The sheer amount of skirts on the market today can be baffling. Of course, you have the mini, midi, and maxi hemlines, but there are many different types of materials to choose from, too—from denim and cargo to tweed, leather, chiffon, and taffeta. But perhaps the most versatile skirt materials are satin or silk. They’re typically used for the construction of slip skirts, traditionally designed to be worn as undergarments but which have evolved into a wardrobe staple. No matter the hemline, a slip skirt hugs your hips and flares loosely around your legs. And in terms of styling, they can be worn with everything from a baby T-shirt or bralette in the summer to a chunky sweater in the winter.
There are so many slip skirts to choose from and in such a variety of patterns, too—floral-printed, polka-dotted, monochromatic designs—so take your time in selecting the right skirt for you. To help you along your search, we also consulted four experts on what to look for when shopping for slip skirts. From those conversations and our internet research, we were able to hone this list of the best ones.
Best Overall
Vince Paneled Slip Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Vince-Paneled-Slip-Skirt-b30ec3c143cb407bb596927c9ba56415.jpg)
Nordstrom
Vince’s slip skirt is the epitome of effortless elegance. The raw-edged hem gives a casual feel to the silky, A-line midi silhouette. It’s a slightly more elaborate version than the label’s classic slip skirt, which Byrdie’s former Senior Beauty Commerce editor Kaitlin Clark loves “beyond measure” and has in two colors, white and navy. (She prefers the navy color because it hides big and small blemishes.) Wear either one with a pair of heeled sandals and a tank top or a cashmere sweater and leather boots, depending on the weather.
Price at time of publish: $345
Material: 100% Naia™ acetate | Sizes Range: 00–16 | Care: Hand wash, then line dry
Best Budget
Quince Washable Silk Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Quince-Washable-Silk-Skirt-d9c977a4b67e4afc881c13e7d9f7d25a.jpg)
Quince
Senior Commerce Editor Shannon Bauer loves Quince’s midi slip skirt for its affordability and ease of wear. She says the washable, OEKO-TEX® silk fabric is thin but not see-through and drapes delicately on the body—as a great slip skirt should. “I’ve been wearing it all winter with tights and sweaters, [and I] know it’ll be great with white sneakers and a bodysuit in the spring, too.” It’s worth highlighting, too, that it comes in a robust color range; with such an accessible price point, you might not feel as guilty snatching up several colors to make a rotation.
Price at time of publish: $60
Material: 100% mulberry silk | Size Range: XS–XL | Care: Machine wash
Best Size Range
Banana Republic Maxi Slip Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Banana-Republic-Maxi-Slip-Skirt-21e7c958ab674d84955193e795258e65.jpg)
Banana Republic
Banana Republic consistently delivers affordable quality, and this skirt is no exception. Plus, it comes in four colors/patterns and a wide range of sizes, making it a piece for virtually everyone to enjoy. The high slit is a flirty touch, and the hidden zipper makes it easy to put on and take off.
Price at time of publish: $90
Material: 55% recycled polyester, 45% polyester | Sizes Range: 0–20, plus tall and petite sizing | Care: Machine wash
Best Splurge
The Row Girela Maxi Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/The-Row-Girela-Maxi-Skirt-52d8cf08d9e645959073540478b9a22d.jpg)
Net a Porter
Like most of The Row’s creations, the Girela skirt is deftly decadent. The lilac Lurex material, sewn together with strategic diagonal seams and cut for an asymmetrical hemline, drapes airily down the body to make a maxi silhouette. It is worth noting, however, that it also features a noticeable elastic waistband, which isn’t flattering or comfortable on all shapes.
Price at time of publish: $1,990
Material: 70% viscose, 30% metallic fibers shell; 75% acetate, 35% silk lining | Sizes Range: XS–L | Care: Not listed
Best Everyday
Rails Berlin Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Rails-Berlin-Skirt-502704942fd34aef8f13a0be09f97431.jpg)
Rails
Don’t overspend on a classic slip skirt for every day when you can snag this one from Rails for less than $200. The only downside is that the satin material isn’t washable, so just be sure to account for it in your dry cleaning budget.
Price at time of publish: $168–$188
Material: 55% rayon, 45% viscose | Sizes Range: XXS–2X | Care: Dry clean
Best Mini
Reformation Benson Silk Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Reformation-Benson-Silk-Skirt-d1a79eae423c42de996ebf8a14801590.jpg)
Reformation
Don’t worry—not all slip skirts are midi or maxi styles. This mini skirt from Reformation is a great option. You can go with classic black or one of the prints (a femme floral or a cheeky kitten motif). Finish your look with a bralette, cropped cardigan, and pair of booties for a night out.
Price at time of publish: $128
Material: Silk | Sizes Range: 0–12 | Care: Dry clean only
Best Floral
GANNI Floral Satin Maxi Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GANNI-Floral-Satin-Maxi-Skirt-62719d7e73dd42a483e5488664faf63e.jpg)
Saks Fifth Avenue
Cult-favorite brand GANNI presents a slip skirt with a bouquet of warm florals. The slightly A-line and shin-length shape looks so flattering and comfortable. We also love that it’s machine washable, so it won’t take up space in your dry cleaning line-up.
Price at time of publish: $215
Material: 95% polyester, 5% elastane | Sizes Range: 34–44 | Care: Machine wash
Best Polka Dot
Equipment Iva Silk Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Equipment-Iva-Silk-Skirt-0d3a2125e12c4e3f9ce23dabd3c7770b.jpg)
Equipment
Equipment’s skirt is dotted to perfection and super luxe given its pure silk fabrication. The print means that you don’t have to think too much about styling, as you can wear something solid on top, like one of the French label’s signature button-up blouses.
Price at time of publish: $350
Material: Silk | Sizes Range: 00–12 | Care: Hand wash, then line dry; dry clean
Best Graphic-Printed
Rixo Kelly Midi Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Rixo-Kelly-Midi-Skirt-78b8aac95bfc40f0b0ff91635b17a99a.jpg)
Net a Porter
Leave it to Rixo to add a bit of zing to your slip skirt collection. This retro, emerald and cream abstract-printed skirt is a great case in point. The label juxtaposed a simple cut with the hand-painted geometric pattern for a truly unique look.
Price at time of publish: $235
Material: 100% viscose | Size Range: UK6-UK18 | Care: Dry clean
Best Maxi
SPELL Madame Peacock Maxi Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SPELL-Madame-Peacock-Maxi-Skirt-807e7e460e0e46b1a9adce464dec3b60.jpg)
SPELL
Australian-based label SPELL takes a bohemian chic approach to the slip skirt through unique prints and a subtly flared skirt. Its Madame Peacock Maxi Skirt is designed to graze the ankles and can be worn with everything from a bralette to a frayed T-shirt or a coordinated top.
Price at time of publish: $299
Material: 100% LENZING™ ECOVERO™ viscose | Sizes Range: XXS–XXL | Care: See “Details & Care” tab for more information
Best Black
Third Form Mode Midi Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Third-Form-Mode-Midi-Skirt-44b9ab03eeda4b72ada2cb2448189039.jpg)
Third Form
Here is another Australian label that produces a slip skirt that’s so timeless, you will have it for decades. We love Third Form’s simple approach to the slip skirt—a bodycon style with a high slit. Wear it on a summer night in the city with a baby T-shirt or over your swimsuit at the beach. In more brisk weather (but well before puffer season), you can get the most out of it with a light, cropped sweater.
Price at time of publish: $200
Material: 70% modal, 30% polyester | Sizes Range: AU6–AU14 | Care: Hand wash or dry clean
Final Verdict
Vince’s Paneled Slip Skirt is our top choice for its subtly unique design, elegance, and wearability, but you. However, you certainly can’t go wrong with Quince’s Washable Silk Skirt or Rails’ Berlin Skirt, which are so classic.
What to Look for in Slip Skirts
Material
When it comes to selecting your slip skirt, one of the most important factors to consider is material. As SPELL’s Head of Brand Mel Carrero says, “I love anything that feels comfortable [but still has] coverage, like viscose. It makes me feel that I am wearing something light but [that’s] not clinging.” Third Form’s founder Merry Kelly agrees, adding that you want something “lightweight and satin-esque.” Fashion stylists Zadrian Smith and Sarah Edmiston prefer silk to satin, a synthetic fabric, as it’s the most gentle and luxe option of all. It’s worth keeping in mind, though, that most silk options will require dry cleaning, which isn’t the most practical. That’s why we see Quince’s Washable Silk Skirt as a great compromise.
Cut
As you consider the cut, our experts agree that a bias cut is best. What this means, is you want a silhouette that is cut on the grain, essentially creating a long, drapey look. (A fabric cut along the bias eliminates some of the tension from the weave, giving the fabric more fluidity and stretch.)1 According to Smith and Edmiston, the perk of a bias cut is that it “is a really flattering shape on every body type.”
Versatility
Slip skirts are almost inherently versatile, though some hemlines and colors may be more practical than others. But once you’ve found the one that you’ll be able to match up to your existing collection of tops and shoes, the garment will likely become a go-to. “Whether you’re styling it with a cashmere jumper and boots for a weekend brunch or with heels and a blazer for an evening look, it’s a piece that will always work hard in your wardrobe,” Smith and Edmiston say.