Face it: If you actually tried to get an entirely new, head-to-toe ensemble for every single holiday party, gift exchange, potluck, or other family-and-friends gathering this holiday season, your head would be spinning (and your wallet would be thinning). Sure, it's fun to get dressed up and no one likes to be a widely known outfit repeater. But if you happen to land on the right dress, we're betting you can wear it for all your holiday plans this year. More specifically: get a slip dress.
This isn't a new trend — we've seen slip dresses slowly, but surely, infiltrate every fast-fashion and contemporary brand's New Arrivals pages over the last year or so. ('90s nostalgia, much?) But if you've let this garment fall to the wayside after trying it for yourself this year, there's no better time to break it back out than holiday-party season. It's the perfect blank canvas for a variety of styling and if you can wear it five different ways, you can wear it 25 different ways — we promise.
To get your gears turning, we put together five totally unique looks for five completely different holiday affairs, all using one classic, red silk slip from Venice Beach-based designer Lily Ashwell. So before you stress out over what you're wearing to all those events you've RSVP'd yes to already, consider investing in one sleek dress you can get away with wearing to all of them — paired with pieces you already have — without anyone even noticing.
Don't believe us? Click on to see how it's done.
The Fashion-Crowd Party
Base a fashion crowd-pleasing outfit around the Gucci tee of the season, which says you know what's up, but also aren't trying too hard. Let the tee peek out from under the slip dress and top it off with a cropped jacket, some neutral boots, and small hoop earrings. The entire look is on-trend and put-together, without being overdressed.
Lily Ashwell Gia Slip Dress, $250, available at Lily Ashwell; Gucci Appliquéd distressed printed cotton-jersey T-shirt, $590, available at Net-A-Porter; By Far Lada Leather Nude, $381, available at By Far; Zara Studio Hoop Earrings, $22.90, available at Zara; Mango Faux fur appliqué jacket, $99.99, available at Mango.
The Casual, After-Work Dive-Bar Party
Go from work to bar by starting with the slip dress as your base, but this time, wearing it under an oversized sweater so that it acts more like a midi-skirt. Throw on some hardy-but-comfortable footwear, a chic ear cuff, your work bag of choice, and you're good to go.
Lily Ashwell Gia Slip Dress, $250, available at Lily Ashwell; Aquazarra Heilbrunner Boot, $1,250 available at Moda Operandi; Finery Kristy Two-In-One Bowling Bag, $229, available at Finery; Aritzia Montpellier Sweater, $165, available at Aritzia; Hirotaka Ear Cuff, $380, available at Barneys New York.
The S.O.'s Corporate Party
You're a creative type, but you've got to attend your S.O.'s super-corporate office party. This time, wear a sweater under the slip dress and finish it off with some strong, but sophisticated, accessories, like a floral bag, velvet platforms, and a minimalist coat.
Lily Ashwell Gia Slip Dress, $250, available at Lily Ashwell; Mother Of Pearl Hoxton Mini Tote, $404, available at Mother Of Pearl; Genuine People Striped Sweater In Green, $150, available at Genuine People; Mango Velvet Platform Sandals, $54, available at Mango; Topshop Longline Tab Slouch Coat, $150, available at Topshop.
The Black-Tie Affair
You can dress your slip way up, too. Opt for a fun heel in a contrasting hue and take it up a notch further with some serious chandelier earrings, because why not? Top it off with a polished (and still-warm!) robe coat and a sleek clutch with some hardware that matches your earrings.
Lily Ashwell Gia Slip Dress, $250, available at Lily Ashwell; SJP By Sarah Jessica Parker Carrie Satin Pump, $355, available at Net-A-Porter; J.Crew Antique gold chandelier earrings with tassels, $65, available at J.Crew; Uniqlo Double Face Wrap Coat, $69.90, available at Uniqlo; M2Malletier Mini Pony Collectionneuse, $1,400 $1,190, available at Moda Operandi.
The Friend's Apartment Party
You're gathering with some close buds for a white-elephant exchange — yes, you can wear a slip dress for that, too. Dress it down by throwing a T-shirt on underneath the dress and finish it off with a bomber of choice, some bright sneakers, and an everyday leather carryall. You're casual and comfortable, but also festive at the same time.
Lily Ashwell Gia Slip Dress, $250, available at Lily Ashwell; Vans for Opening Ceremony VT Old Skool LX Sneaker, $110, available at Opening Ceremony; & Other Stories Embroidered Bomber Jacket, $145, available at & Other Stories; Re/Done Hanes 1960 Slim Tee, $78, available at Re/Done; Loewe Flamenco Knot Small Leather Bag, $1,432, available at MatchesFashion.com.
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