Brides / Chloe Jeong
Few silhouettes are more elegant than a simple slip dress. These pared-back designs are effortlessly sophisticated and have graced the aisles of many iconic celebrity weddings (hello, Carolyn Bessette!). Whether you’re donning this classic silhouette for your ceremony, reception, or after-party, there are scores of chic and minimalist slip wedding dresses on the market.
Because slip dresses tend to be free of embellishments, the quality of the fabric, the cut, and the fit is even more important for creating an elevated look for your wedding. We spoke to celebrity fashion stylist Kim Appelt for advice on how to pick and style slip wedding dresses. With her advice, we looked for designs in a range of prices, aesthetics, and silhouettes.
Since slip dresses hug your body, consider wearing seamless underwear or shapewear. Sheer and unlined options can also be paired with a bodysuit or taken to the tailor to add a lining.
Read on for the best slip dresses for every style, body type, and budget.
Best for a Formal Wedding
Elliat Aisle Dress
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Revolve
Size Range: XS-XXL | Material(s): Satin fabric (polyester) | Color(s): White | Length: Floor-length
With its elegant silhouette and eye-catching high-low hemline, this dress was made for formal events. It's constructed from satin polyester fabric for a luminous and luxe look. The flattering draped neckline, criss-cross back, and fabric-covered buttons on the lower back are stylish details that set this dress apart from the rest. Style your hair in a loose bun to spotlight your shoulders and back.
Price at time of publish: $190
Best Champagne
Lulus Love All of Me Champagne Satin Maxi Dress
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Lulus
Size Range: XS-XL | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Champagne | Length: Floor Length
This dress proves you don't need embellishments to make a gown look special. The sleek woven satin creates a smooth and seamless line down your body. A scoop neckline feels elegant while the darted bodice adds some definition to your chest. The thick tank style straps lead into a scoop and a back that's completed by a train. Coming in champagne, it's a slight variation from traditional white.
Price at time of publish: $99
Best With Train
MywonyBridal Free Fitted Silk Wedding Dress
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Etsy
Size Range: 2-12 | Material(s): Natural silk chiffon, satin | Color(s): Light ivory | Length: Floor-length
Soft and ethereal, this ivory slip features an alluring open back and detachable train. This versatile style would be right at home at a backyard or destination wedding. The illusion top adds a whimsical touch and has lace and beading embellishments if you want something a little more glamorous. The plunging necklines on the front and back add some drama, while the maxi length feels breezy and effortless.
Price at time of publish: $910
Best Plunging Neckline
Reformation Maysen Silk Dress
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Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Material(s): Silk | Color(s): Fior Di Latte, Green | Length: Floor-length
Simple but certainly not boring, this Reformation gown strikes the perfect balance between sexy and sleek. The deep-V neckline coupled with lace lining offers a flattering and lightly structured fit while the body-skimming skirt adds shape to the simple silhouette. Lace details make the open back even more special.
Price at time of publish: $448
Best Asymmetrical Hem
Lulus Elegant Instinct Ivory Asymmetrical Bias-Cut Slip Midi Dress
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Lulus
Size Range: XS-XL | Material(s): Polyester, spandex | Color(s): Ivory | Length: Midi-length
With a bias-cut silhouette, flouncy tier, and an asymmetrical hem, this dress is ideal for the simple yet bold bride. It's crafted from silky polyester and elastane with a full lining for a soft and opaque fit. The midi dress provides some extra movement, and it has hidden closures for a seamless look. Style it with a pair of embellished pumps for a formal wedding or a pair of block-heel sandals for a garden wedding.
Price at time of publish: $58
Best Budget
ShineWithMeGifts Silk Cami Strap Slip Dress With Cowl Neck
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Etsy
Size Range: XS-XL | Material(s): Silk, polyester | Color(s): White, Black, Purple | Length: Midi
If you're opting to say "I do" at city hall, this silk midi dress is an impossibly chic choice for your intimate ceremony. The cowl neck is super flattering, and it's crafted from lightweight satin polyester for a breathable and luxurious feel. Even better? At under $80, this dress is a budget-friendly option, to boot!
Price at time of publish: $72
Best for a Seaside Wedding
NoireBrand Eleanor White Wedding Slip Dress
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Etsy
Size Range: XS-XL, custom | Material(s): Silk-blend | Color(s): 13 | Length: Floor-length
We can't help but picture this diaphanous white gown at a chic and casual seaside wedding. Its open back is insanely elegant and makes for an eye-catching entrance. It's made from shiny silk viscose and comes equipped with a full lining. The thin, delicate straps are adjustable for a custom fit, and the A-line silhouette is universally flattering. Available in over 10 colors, the Eleanor dress is also a lovely option for bridal party dresses.
Price at time of publish: $185
Best Midi-Length
TheSerenityWear Cowl Neck Silk Slip Dress
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Etsy
Size Range: XS-XL | Material(s): Silk charmeuse | Color(s): 7 | Length: Midi
This boudoir-inspired slip is sultry and sophisticated and looks like liquid silk on the body. The cowl neckline feels especially trendy, while the low back adds a sexy flair. The midi length makes it ideal for laid-back weddings or a second look for your reception. We also love that it comes in several colors if you want to pick something other than the traditional white. Wear yours with delicate personal jewelry and velvet mules or elegant kitten heels.
Price at time of publish: $260
Best Plus Size
BHLDN Cali Satin Cowl-Neck Midi Slip Dress
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Anthropologie
Size Range: Plus: 16W-26W | Material(s): Satin (polyester) | Color(s): 11 | Length: Midi
This thoughtfully designed and size-inclusive gown features a flattering cowl neckline, empire bust seam, and barely-there spaghetti straps. It comes in over 10 colors and has a side slit for a dramatic and sexy flair. The midi silhouette makes it particularly great for a second reception look–especially if you plan to do a lot of dancing. It's made with satin polyester and has a full lining, so you'll feel comfortable and cool all day. Pair yours with a simple veil for a timeless look.
Price at time of publish: $168
Best for a Black Tie Wedding
Jenny by Jenny Yoo Marnie Gown
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Size Range: 0-26 | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Off White | Length: Floor Length
Fitted through the hips with a flared silhouette and an open back, this figure-celebrating gown is both flattering and sexy. Style with a pair of statement-making earrings to highlight your shoulders and neckline.
Price at time of publish: $1,150
Most Effortless
Show Me Your Mumu Faith Maxi Dress
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Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material(s): Luxe satin (polyester) | Color(s): 18 | Length: Floor-length
Effortlessly elegant and endlessly romantic, this simple slip dress from Show Me Your Mumu is a minimalist bride's dream. It's crafted from luxe lustrous satin fabric and has a dreamy maxi silhouette. The fitted bodice adds some structure to the overall look, and the v-neckline is elongating and alluring. We love the adjustable straps and full lining for a comfortable and seamless fit. Even better, it's available in over 10 colors if you want to get creative with your wedding day look. Pair yours with simple accessories and a wildflower bouquet.
Price at time of publish: $198
Best Ruching
Shona Joy La Lune Lace Back Maxi Dress
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Revolve
Size Range: 0-12 | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Cream, Rose, Blue | Length: Floor-length
We love this pretty slip dress for the unfussy bride. It's perfect for summer or destination weddings and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The barely-there spaghetti straps are adjustable, and it comes fully lined for a quality fit and feel. The cowl neckline is especially fashionable and the flared maxi length is timeless. Made from polyester, it's soft and breathable—ideal for all-day wear. Style it with block heels for a finished look.
Price at time of publish: From $360
Best Mini
Saint Laurent Open-Back Silk-Satin Mini Dress
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Saint Laurent
Size Range: FR34-FR42 | Material(s): Silk | Color(s): Chalk, Black | Length: Mini
No wedding wardrobe is complete without a party-ready mini dress. This Saint Laurent design is simple yet striking and has a total ‘90s model vibe to it à la Kate Moss. Wear it with everything from black velvet mules to sparkly sandals.
Price at time of publish: $2,990
For the After-Party
Show Me Your Mumu Bling Mini Dress
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Mumu
Size Range: XS-XXL | Material(s): Stretch crepe | Color(s): White, Black | Length: Mini
Short and sparkly and aptly named the ‘Bling’ mini dress, this slip was made to grace the after-party dance floor. Play up the bedazzled straps with matching sparkly shoes and a bold red lip.
Price at time of publish: $228
Best Feathered
Bridal by Eloquii Feather Hem Slip Dress
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Eloquii
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Off White | Length: Mini
A feathered slip dress scream after-party. With no embellishments or hardware, this dress will be extremely comfortable as you dance the night away. You just want to sleep in it.
Price at time of publish: $179
Best Sheer
French Connection Satin Maxi Cami Dress with Panels
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ASOS
Size Range: 2-10 | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Off White | Length: Floor Length
For a slightly sexy look, we love this slip dress made with sheer panels. The sheer panels are strategically placed to show some leg and midsection without being too revealing. Adjustable straps let you find the best fit for your chest. Coming from French Connection, the style looks exactly like what a French cool girl would wear.
Price at time of publish: $148
Best One Shoulder
Watters Mirall Cowl-Neck Button-Slit Satin Sheath Wedding Gown
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Anthropologie
Size Range: 0-18 | Material(s): Polyester | Color(s): Ivory | Length: Floor Length
This Watters one-shoulder slip dress fits like a dream. The satin fabric is heavyweight for a smoother drape, and the one shoulder strap drapes down into a cowl neck and back. Covered buttons along the side and a high slit add some vintage glamour. With a flared skirt, this maxi silhouette is sleek and sophisticated.
Price at time of publish: $1,995
Best Back Detail
Retrofête Electra Dress
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Revolve
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Material(s): Acetate, polyester | Color(s): White | Length: Ankle-length
Make an exit as stunning as your entrance in this jaw-dropping gown by Retrofête. It features an elegant square neckline and an unexpected low back dripping in pearls. This seductive silhouette is sure to turn heads and leave a lasting impression.
Price at time of publish: $495
Meet the Expert
Kim Appelt is a celebrity fashion stylist and author of Style for Everybody, a book about curating a wardrobe that works for you.
What to Look for in a Slip Wedding Dress
Fabric
The fabric you choose will influence how formal a slip wedding dress is. "Luxurious and structured fabrics like silk satin or lace elevate the dress for more formal settings," says Appelt. "Lighter and more casual fabrics like chiffon or cotton will be perfect in a more casual setting." Embellishment like pearls, beading, and lace also make a slip dress feel more formal. Feathers, like in Eloquii Feather Hem Slip Dress, add a playful touch that's perfect for an after-party look.
If you want the silky look and are deciding between true silk or polyester, there a few things to keep in mind. While real silk, like Reformation's Maysen Dress, tends to be more expensive than polyester, it offers a luxurious look and excellent breathability, making it a great choice for weddings in hot climates.
"Polyester is much less conducive to breathability," says Appelt. "If it's going to be hot, and you tend to be on the sweatier side of the spectrum, go for silk!'
Silk is also more delicate and prone to snagging, so if you prefer a durable, affordable dress, polyester may be the way to go.
Length
The length of a slip dress can change how formal it is and decide if it's better suited for the ceremony or after party. "A longer floor-length or a sweeping train, will be stunning and really suit a formal wedding," says Appelt. "Shorter lengths, like midi or above-the-knee, will feel more casual and will look to be perfectly suited for the beach, winery, or backyard wedding." We also love the idea of slipping into a mini slip, like Show Me Your Mumu Bling Mini Dress, for the after-party.
Silhouette
Slip dresses can be cut in many stunning silhouettes. "A slimmer silhouette, like a sheath or mermaid, will feel more formal and glamorous, while an A-line silhouette feels softer and more romantic depending on the setting," says Appelt. With its A-line skirt, Noire Brand Slip Dress is our pick for a beach wedding.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more. Slip dresses happen to be one of Sophie's favorite wedding dress silhouettes due to their simple design and effortless elegance.
Emily Cieslak is an associate commerce editor at Brides, covering all things beauty and fashion.