From chokers to platform sandals, the ’90s are back in a big way; however, no ’90s look would be complete without the iconic slip dress.  

Whether worn baggy and layered with a worn-in t-shirt and sneakers for class or long and slinky with strappy sandals for a night out, the slip dress is one of the most versatile pieces a college girl can own.

While styling something that could pass for a nightgown can seem difficult, there are a few things to remember when choosing your slip dress:

• Pick a style that is occasion-appropriate: A matte fabric is usually more appropriate for daytime, while a shiny and/or embellished style is usually better suited for evening. 
• If it’s too tight, skimpy, or see-through, you run the risk of your slip dress being mistaken for underwear, sleepwear, or shape-wear; so, when in doubt, size up and/or layer up! 
• Layering is your friend! As I just mentioned, layering is a great way to wear a slip dress–especially if it’s your first time wearing one. If you wear something under or over your slip dress, you’re much less likely to feel over-exposed. What’s more, by layering a slip dress made of a more evening-appropriate fabric with something more daytime-casual (like a t-shirt or a denim jacket), you can get more mileage out of it. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some chic slip dress styling options:

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Outfit #1

Products: Slip Dress – Topshop, T-Shirt – J.Crew, Bracelet – Lord & Taylor, Sneakers – Macy’s, Earrings – Kate Spade, Necklace – J.Crew, Tote – Ted Baker

Fun and feminine, this pale blue slip dress would look nice either on its own (due to its sturdier construction) or layered with a pastel-colored t-shirt, like this lovely pale pink one from J.Crew. 

I decided to pair this outfit with a sweet pair of lace sneakers and a cute mint green tote.