The Differences Between Cheap- and Expensive-Looking Slip Skirts

Topshop's brown slip skirt had barely touched the shelves before it was snapped up by eager shoppers. Helped along by the on-trend colourway and Monikh Dale's rave review on Instagram, this piece was destined for viral success. Clearly, we are a nation infatuated with the slip skirt, but Topshop's shopping storm got us thinking: What are the components that make up a decent slip? Not unlike leopard print, it's a trend that can easily look quite cheap and unflattering if handled incorrectly, so we put our heads together to formulate a four-step guide to finding a slip skirt you'll wear again and again. Scroll down to see what we came up with and shop our favorite pieces.

1. Waistband Is Key

As much as we love Topshop's latest slip skirt offering, we found that the elasticated waistband wasn't as flattering for some of us as it could be. Although this might be okay when layered underneath a shirt or knit, when it comes to a tucked-in tee or skinny roll neck, the effect isn't as polished. We personally find that to get that expensive and flattering finish, a proper waistband is needed.

2. Test the Fabric for Creases

Who What Wear's Emma Spedding loves her & Other Stories rust-colored slip skirt. However, she's found that the satin fabric creases very easily, which in turn ruins the shiny, flowy look you want from a slip skirt. Our solution? When trying on a skirt in the changing room try sitting down, crossing your legs or walking around to get a sense of how the fabric will fare in day-to-day life. After all, no one wants to be a slave to the steamer.

3. Choose a Flattering Length

For some reason, more so than most wardrobe staples, it can be tricky to find a skirt that is flattering in fit and length. Midi lengths are very much en vogue at the moment, and we find that the chicest skirts feature hemlines that stop somewhere between the top of the calf and the ankle—a longer length might swamp the body while a shorter style might look odd with the slip's body-skimming fit (unless you're going for a true '90s vibe). Shoes also play an part, and the consensus among the fashion crowd seems to be, go for low-heeled, pointed styles.

4. Be Mindful of Color

Last but by no means least is color. While muted tones, such as brown, cream, and black, had currency earlier in the season, autumn has brought a wave of paintbox brights. Our favorite pieces at the moment come in off-shades, such as rust orange, powder blue, lime green, and brown. Whatever you go for, just make sure the color can easily be paired with other pieces in your wardrobe.

Shop Our Slip-Skirt Edit

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Up next: The High-Street Store Fashion Editors Always Turn to for Knitwear.