Wednesday, April 12, 2023

5 Ways To Style Slip Dresses For Spring

If you’re anything like me, you’ve already pulled out all your lightweight slip dresses in preparation for the triumphant return of the summer dress trend. There’s no need to wait, though: While the effortlessly chic style is indeed synonymous with vacation wardrobe, thanks to its flowy silhouette and silky fabrication (even better if it’s machine-washable silk!), there are plenty of ways to wear a slip dress in the spring.

With that in mind, I put Brochu Walker’s Everyday Silk Slip to the test, wearing the L.A.-based brand’s dusty-rose ankle-length dress everywhere from work to dinner and a night out — and everything in between. While we wait for June 21 to arrive, ahead, five easy ways to incorporate the ultimate summer staple into your spring wardrobe for every occasion.

Slip Dress With A Turtleneck

For a spring outfit that could easily transition from work to happy hour and late-night cocktails with a change of accessories, layer a turtleneck underneath the slip dress and pair the look with thigh-high boots for a last spring spin.

Slip Dress With A Button-Down

An easy dinner look calls for a white button-down worn over a slip dress. To take this combo into workwear territory or a more formal dinner setting, switch out the sandals for a simple stiletto heel (see top photo).

Slip Dress With A Trench Coat

For a date night outfit, keep the focus on the slip dress. Accessorize with heels and a fun clutch — mine is heart-shaped — before topping the look off with a classic trench coat for when you need to be outdoors.

Slip Dress With Pants

In the year 2023, the pants-over-dress trend is back in fashion. Take a cue from the ’00s styling by throwing a dress over a tee and pants for a casual weekend look.

Slip Dress With A Sweater

Double up on the cozy fabrics by pairing a silky dress with a cashmere sweater. For an effortless look that’s just as perfect for a weekend brunch as the office, opt for a monochrome palette; an oversized, flowing knit (which I cinched at the waist with a belt to prevent it from looking shapeless); and a low-heel bootie (extra points if it’s made from another textured material like suede).

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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24 Nontraditional Wedding Dresses & Bridal Alternatives Under $2K

Welcome to Aisle Style, a week-long series that features the most untraditional wedding fashion trendsbridal designers behind the coolest wedding looks, and brides who walk to the beat of their own “Canon in D.” Buck the tradition and say I do to personal style — the aisle is yours.

If we're talking about nuptials in the Western world, "traditional" wedding dresses tend to have a certain silhouettes — the usual shapes being ball gown, A-line, sheath, and mermaid — designed with standard dress materials like tulle, lace, satin, and silk. These traditional wedding dresses might also have a touch of pizzazz like beading, sequins, and rhinestones. And, often, these dresses are very expensive. And generally speaking, traditional wedding dresses are always white, maybe ivory.

But, let's say you're a different kind of bride. That's right. You're a nontraditional bride! And you're specifically seeking a nontraditional wedding dress. Perhaps a dress that isn't floor-length and will show off your unique bridal shoes? Or a dress that incorporates fun colors. Maybe you'd like an under-$100 dress that isn't going to throw you into financial ruin? Or you'd prefer a wedding jumpsuit or pants instead. There are myriad ways to veer off the traditional wedding dress path — and however many degrees of uniqueness you'd like to take your wedlock look, we're here to help.

Ahead, shop some of our top picks for the best nontraditional wedding dresses and alternative bridal options that the internet has to offer. If anything, we promise you'll stand out among the cookie-cutter Pinterest brides this wedding season. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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Morphine Fashion Strapless Tiered Tulle Asymmetric Gown


Bring on the flounce, the drama, and the legs! If you're planning to make a grand statement with your wedding dress, go ahead and pump up the volume in this gown's mint, pink, or black options.

Shop Anthropologie

Morphine Fashion Strapless Tiered Tulle Asymmetric Gown, $, available at Anthropologie

Reformation Sabine Silk Two Piece


If the phrase "simple elegance" were in the dictionary, it'd probably look like this minimal two-piece. We think it'd be perfect for the easy, breezy, unfussy bride getting hitched in the summertime.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Sabine Silk Two Piece, $, available at Reformation

Bridal by Eloquii Mini Dress With Puff Sleeve Cape


Say goodbye to the traditional tulle veil and say hello to a unique tulle cape instead. This mini dress features a stunning detachable puff-sleeve cape perfect for walking down the aisle. Then, of course, you can whip it off when it's dancing time.

Shop Eloquii

Bridal By Eloquii Mini Dress With Puff Sleeve Cape, $, available at Eloquii

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress


When people picture nontraditional wedding dresses, many immediately think of black. While you could opt for a black ballgown, you can also opt for a more casual or cropped option for your nuptials.

Shop & Other Stories

& Other Stories Babydoll Tied Sleeve Detail Dress, $, available at & Other Stories

Superdown Madeline Blazer Dress


If you want a blend of feminine and masculine bridal details, you can have the best of both worlds with a suit dress. And at just $90, this Superdown option is a steal.

Shop Revolve

Superdown Madeline Blazer Dress, $, available at Revolve

Rococo Sand Low Long Dress


This fluttery boho dress is designed with a train in the back, which will allow for an extravagant entrance as you're heading down the aisle. It's both casual and chic.

Shop Free People

ROCOCO SAND Low Long Dress, $, available at Free People

Azeeza Lucas High Neck Asymmetrical Dress


Don't you just hate the idea of "sizes" and fitting into such a fixed number? Well, this tent-like gown is available in just one size — that's how free-flowing it is. The bright pink color, the asymmetric hem, and the halter neck are cherries on top.

Shop Shopbop

Azeeza Lucas High Neck Asymetrical Dress, $, available at Shopbop

Banana Republic Lido Sculpted Italian Wool Blazer & Bermuda Shorts


For the bride who's skipping the big wedding to-do and opting for City Hall affair instead, a suit set is the perfect option. These classic yet relaxed-fit suit separates can be dressed up or down depending on the top, accessories, and shoes.

Shop Banana Republic

Banana Republic Lido Sculpted Italian Wool Blazer, $, available at Banana Republic

Banana Republic Lido Italian Wool Bermuda Shorts, $, available at Banana Republic

Elliatt Times Dress


Questioning what your "something blue" should be? Why not go all out and wear a blue wedding dress? While the colorway is bold, this midi dress still has traditional lace and floral bridal details.

Shop Revolve

ELLIATT Times Dress, $, available at Revolve

For Love & Lemons Lily Bridal Dress


While going ultra sexy might not work for your wedding (unless you've got a very chill family), a tiny, private affair might call for a racier, lingerie-inspired wedding dress like this one with a sheer skirt.

Shop For Love & Lemons


For Love And Lemons Lily Bridal Dress, $, available at For Love And Lemons

Selkie The Fairytale Gown


Okay, maybe you do want to feel like a princess but don't want a traditional ballgown. An alternative solution is this whimsical high-low dress.

Shop Revolve

Selkie The Fairytale Gown, $, available at Revolve

11 Honoré Collection Alexandra Dress


A color-blocked wedding dress is a fun way to mix things up. Bonus points if your partner opts for a black-and-white look, too, for a matchy moment.

Shop Dia & Co.

11 Honoré Collection Alexandra Dress, $, available at Dia and Co

Sabina Musayev Rosa Jumpsuit


Wearing a pantsuit or a jumpsuit in lieu of a wedding dress is a power move. If you've always preferred pants, perhaps this tuxedo-ish piece is for you.

Shop Free People

Sabina Musayev Rosa Jumpsuit, $, available at Free People

Self-Portrait Belted Bouclé and Crepe Midi Dress


Pastels are a simple way to switch up your bridal look. Tons of texture is also effective. So this sherbet green vintage-inspired dress with tweed, chiffon, and lace is a beautiful conglomeration of that all.

Shop Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait Belted Bouclé and Crepe Midi Dress, $, available at Matches

Reformation Zenni Dress Es


We love a mini wedding dress moment, and this ivory Reformation piece available in plus sizes is absolutely stunning.

Shop Reformation

Reformation Zenni Dress Es, $, available at Reformation

BCBG Maxazria Corset Tulle Gown


This best-selling gown at Revolve could absolutely work as a nontraditional wedding dress. The corset detail, the sheer tulle skirt, and the unexpected hue — it's a vision.

Shop Revolve

BCBG MAXAZRIA Corset Tulle Gown, $, available at Revolve

Zhivago An Angel Is Love Beaded Playsuit Romper


For the dress averse, you may have considered a bridal jumpsuit, but what about a bridal romper? A leggy option is perfect for showing some skin and dancing the night away.

Shop Neiman Marcus

ZHIVAGO An Angel Is Love Beaded Playsuit Romper, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Hutch Strapless High-Low Bubble Dress


Red! Not only is it a fiery way to rebel against traditional white, but it's a hue that also signifies good luck in some cultures.

Shop Anthropologie

Hutch Strapless High-Low Bubble Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Dress The Population Sidney Dress


This dress stands out because, well, it's completely sheer (save for a slip). The real draw is the appliqué detail of the flowers — it's classic lace taken to a whole new level.

Shop Verishop

Dress The Population Sidney Dress, $, available at Verishop

Sau Lee Blair Off-Shoulder Mini Dress


While bows are typically placed on the backs of wedding dresses, this dress offers a fresh take on an oversized bow.

Shop Neiman Marcus

Sau Lee Blair Off-Shoulder Mini Dress, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Badgley Mischka Sequin Bow-Front Gown


If you're the type of person who doesn't "do" white, we think wearing a color that better suits your soul and spirit is in order. Wearing black as a nontraditional wedding dress? How Wednesday Addams of you.

Shop Neiman Marcus

Badgley Mischka Sequin Bow-Front Gown, $, available at Neiman Marcus

Asos Edition Sequin & Pearl Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress


These kimono sleeves upgrade what a long-sleeve wedding dress usually looks like. Plus, the draped fabric perfectly compliments the straighter column silhouette.

Shop Asos

ASOS EDITION Sequin & Pearl Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Kincso Ruffled Peplum Jumpsuit


It takes a special person to ditch the sweeping, full wedding skirt for a more functional yet chic jumpsuit. Go on and rock this Bianca Jagger-inspired look instead.

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Kincso One-Shoulder Peplum Jumpsuit, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Victoria Beckham Sleeveless Flared Dress


There's something quite elegant and simple about this dress, which would suit a nontraditional bride. We also have much love for the slight sleeves, the midi-length, and the flared skirt.

Shop Shopbop

Victoria Beckham Sleeveless Flared Dress, $, available at Shopbop

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15 Non-Traditional Bridal Shoes, From Cowboy Boots To Sneakers

Welcome to Aisle Style, a week-long series that features the most untraditional wedding fashion trendsbridal designers behind the coolest wedding looks, and brides who walk to the beat of their own “Canon In D.” Buck the tradition and say I do to personal style — the aisle is yours.

With wedding gown hemlines traditionally grazing the floor, bridal shoes often remain an afterthought. But that doesn’t mean some brides-to-be don’t want something fun to walk down the aisle in. 

Over the past few years, as bridal trends have become less traditional — with everything from minis to ultra-high slits and pantsuits now in the mix — the opportunities to balance out the wedding look with accessories are plentiful. Take, for example, Nicola Beckham’s nuptial look in 2022, which included a pair of sky-high Versace platforms

Brands are taking notice, too. Israeli bridal designer Pnina Tornai, for example, recently released a shoe collaboration with Naturalizer that’s anything but traditional, with big bows and bold colors found throughout the lineup, while Singaporean label Charles & Keith dropped bridal-ready sneakers.

Whatever the style, it’s clear that brands and brides alike are looking to step out of their comfort zone with wedding-ready footwear. Ahead, take a look at some of the best non-traditional bridal shoes out there. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Blythe Leather & Satin Bead-Embellished Sneakers


If comfort is your priority, pearl-embellished sneakers will take you from the altar to the dance floor.

Charles & Keith Blythe Leather & Satin Bead-Embellished Sneakers - White, $, available at Charles & Keith

Wandler Electra Platform Glittering Silver


The platform craze is not over, so go on and add five-plus inches to your wedding style.


Electra Electra Platform Glittering Silver, $, available at Wandler

Dolce Vita Nashe Booties


No ranch (or horse!) is needed to get married in a pair of trendy cowboy boots.


Dolce Vita Nashe Booties, $, available at Dolce Vita

Nomasei Adora Sandals


While most brides want the shoes to go unnoticed, we say these Nomasei sandals are the right pair to shine bright on your nuptials.

Nomasei Adora Sandals, $, available at Nomasei

Nine West Million Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals


Feathers are one of bridal fashion's top trends for 2023, from dresses to accessories, and clearly, shoes.

Nine West Million Ankle Strap Heeled Sandals, $, available at Nine West

Aristocat Satin Ballet Flats


The mood for 2023 is bridal but make it balletcore, and flats are an essential to channel this ultra-feminine trend.

Sleeper Aristocat Satin Ballet Flats, $, available at Sleeper

Naturalizer x Pnina Tornai Amour Dress Sandal


For the bride that's going for a "more is more" aesthetic, these Viva Magenta-esque shoes (also available in white and black) definitely add the right amount of boldness and glamour to any gown.


Naturalizer Amour Dress Sandal, $, available at Naturalizer

Neous Gunite Pump


Sometimes giving a classic shoe like a kitten-heel pump a small twist (see: cut-out detail on this pair) is the best way to break bridal rules.

Neous Gunite, $, available at Neous

Dr. Martens 8065 Leather Mary Janes


Brides into '90s grunge style, take note of these wedding-ready Mary Jane shoes.

Dr. Martens 8065 Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes, $, available at Dr. Martens

Loeffler Randall Emilia Pleated Bow Sandals


You'll be so golden (and comfy!) in these uber-comfortable sandals, adding a pop of metallic to an otherwise minimal palette.





Loeffler Randall Loeffler Randall Emilia Pleated Bow Sandals, $, available at Shopbop

Steve Madden Utopia Sandal


From clips to tops, butterflies have conquered fashion trends once again, giving brides a chance to channel their Y2K dreams.

Steve Madden Utopia Sandal, $, available at Steve Madden

Eleftheria Bridal Mid Wedge


Speaking of the '00s... It's true: wedges are also trending in 2023. Make them part of your big day, too.


Ancient Greek Sandals Eleftheria Bridal Mid Wedge, $, available at Ancient Greek Sandals

Betsey Johnson Candy Boots


If boots are your comfort shoe, who says they can't be present on your wedding day? Try pearls or rhinestones to add some bridal style.

Betsey Johnson Blue by Betsey Johnson Boots, $, available at Zappos

Sam Edelman Terra Slingback Heel


The silver metallic trend is one of the year's most versatile styles, proving it also has a place in your bridal wardrobe.

Sam Edelman Terra Slingback Heel, $, available at Sam Edelman

Cult Gaia Shannon Feather-trimmed Mules


For the party-minded, there's always a way to bring the dance floor to the altar, and feathers are just the right detail to add to do so.


Cult Gaia Shannon feather-trimmed leather and PVC mules, $, available at Net-A-Porter

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