The Lace Slip Is the Sexiest Summer Dress

What’s sexier than a slip dress? One with a lace trim, of course. At its core, the slip is a slinky, curve-skimming, perpetually seductive, no-fail hit. And with an edge of lace—va-va-voom. It’s the ultimate summer dress that can move fluidly between daytime and nighttime with the right kitten heel or the proper cubicle-ready cardigan. Think of it as Old Hollywood but with a touch of freak.

The piece has made a comeback as of late, too. I recently bought one from vintage dealer Olivia Haroutounian, who had a fresh green version that hits at the shin. Sans lace, it would have appeared matronly, even too casual, but the verdant trim easily elevated the piece. It’s not only me who has an eye on it. TheRealReal reported that there was a 44 percent increase in searches for lace-trimmed pieces between 2021 and 2022. The consignment giant cited Devon Lee Carson, belle of the social media ball who recently wore a pale dress with a cream trim from Aralda Vintage, as inspiration. That’s not all: Resurrection Vintage sent out an email blast in May featuring some of John Galliano’s late ‘90s slip hits that boasted charming and innocent prints, but with a saucy slice of lace at the bust or cutting across the body. And ultimately, who can forget that nuclear lavender dress with lime green trim that Naomi Campbell wore on the fall 1996 Versace runway?