Do you ever wonder how to wear a black satin slip dress (and here)? Do you think they seem to be such an impractical piece of clothing? And do you think that slip dresses shouldn’t be worn by anyone over 40? Well, that’s what I used to think too!
Last fall, I reluctantly purchased this black satin slip dress (and here) because one of my favorite bloggers was endorsing it heavily. So I decided to bite the bullet and get one. Wow, I was so surprised at the versatility of my new purchase!
In this post...
How to Style a Black Satin Slip Dress for a Wedding or Other Dressy Party
Most women over 40 hate the look of their bare arms. (I wrote this post about how to address that issue.) Because most women prefer their arms to be covered, all my black satin slip dress looks will involve some form of arm covering. For most women over 40, I think it’s prettier to cover up a bit of skin with the various looks below.
Dressy Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #1: Black Velvet Blazer
| Velvet Blazer | Slip Dress | Shoes | Pearls | Earrings | Clutch |
Many of us own a black velvet blazer as it’s such a classic piece of clothing. It looks great over the black satin slip dress (or this one ) for a wedding or holiday party. Here, I wore black D’orsay pumps which are elegant and lady-like, along with a strand of pearls. Lastly, I added diamond stud earrings and a black metallic clutch.
Dressy Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #2: Silver Pashmina
|Slip Dress | Pashmina | Shoes |Earrings | Necklace |
Here I wore a silver metallic pashmina (on sale!) with the same D’orsay pumps as Outfit #1. I added a silver pave heart necklace that was one of the very first pieces of jewelry Mr. G.Q. gave to me many years ago. I like the look of the diamond stud earrings. Mine are real, but I am just as much of a fan of pretty cubic zirconium ones. You’re going for the classic look.
|Slip Dress | Pashmina | Shoes |Earrings | Necklace |
Dressy Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #3: Metallic Duster
| Slip Dress| Duster | Siver Sandals | Earrings |
Several years ago I purchased a metallic silver duster (great buy!). It is such a great piece for the holidays. I also found this very similar one and I think it’s the perfect topper to wear over the black satin slip dress (or this one) for a dressy wedding, holiday cocktail party, or even New Year’s Eve! For this look, I added metallic silver sandals as well as diamond earrings
How to Style a Black Satin Slip Dress for Work
I know you’re probably thinking I’m nuts to even suggest you could wear a slip dress (or this one ) to work! Please read on! I put together several really fun looks for work. See if you agree. The trick to frequent use of a black satin slip dress is to think how it can easily look like a satin skirt if you cover the top half of the dress.
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #4: Black Blazer, Brown Boots, Bag, and a Pretty Scarf
| Slip Dress | Jacket | Boots | Scarf | Purse | Earrings |
This may be my favorite way to wear this slip dress for work or a lunch date. I wore a pretty black military-inspired jacket (similar, here and here), scrunched brown suede boots, and a colorful pink, brown, and black leopard scarf (similar, here). Lastly, I added my favorite brown cross-body bag from Patricia Nash. Pro-tip: A brown cross-body bag is a great alternative to black. It is pretty with black, navy, ivory, brown, and denim.
| Slip Dress | Jacket | Boots | Scarf | Purse | Earrings |
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #5: Red V-neck Cashmere Sweater and a Black Hat
|Slip Dress | Hat | Tights | Sweater|Booties | Earrings |
I love to wear hats. They are so interesting and sharp to wear, especially to lunch. If you work in a creative environment, you could wear this look. I wore black opaque tights and black suede booties with the black satin slip dress (or this one). But, doesn’t the slip dress now look like a satin skirt instead because I topped the dress with a sweater?
Have you noticed how many outfits look great with these diamond stud earrings and my pave heart necklace? These classic pieces go with almost every look from casual to dressy. They elevate your look and due to their versatility, they are worth the investment as this lowers the cost per wear.
|Slip Dress | Hat | Tights | Sweater|Booties | Earrings |
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #6: Gray Cashmere V-neck with a Scarf
| Slip Dress | Sweater | Scarf | Booties | Tights | Earings |
I think this J Crew slightly oversized gray cashmere sweater (on sale) is so easy to wear. It is incredibly soft and not a bit scratchy. I wore the black tights and suede booties in Outfit #5. I added a soft tissue paper black and gray cashmere scarf (similar, here) that I knotted simply at the neck.
| Slip Dress | Sweater | Scarf | Booties | Tights | Earings |
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #7: Rose Pink Moto Jacket
|Slip Dress | Moto Jacket | Tights | Booties | Earrings |
I LOVE this oh-so-soft rose pleather moto jacket! It is less than $50 and it is very comfortable to wear! If you wore it to work with this black satin slip dress (or this one ) you would probably need to keep it on all day much like a blazer. I don’t think that would be a problem in the cooler seasons.
|Slip Dress | Moto Jacket | Tights | Booties | Earrings |
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #8: Red V-neck Sweater, Plaid Shirt, Pearls and a Black Bag
|Slip Dress | Shirt | Sweater | Boots | Earrings | Necklace | Purse |
Isn’t this a cute holiday/winter look? I layered a J-Crew plaid shirt (similar, here) over the slip dress and then I added a red V-neck cashmere sweater. I layered a muti-stranded pearl necklace over the shirt collar. Lastly, I wore scrunched black suede boots and a pebbled leather black purse to complete the going-to-lunch or work look.
|Slip Dress | Shirt | Sweater | Boots | Earrings | Necklace | Purse |
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #9: White Turtleneck Under the Dress with a Striped Tee
|Slip Dress | Turtleneck | Striped Tee | Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch | Purse | Loafers |
This casual look is fun for the cooler weather. Layering on the white cotton turtleneck under the slip dress, my arms are covered. Then I added some styling by tying the striped tee at the neck. In the video above, you can see I am wearing a silver loafer (similar, here) but you could also wear white sneakers if it is warm enough.
Black Satin Slip Dress Outfit #10: Denim Jean Jacket and Cross-body Bag
| Slip Dress | Jean Jacket | Booties | Tights | Earrings | Necklace | Bag |
For this tenth black satin dress (or this one) outfit, I wore a denim jacket, black booties, and black tights. The cross-body bag continued the casual vibe. I still wore the earrings and heart necklace as they are timeless.
Are All Slipdresses Created Equally? And What Do You Wear Under a Slipdress?
No, since purchasing this slip dress by Vince Camuto, I have looked at several others. I have tried on others; this is what I have learned. The fabric of the slipdress must have enough body and heft so that it drapes well and doesn’t easily wrinkle. This dress is made from 100% acetate and is described as “rumpled satin” It’s a terrific fabric that packs easily and beautifully. Here is another dress from a brand I trust at a wonderful price!
Pro-tip: This dress ( or this one ) has convenient adjustable straps. I’m wearing a size small. I wear this very comfortable strapless bra and Spanx shaper panty under my dress. These undergarments make the slip dress fit well and look smooth all over.
Conclusion to the Ten Black Satin Slipdress Outfits
So have I convinced you that a black satin slip dress (or this one) is a good wardrobe addition? I have been very surprised to see how much fun and versatility the dress has afforded me. I think I have shown you dressy looks, as well as casual and work outfits that would work for many of us. As mentioned above, if the dress is too bare for you (even with my looks), consider swapping out a satin skirt (or here) for the dress. Please let me know in the comments below which of the outfits you liked. Would you wear a slip dress? Or how about a satin skirt? Tell me below!
I enjoy your comments a great deal. If you prefer to write to me directly, please DM me on Instagram @drjuliemarshall.
XO,
Dr. Julie
Here are a few more posts for you to enjoy:
How to Wear a Slip Dress Seven Different Ways!
Long Sleeve Mother of the Groom Dresses and Lots of Wedding Tips…
Black Blazer Outfit, Six Different Looks
Delicious Ina Garten Ginger Cookies for Fall!
Love these looks Julie! Can’t wait to try them. I recently bought a black velvet jacket so will definitely pair with that.
I don’t know how you always manage to surprise and delight us with new innovative looks, but you always do! Love all the slip-dress manifestations- only wish the I had the parties and events to wear them to out here on our staid island!
Thanks so much Ann!😘
Julie, you are amazing! The way you pull everything together and so many different looks intrigues
me… and I love every one of the “looks.”
Thanks so much for all the different fashionable ideas.
Merry Christmas!
Always elegant!
Great looks Julie!