Sorry, Jeans—I'm Replacing You With This Simple, Overlooked Skirt This Summer

To slip or not to slip? That is the question. More times than not, especially when winter’s brisk chill has quelled and the balmy rays of summer beckon me to get my limbs out, I’ll find myself compiling a chic slip skirt outfit to serve me through the days.

While originally designed to be worn as a smoothing layer under other items of clothing, the calf-grazing style has slowly crept away from this purpose over time, becoming a chic wardrobe staple in its own right. Like lace-trimmed satin shorts or corsets, our penchant for naked dressing has helped these boudoir-approved pieces gradually evolve from their origins. But unlike those more risqué garments, slip skirt outfits remain perpetually sophisticated.

We can, of course, blame these connotations on the style icons who taught the mainstream about the elegant appeal slip skirt outfits have—Kate Moss’s gala look from 1993, Carrie Bradshaw’s striped spring 2001 Prada skirt from season six of Sex And The City, Gwyneth Paltrow’s emerald green look in 1998’s Great Expectations.

These impactful moments might’ve all taken place in New York, but across the Atlantic, slip skirt outfits remain just as widespread and stylish. In fact, freelance fashion editor, Harriet Davy, recalls a moment from 2018 where the entire editorial staff of a now-defunct magazine were feverishly refreshing their web browsers to nab a slip skirt designed by Topshop in collaboration with London-based minimalist dresser, Monikh Dale. After buying four, Davy explains that “the power of this high street slip skirt was real, and it's the first time I really remember one item being literally everywhere on Instagram.” She adds: “The first 'cult' item, if you will.”

Of course, in the last ten years alone, we’ve had a viral leopard print slip skirt from Réalisation Par, a panelled mesh version from Prada (a design that helped kickstart the sheer clothing trend), and a lurex star Tory Burch skirt that’s a mainstay at Copenhagen Fashion Week. The appeal comes down to the slip skirt’s ability to make you look polished with very minimal effort.

When cut using silky fabric, slip skirts will do the heavy lifting in helping you appear more considered and thoughtful, even if you’re just wearing them with a ribbed strappy tank and casual door shoes. (That is, the slip-on pair you leave by the entrance to your flat for when you just need to dart out on a quick errands run.) This season, I’ve had my eye on a gorgeous blush coloured style from The Row, but I think I’ll settle for the more affordable Reformation iteration. (It’s near identical and a quarter of the price!)

Elsewhere, sweet slips from Doên, Toteme, H&M and COS have also taken my fancy, meaning that they’ll presumably take yours, too. But before you add any to your cart, I’ve taken it upon myself to compile some outfit options to prove just how versatile the slip skirt is.

From suede jackets to fine-knit tops and an especially pared-back look from Kendall Jenner that I’m keeping on my summer outfit moodboard, scroll on below for 7 slip skirt outfits to replicate this season.

7 Chic Slip Skirt Outfits to Replicate in 2025

1. Slip Skirt + Vest Top + Cord Necklace

Style Notes: No slip skirt story is complete without a Monikh mention. While no longer in the Topshop hero style, theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing contributor is still a big fan of the timeless midi skirt. I love how its kept simple with a fuss-free vest top and chunky flip-flops.

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2. Silk Skirt + Cropped T-Shirt + Flip-Flops

Style Notes: Kendall Jenner has become a patron saint of refined simplicity. Proving that less is always more, the supermodel complemented this decadent slip skirt with simple flip-flops and a cropped baby t-shirt. Truly an archetypical model off-duty look.

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3. Lace-Trimmed Slip Skit + Boxy Shirt + Knitted Sweater

3. Slip Skirt + Boxy Detail + Knitted Sweater

Style Notes: Although adored by stylish celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Jennifer Lawrence, I often feel that wearing a slip skirt without any accessories can feel a little pedestrian. That's where a well-placed bangle or strategic clutch bag comes in. These small but mighty details, like a drop-waist shoulder on a boxy white t-shirt and a waisted top effect thanks to a cinching cashmere jumper, do so much to elevate a chic look further.

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4. Slip Skirt + Satin Camisole + Shoulder Bag

Style Notes: As I've already proven, slip skirts are worn by cool dressers across every fashion capital. But no setting is more complementary to the silhouette than Paris. Perennial French fashion muse, Sylvie Mus, proves that by completing her slip skirt outfit with a satin camisole top and peep-toe mules—two items I'm convinced every chic woman living in the city of lights own.

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5. Slip Skirt + Fine-Knit Polo Shirt + Jelly Sandals

Style Notes: When you need to dress down your slip skirt outfits, reach for preppy and playful pieces like a fine-knit polo top and clear jelly sandals. These beachy and collegiate elements don't take themselves too seriously, so it will help soften and stuffy aversions you might have about wearing a slip skirt outfit.

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6. Slip Skirt + Suede Jackewt +

Style Notes: While many of us are swapping denim for slip skirt outfits this season, the unpredictable nature of British summertime means we do have to factor in for a wet weather outfit. (Or two.) This look from Lucy Williams brings a salt-of-the-earth ease to an otherwise balmy ensemble thanks to the rigid suede jacket and stomp-worthy leather boots.

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7. Slip Skirt + Cardigan + Blazer

Style Notes: What happens if you add all of the most timeless shades together? You get a minimalist's outfit-of-dreams. This look helps make a slinky slip look effortlessly premium.

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