How to wear a slip dress modestly: Wear it over a t-shirt.

Drawing inspiration from 1990s cinema, the trend of wearing a slip dress over a T-shirt is making a strong comeback in 2026.

Wearing a slip dress over a T-shirt is a modest yet stylish way to dress.

The trend of wearing lingerie as outerwear is nothing new. Pieces once relegated to undergarments—such as bras, corsets, slip dresses, and slip skirts—have gradually evolved into standalone outfits, shedding the need for an outer layer.

For those unaccustomed to slip dresses, stepping out in a loose, lightweight spaghetti-strap dress can sometimes feel a bit too revealing. After all, slip dresses don't pair well with standard bras, yet not everyone is a fan of bandeau or adhesive bras.

Here’s a suggestion: Try the "slip-dress-over-shirt" look—wearing a slip dress layered over a T-shirt.

What is a slip dress?

Emerging in the 1920s, the slip dress is a straight-cut garment featuring thin straps and a neckline that typically plunges to just above the bust, crafted from lightweight, smooth, and soft materials like silk.

Historically, the slip dress served as an undergarment worn beneath other clothing to provide necessary opacity for sheer fabrics, while also functioning as sleepwear or loungewear.

Since the early 20th century, this style of dress has been adopted for casual outings as the "sleepwear-as-daywear" trend gained popularity. Over time, the modern slip dress has evolved; it is no longer strictly form-fitting but offers a relaxed, comfortable cut, while the fabrics—though diverse—remain soft to the touch.

Given the dress's minimalist silhouette, variety is primarily achieved through the choice of fabric. Silk and satin are the most popular options, prized for their light-catching qualities and the alluring touch they lend the wearer. Cotton, viscose, and lace are favored for summer versions, while sequined styles are available for parties and special events.

The 1990s marked the heyday of the slip dress, championed by distinctive stars like Kate Moss, Sofia Coppola, and Gwyneth Paltrow. They brought the style to the red carpet and onto the screen in teen-focused productions such as *Clueless* and *Charmed*.

In recent years, the slip dress has emerged as a symbol of allure and a wardrobe essential for any woman. Its design—simple yet captivating and elegant—is favored by many celebrities, including Selena Gomez and Victoria Beckham; it is particularly appreciated for how it flatters a modest bust, lending the wearer a high-fashion aesthetic.

How to wear slip dresses and t-shirts from the 1990s is reborn to cause a stir in the fashion world

Layering a T-shirt under a slip dress is nothing new; the look was famously worn by Drew Barrymore’s character in the 1995 film *Mad Love*.

Bringing the trend from the screen to real life, Katie Holmes championed the slip-dress-and-T-shirt combination during an outing in New York on May 7, 2025. Her slip dress—featuring a plunging neckline and lace trim—would have been far too revealing on its own. However, by layering it over a white T-shirt and pairing the look with black heels and a high ponytail, the *Dawson’s Creek* star achieved an aesthetic that was both chic and comfortable. Her street-style ensemble created a major buzz across magazines and social media.

Building on this momentum, fashion runways showcased further iterations of the slip-dress-with-underlayer look throughout the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter 2026 seasons.

At Balenciaga's Fall/Winter 2024 show, Creative Director Demna brought a grunge version of the 1990s, with lace details, animal prints and many layers.

In particular, wearing a slip dress over a t-shirt is also a great suggestion to try see-through dresses and layering styles. The combination of a see-through slip dress and a crop top will be a sexy and extremely trendy combination.

How to style a slip dress with a T-shirt for a chic, sophisticated look.

A slip dress paired with a white T-shirt is the simplest combination.

Pairing a slip dress with a white T-shirt is the simplest styling option. A white T-shirt works well with any slip dress, whether it is solid-colored or patterned. Opt for a fitted T-shirt rather than a loose one to avoid a bulky look beneath the fluid silhouette of the dress.

Pair a T-shirt in the same color as your dress to create a monochromatic effect that creates the illusion of added height.

Monochrome style goes far beyond simple black-on-black or white-on-white combinations; it offers a wide range of even more impressive pairings. Monochrome looks rely on varying shades of the same color. Fortunately, T-shirts come in a vast array of colors, so you can simply match your T-shirt to the color of your skirt or dress. These monochromatic outfits can also create the illusion of a taller, more elongated silhouette.

The principle of contrast between the inner top and the outer skirt.

Embracing the principle of contrast, a simple slip dress becomes far more captivating when layered over a graphic T-shirt. It is also an easy way to add a unique twist to your outfit; for instance, a 90s-style graphic tee can infuse your look with a grunge vibe.

Meanwhile, a leopard-print dress will help you tap into the "Mob Wife" aesthetic currently taking the fashionista street style scene by storm. A white or black T-shirt is a great choice to balance out the bold, fierce print.

Accessories to complete the outfit

Once you’ve found the perfect slip dress and T-shirt combination, it’s time to consider the accessories that will complete the look.

If you’re a fan of matching tones, you might appreciate pairing your shoes with your top; for instance, a white T-shirt and white sneakers can effortlessly anchor any slip dress ensemble.

Beyond heels and sneakers, you could also experiment with contrasting elements. Pairing a deep-neck, daringly open-back slip dress with combat boots creates a look that is undeniably edgy and cool.

Conclude

Don't forget accessories such as sunglasses, hats, handbags, and jewelry. If you opt for a slip dress with an intricate pattern, it is best to keep your accessories minimal. Conversely, if you are wearing a solid-colored slip dress, feel free to style it with layered necklaces, colorful jewelry, or a color-blocked handbag to add vibrancy to your outfit.