering Slip [15] ($39, originally $50)
Uniqlo Airism Sleeveless Slip
HANRO Ultralight Bodydress [16] ($25)
Hanro Ultralight Bodydress
Hanro Ultralight Bodydress [17] ($70)
Old Navy Sunday Sleep Ultra-Soft Cami Nightgown
Old Navy Sunday Sleep Ultra-Soft Cami Nightgown [18] ($25)
Commando Mini Cami Slip
Commando Mini Cami Slip [19] ($78)