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Those in the know — or rather, those bold enough to leave the house in silky separates — have been doing sleepwear as daywear for years now. Forget a tailored suit or matching set: Pajama dressing has been a major style success for everyone from Sofia Coppola and Jessica Alba to pretty much every street style star of 2015. But for spring/summer 2016, some of the biggest fashion houses took underwear as outerwear up a notch by focusing on the slip dress.
On the catwalk at Céline last October, black and white silk chemises were finished with lingerie lace, while at Saint Laurent they were grungier, rendered in '90s satin and see-through materials, and worn under denim or biker jackets and fluffy fur coats. At Pucci, slips showed up over fine knits, and for Alexander Wang's last-ever collection at Balenciaga, the designer showcased ephemeral ivory versions with lace slippers — as modern and tough as it was exquisitely feminine.
If you still need convincing that wearing just a slinky, spaghetti-strap dress is both sartorially and socially acceptable, follow the lead of celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Rihanna, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, all of whom are key supporters of the trend. These dresses look and feel sophisticated and sexy, and they can be worn in countless ways (if you're not ready to wear one alone, for example, throw a slip over a T-shirt or knitwear to feel less exposed). And, everyone should own at least one.
Ahead, find our picks for some of the best slip dresses on the market right now.
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Now all you need is a garden party.
ASOS Dungaree Style Midi Slip Dress, $57, available at ASOS.
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Summer weather, fall hues.
Hillier Bartley Velvet Slip Dress, $2,547 $1,528, available at MatchesFashion.
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Slides, heels — wear this dress with whatever.
Finery Gloucester Lace Detail Slip Dress, $89, available at Finery.
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Hello, date night.
Saint Laurent Silk-satin Gown, $2,290 $1,374, available at Net-A-Porter.
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Go even more daring with an all-the-way-up side slit.
Silk Laundry Long Navy Slip Dress with Slits, $139.58, available at Silk Laundry.
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Try some subtle detailing, like patterned cups.
Silence + Noise Silencer Bias-cut Satin Slip Dress, $119, available at Urban Outfitters.
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Two words: Summer. Weddings.
D.Efect Lilac Devon Slip Dress, $306.27, available at Grazia Shop.
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If you're trying to stay neutral but also avoid wearing black, olive green is your next best option.
Creatures of Comfort Gaia Slip Dress, $250, available at Creatures of Comfort.
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Channel your inner ballerina.
Olivia von Halle Remy Azalea Silk Slip Dress, $443.90, available at Olivia von Halle.
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Like the polka dots, love the lace detailing at the hem.
Topshop Spot Print Pleat Slip Dress, $68, available at Topshop.
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Wear with a leather jacket and choker for maximum Gigi Hadid-ness.
Express Silver Midi Slip Dress, $49.90 $29.99, available at Express.
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How good would this look over a white graphic tee?
Christopher Kane Sleeveless Embroidered Slip Dress, $1,970 $1,180, available at Browns Fashion.
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Party-ready.
Forever 21 Contemporary Metallic Cami Shift Dress, $22.90 $15.99, available at Forever 21.
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Color of the season: blush.
Sleeper Carrie Blush Slip Silk Dress, $320, available at Sleeper.
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Consider this a blank slate for killer accessories.
Zara Frilled Camisole Dress, $49.90, available at Zara.
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