Once you’ve mastered how to style a satin slip skirt, you’ll never look back. A firm favourite with celebrities and street-style influencers, this trending skirt silhouette shows no signs of falling out of favour anytime soon.
Previously confined to lingerie drawers, worn hidden under skirts and dresses, the slip skirt has evolved into a fashion hero piece. Made from slinky fabric, usually silk or satin, the bias cut sits high on the waist, hugging hips before gently grazing over legs.
Dressier than jeans, but just as, if not more versatile, despite working as a fashion editor for over 30 years, I've never invested in a satin slip skirt, until now. This '90s aesthetic is a gateway to a plethora of looks, elevating summer outfits for work and adding polish to weekend ensembles, and the fact that learning how to style one takes minimal effort, is just another plus point.
How to style a satin slip skirt, outfits to bookmark
While some fashion trends can be divisive, when it comes to the slip skirt, experts are united, this is one to invest in.
“Few items possess the versatile magic of a slip skirt. This wardrobe staple effortlessly transitions from day to night, offering so many styling possibilities for every occasion. Whether paired with a tailored blazer and heels for a boardroom-ready ensemble or dressed down with a graphic tee and sneakers for a casual chic vibe, slip skirts bring an air of elegance and sophistication to any outfit,” says International Personal Stylist Traci Jeske.
And Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred agrees:
"A satin slip skirt is one of the most versatile wardrobe staples - it works year-round for a variety of different weather conditions and can easily be dressed up or down, according to the event you're attending. For spring, I love styling one with a relaxed cotton t-shirt or crisp shirt, tucked in at the waist to define your shape and keep the look polished."
1. How to style a satin slip skirt for everyday
Finding a way to wear a satin slip skirt that was comfy enough for everyday was essential as I spend most of my time running around town and need clothes that I can move comfortably in.
I chose a printed satin skirt with a dark background and lots of pretty colours that I could use to pull a look together. I tried it with a simple t-shirt, but that felt too flimsy, so I opted for a short-sleeved cotton jumper and wore it untucked to skim my middle.
"For a more casual, day-to-day look, try it with a lightweight knit cardigan or jumper and trainers. The contrast between the textures makes the outfit feel styled but still effortless," says Megan.
I added colourful trainers with no socks (because my twenty-something daughter said my secret socks looked mumsy) and a denim jacket that gave the skirt a sporty feel.
Styling tip… Add different textures with a knitted top and denim jacket to make the skirt work for everyday.
Available in sizes 8-28 and made from sustainably sourced viscose, this satin skirt has side splits that make it easy to move around in. The pretty tulip print is perfect for spring.
This cotton top felt more substantial than a basic t-shirt and the raglan sleeves accentuated my shoulders, which balanced out the slim silhouette of the skirt. This will also work well with your most comfortable jeans.
A great alternative to your best white trainers, these pastel coloured retro sneakers will add some old-school cool to your satin skirt. I personally find Gola Tornado are more comfortable than Adidas Sambas over a long period of wear.
2. How to style a satin slip skirt for special occasions
If you prefer the versatility of separates, a satin slip skirt is the perfect alternative to the best wedding guest dresses for a smart celebration. Opt for a longer-length skirt for added drama and team with a fitted trophy jacket to elevate the skirt for a special occasion. Ankle-strap sandals with a chunky heel will sit perfectly under the hem of the skirt and balance out the overall look.
Styling tip… Go for a longer length skirt to add an extra element of glamour.
I've seen this skirt styled in many varied ways on Instagram and it looks just as good styled with a basic white vest. Great value for money and a pretty colour.
Made from a textured boucle fabric, with shiny gold buttons, this jacket exudes more than a hint of Parisian chic. When it comes to boucle jackets, Mango have some of the best right now.
These block heeled sandals are a simple and timeless design and the metallic shade is a great neutral that will work with every colour of slip skirt. The shiny finish will work well with silk and satin styles.
3. How to style a satin slip skirt for summer -
Waistcoats are a big deal when it comes to the spring/summer fashion trends for 2025, and I often wear one with matching tailored trousers for a smart daytime look. I was very happy when I came across a shot of one being worn with a satin slip skirt, and I love the way they add masculine contrast to the feminine shape of the skirt. Also, the fact that they are worn over the waistband of the skirt, flatteringly skimming my midriff. Ballet pumps are a more elegant alternative to trainers, when you need to look a bit smarter.
Styling tip… Balance out the unstructured shape of a satin skirt with a tailored waistcoat made from a firmer fabric.
Sound the bargain buy klaxon, here's a skirt that's under £15, a great buy for the summer. The fabric is slightly see-through, so I popped a flesh coloured slip underneath. See below for my tips on dealing with flimsy fabrics.
Neat and fitted, this contemporary top sits outside your slip skirt to disguise the tummy area. The V-shaped neckline makes it a flattering choice for bigger busts too.
A customer favourite, the Kitty ballet pumps are available in a selection of colours and prints. With a neat bow and slightly squared toe these are a classic shape that won't go out of date.
4. How to style a satin slip skirt for evening
Wearing a satin slip skirt for an evening out was the look that I was most apprehensive about. I was worried about wearing an equally flimsy fabric on my top half, but I was surprised to find that it wasn't as difficult as I had imagined. Megan advises "If you want to elevate your satin skirt for evening, pair it with a silky top and a tailored blazer, or go bold with a statement heel and layered jewellery. The best thing about styling a satin skirt is that you don't have to try too hard. The soft sheen of satin does a lot of the work for you - it always looks luxe, even with simple styling."
I tried tucking in the top, but that felt too bulky. It looked ok untucked but I added a thin silver belt to accentuate my waistline and that gave me more shape. The kitten heel sling-backs made me feel very grown-up and polished.
Styling tip… Wear a satin slip skirt with an equally slinky top for an elegant evening look - cinch in your waist with a skinny belt for added shape.
Another great skirt for under £20, this simple style is available up to a size 24. Utilitarian tones, like this khaki shade, were popular on the catwalks for the upcoming summer season.
This fluid top has a subtle sheen and the weight of the fabric is very similar to the feel of the skirt, making it a great pairing. Wear the best t-shirt bra underneath for smooth support as it has a tendency to cling.
Great value for money, these pointed shoes have low kitten heels that are chic and comfy. These will also work if you are wondering what shoes to wear with wide-leg trousers too.
5. How to style a satin slip skirt for work
From the ultra-feminine aesthetic of the slip skirt to the androgynous blazer, this is a dreamy combo that will earn you some serious fashion kudos. Tailoring will always look smart and office-ready, so this is a fail-safe way of styling a slip skirt for work. Opt for a longer line slip skirt to add polish and balance to your look.
"For the office, a satin slip skirt pairs beautifully with an oversized blazer – it adds structure and polish while balancing out the softness of the satin" says Megan. "Style it with a tucked-in blouse or fine-knit top underneath, and finish the look with loafers or ankle boots for a smart, work-appropriate outfit that still feels fashion-forward."
I wore my blazer over a simple vest top, M&S do a fabulous vest with hidden support, and added heeled mules to give the look extra polish.
Styling tip… A black satin slip skirt will become one of your wardrobe heroes and can be styled in so many ways. Keep to neutral, monotone shades for a sharp, city-ready look.
You can trust Next to serve up great looking basics and this satin skirt proved to be my favourite out of the six I selected, for both it's shape and the quality of fabric. Available in 5 colours including on-trend buttermilk yellow.
I invested in this linen blazer last summer and wore it with matching shorts during the hot weather. It's great to switch things up and by teaming it with a satin skirt I've created a completely new look.
Here's another pair of shoes that look designer but are actually from Anthropologie. These have a nineties vibe that sits perfectly with a slip skirt. The neutral hue will tie in with the jacket too and add a summery lightness.
6. How to style a satin skirt for colder weather
Every season I switch over my wardrobe to suit the weather, but there are a few items that never get packed away and the satin slip skirt is going to become one of them. Although the fabric is slinky and thin, a slip skirt works well with a chunky jumper. You can also experiment with different textures to create interesting looks. Balance out your silhouette by wearing slouchy heeled boots. I prefer knee highs, but ankle boots would work too.
Styling tip… Megan says, "If you’re petite, opting for a midi length that hits just below the knee will help elongate the legs, especially when worn with a low heel or ankle boot."
You can't avoid animal prints this season, and this skirt will give you lots of options when deciding how to style leopard print. Team it with a silky black top for evening or a cashmere jumper for cooler days.
You can't beat the luxurious feeling of the best cashmere jumpers, and combined with a silky skirt it creates an outfit that feels as good as it looks. Go for a pop of colour to add vibrancy to the leopard print.
These boots add a touch of boho to the outfit and the slouched style mirrors the oversized jumper to make the look more relaxed. They have a cushioned footbed for comfort.
What do I wear under a satin slip skirt?
There's no denying that the slinky, silky fabric can be tricky to wear and I had to think about what to wear under my skirts in order for them to look their best. Here's my 3 slip skirt essentials...
Evelyn & Bobbie is well-known for its wire-free bra and I'm really impressed with the brand's seam-free briefs too, they are super comfy with no VPL under the satin skirts.
An essential in every fashion stylist's kit - a basic slip will prevent a light coloured skirt from being see-through and also stop clinging.
Another essential that I keep in my styling kit is an anti-static spray. You can use a regular hair-spray but that tends to leave a sticky residue. This is especially useful if you want to wear tights under your skirt.
Are slip skirt still in fashion for 2025
Most definitely. A recurring trend, slip skirts were spotted at the likes of Gucci, Giambattista Valli and Hermès during the spring/summer 2025 catwalk shows, ensuring this skirt is staying on the fashion map for the foreseeable.
Available from big designer brands and the high street, the slip skirt has become a popular style at all price brackets.
Megan Watkins is the Head Stylist and Shoot Coordinator at online destination for independent fashion brands, SilkFred. Megan has nearly 10 years experience in styling and has shot ecommerce campaigns for the likes of Never Fully Dressed, Dancing Leopard and Pretty Lavish.Prior to her role at SilkFred, Megan worked as an assistant stylist to Karl Willett whose clients include the likes of Amanda Holden, Kylie Minogue and Nicole Scherzinger.
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