I’ve always really liked the slip dress look. The first one I wore in my twenties was actually a genuine slip of my Grandmothers’, you know the undergarment women wore in the 1950’s? It was baby blue silk with a cream lace edge at the hem, very pretty. I wore it as a dress sans bra, with just a G-string or thong if you will, underneath – Have a look at my Pinterest board for images of this barely there styling – Rather daring I suppose when I think about it now, slutty even although back in the 90’s Madonna was wearing underwear as outerwear making it sartorially acceptable for us all. Furthermore I was lithe, firm & cellulite free, it didn’t feel overtly racy at all. Perhaps that was just my youthful naïvety, although of course I did feel rather sexy draped in nothing but molten material held up rather tenuously by fine spaghetti straps.
The next couple of slip dresses I bought were also the genuine article, picked up from Vintage shops in London Spitalfields where no doubt they can still be found today. However if Vintage isn’t your thing there’s no shortage of this style on the High Street even now, mine is actually from Marks and Spencer! So why has this dress remained so popular for decades? Simply because a feminine, sophisticated slip dress works equally well for the Princess as the Bad girl, it’s always in fashion! From cashmere cardi & strappy sandals to bomber jacket & biker boots plus everything in between including Stans & a leather jacket. The only issue is whether you’re comfortable wearing nothing underneath or indeed showing your bra?
Shop Slip Dresses
How to Wear a T-Shirt or Shirt Under your Slip Dress
Although a couple of decades have passed my fondness for the slip dress remains strong however my body not-so-much. Unfortunately my boobs are far too saggy to swing freely under satin & I’d feel incredibly self-conscious, something I’ve not experienced in a very long time nor do I intend to. Of course I could wear a bra with the slip but exposed heavy bra straps are not a good look in my opinion.
As you can see from my photos there’s a simple solution to wearing the slip dress without fear of a boob mishap or bra fail. I’ve picked out the soft pink in the dress pattern & matched it to my lovely silk shirt from Winser London but a T-Shirt would do just as well. I decided to unbutton the cuffs for a more fluid feel & to accentuate the flare of the sleeves. This outfit post shows once again how choosing high quality staples will furnish your wardrobe with endless options. See this shirt worn completely differently here & the dress with trainers here.
Now For The Rest
Double Star ring from Lizzy O Boutique | Vintage Chanel mini bag try Vintage Heirloom | The khaki pumps from AllSaints were an obvious choice being a more suitable neutral than black which I felt was too heavy in this case. On the other hand black strappy sandals would also look terrific, it was just that my tootsies were cold this day.
You may have noticed from my Instagram that I’m going to the UK Blog Awards with the Over40Collective this Friday? Catherine & Nikki are both nominated for awards so it’s a very special night for us. Before you ask…No I don’t know what I am going to wear arrgh! I was planning to pop over to The Dressing Room in St Albans but by the time I’d done all my chores, blogged & bought mice for Snowy it was time for the school run. Looks like I’ll be pulling an old faithful out of my wardrobe, luckily I have a couple of options Hahaha.
See you all next week with goss from the awards, lots of love Mx
Comments ( 17 )
Abby@Midlifecrisisnut
I absolutely adore slip dresses or anything with spaghetti straps for that matter. The more skin showing the better. Soooooo sexy! Have fun at the awards girls! Looking hot as usual, Michelle! ❤️ xx Abby
MT
Ooooh you sexy thang 😉
Well with your figure Abby why the hell not!
We did have a fabulous time thanks honey & of course you’d have heard by now that Catherine won best Fashion Blog? Incredibly happy for her! xx
Maria at passion fruit, paws and peonies
I would never have thought to wear a slip dress now I’m nearing 50, but you make it look fantastic. I might have a sneaky try-on!
MT
YES do have a try Maria! Let me know how you feel in it x
Nancy Baten
I dont think I have evertried a slip dress. Dont know why not, just never did. It looks like a elegant and easy sort of casual way to wear a dress! This is a lovely print. I wish you and the other amazing women lots of fun at the awards and I am looking forward to see all your Photos of the event!
MT
Well Nancy now you should have a try, I’m sure you’ll look lovely & yes it is a very easy outfit to get right.
We had a fab time at the awards thank you, photos will be soon xx
sequinist
Talk to me about this adorable little pink heart you’re wearing on your wrist? Such a sweet quirky detail! You really are the master at mixing and matching nearly every single item in your wardrobe, and this is no exception. Well done, lady. You really walk you talk and I love that about you. xx
Rachel
First time round for slip dresses I was of the ‘grunge’ persuasion and wore mine with a huge (smelly) cardigan, ripped fishnets and Dr Martens thinking I was Courtney Love! Not sure that’s the way to play it these days…
Tempted to try one with a t shirt and converse this summer after seeing how beautifully you rock it!
MT
Hahaha yep I have an image (& a wiff) of that in my head 😉
I hope you do try the Tee & converse outfit idea, sounds funky & glam at the same time – Go for it!
Patti
What a great way to wear a slip dress – you look marvelous and full of life! Thanks for linking, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
MT
Thanks Patti! xx
Mums That Slay
I did this look as a teen in the 90s, and have tentatively attempted it this time around, but more casually, which made me feel a little try hard in all honesty. I like how you’ve elevated the layering, perhaps it’s all about sophistication.?? Yvadney x#IWillWearWhatILike
MT
Ah yes in my 20’s I did the T-shirt underneath too Yvadney, nothing new here 😉
I do think it has a lot to do with the quality of the garment. As we get older & spend more it becomes vital to get as much wear out of every piece so it’s probably that as much as anything that inspires me to change things up. Does that make sense?
jacqui
This is fun! A great way to make the dress versatile and you’ve done just that! Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
MT
Hi Jacqui, Oh yes haven’t you heard? Versitile is my middle name Hahahahaha!
Gail Hanlon
I’ve always loved the simplicity and brazenness of slip dresses, but I’ve never had one. The trend of wearing a shirt or top underneath makes them a lot more wearable but you still need to be long and lean, like you are (sigh).
MT
Hmm I don’t think being tall is a requirement Gail but you’re probably right about being slim. The straight shape doesn’t work as well on an hourglass or pear shape although that said, throwing a leather jacket on over this will break up the straight line, create the illusion of a waist & further add to the layered look. Ultimately though, we should always wear what we like right?