Slip dresses are a must-have piece for summer Check here some of the celebrities who have given their stamp of approval

Regarded as a timeless piece of clothing, the slip dress is a true wardrobe staple. Whether it's the comfortable fabric, which is perfect for hot days, or its polished look, it's no wonder that the piece has become a favorite of stars such as singer Olivia Rodrigo, model Bella Hadid and actress Anya Taylor-Joy. 

The slip dress in history

But it hasn't always been like this. During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, slip dresses belonged to the realm of lingerie and were only worn indoors. Then, during the infamous reign of Marie Antoinette in the 1700s, after a famous portrait of her by the painter Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun circulated, the dress was deemed respectable enough to be worn in public.

Its appeal only grew stronger in the 1920s, when slip dresses became popular among flappers due to the freedom of movement they offered, which was ideal for the era of the Roaring Twenties. In the 1930s, its success was cemented by Coco Chanel's elegant reinvention of the silhouette and its adoption by Hollywood, as seen in the 1933 film Dinner at Eight, in which actress Jean Harlow wore a champagne-colored slip dress. But during the Second World War, when Christian Dior's elegant, polished and refined New Look gained ground, the slip dress gradually faded from fashion. 

From the iconic cocktail dresses of the 1960s to the cut-out and maxi designs of the 1970s, slip dresses weren't very fashionable, although Diana Ross did wear a bronze satin dress with billowy sleeves in the '70s.  In the '80s, however, this began to change after Michelle Pfeiffer's character Elvira in the 1983 film Scarface wore a blue emerald design. Then, in the '90s, the slip dress's reputation took off, and it was seen everywhere, from Calvin Klein to Princess Diana, Jennifer Lopez, and Kate Moss. 

Frequently associated with the '90s, slip dresses have become a classic of the decade and are appealing to Gen Z more than ever.  With summer underway, check out some celebrities who have given their stamp of approval on the slip dress to inspire you to try one.

Celebrities in slip dress for summer 2025

Elle Fanning

At the A Complete Unknown premiere in New York, actress Elle Fanning stunned in a strapless pastel yellow Prada gown. 

Anya Taylor-Joy

At the 2024 Golden Globes, actress Anya Taylor-Joy rocked a blush pink, archival Dior slip dress with a cowl neckline. 

Bella Hadid

At the Chopard dinner in Cannes, model Bella Hadid donned a satin silver dress from Dsquared Fall/Winter 2006 collection. 

Dakota Johnson

At the 17th Festival International du Film de Marrakech in 2018, actress Dakota Johnson wore a form-fitting, silver slip dress.

Margot Robbie 

At the Sydney premiere of I, Tonya in 2018, actress Margot Robbie wore a white, low-cut silk dress.

Rihanna

Spotted on a walk, Rihanna stunned in a bright red slip dress. 

Gisele Bündchen 

At the 2018 Met Gala, model Gisele Bündchen wore a golden silk Versace dress.

Sienna Miller 

Actress Sienna Miller wore a pale pink silk dress to the premiere of High-Rise in 2016.

Jessica Biel 

Actress Jessica Biel wore a sleek Ralph Lauren silk gown to the 2010 Met Gala.

Emmy Rossum

At the 2005 Critics' Choice Awards, actress Emmy Rossum dazzled in a silver, floor-length slip dress.

Kate Moss 

Attending a screening of the film Closer, Kate Moss wore a green slip dress.

Scarlett Johansson

At the 2004 Met Gala, Scarlett Johansson wore a butter-yellow, satin Calvin Klein dress.

Angelina Jolie

At the 2004 Academy Awards, actress Angelina Jolie donned a Marc Bouwer ivory plunging gown with a coordinating shawl. 

Courteney Cox

At the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1995, actress Courteney Cox walked the red carpet in a lavender silk halter gown. 

Gwyneth Paltrow 

At the premiere of Jefferson In Paris in 1995, actress Gwyneth Paltrow looked radiant in an ivory satin dress.

Sofia Coppola

At the Mirabella Fifth Anniversary Party in 1994, director Sofia Coppola wore a lilac slip dress. 

Cameron Diaz

Promoting The Mask in 1994, actress Cameron Diaz wore a satin pink dress.