Sponsor Story Saks
Sep 23, 2016

The Cool-Girl Way to Wear a Slip Dress This Fall

by CMG Studios

Our fall 2016 trend report is proof that Who What Wear editors love burning the midnight oil to deliver a guide to everything you’ll be seeing, shopping, and wearing this season. Curated shortcuts to the season’s top trends are a specialty of ours, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take a backseat and let someone else guide the way.

Case in point: one of our favorite trendsetters, Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off Duty, who is showing us how to transition a feminine slip dress into a cool downtown-feeling ensemble that’s fall-ready. The key? “It's all about how you layer and play with textures,” says Suarez. “The slip dress, something so sexy and luxurious, paired with more boyish [pieces] is immediately toughened up.”

Hover over the plus signs to reveal the Saks Fifth Avenue pieces that helped Nat nail her look.

"The <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N4946.137940.WHOWHATWEAR/B9453460.138624361;dc_trk_aid=310860795;dc_trk_cid=68882425;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment= " target="_blank">Chloé shoulder bag</a> has an earthy element with its beautiful, bohemian suede patchwork. It totally flows with my warm, fall color palette. Plus, it's a timeless, transitional piece I can wear year-round."

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“This is not like any other <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N4946.137940.WHOWHATWEAR/B9453460.138624363;dc_trk_aid=310860793;dc_trk_cid=68882425;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment= " target="_blank">parka jacket</a> . The fit is slouchy but slim-fitting. It also has tiny details on it that I love, like all the ties that dangle from the sleeves and sides. You can throw it over anything and it'll immediately make your look feel more put-together and chic.”

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“I love the <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N4946.137940.WHOWHATWEAR/B9453460.138624362;dc_trk_aid=310860794;dc_trk_cid=68882425;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=" target="_blank">straps and neckline</a> so much. It's perfect for layering. During the day, I'll throw a white T-shirt underneath. And for night, I'll just keep it bare around my neckline and throw on a jacket.”

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“These are <a href="https://ad.doubleclick.net/ddm/trackclk/N4946.137940.WHOWHATWEAR/B9453460.138624360;dc_trk_aid=310860796;dc_trk_cid=68882425;dc_lat=;dc_rdid=;tag_for_child_directed_treatment=" target="_blank">boots</a> you put on and just feel so good in, like you can conquer the world. It's funny what a pair of boots can do to you! I love the patent leather and slim fit. So sleek and grungy.”

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Tanya Taylor Lucille Satin Slip Dress ($625)

We love a vibrant slip dress as an alternative to your standard going-out look because it can be styled many different ways—with a jacket like Natalie showcased, or layered over a cool long-sleeve turtleneck.

3.1 Phillip Lim Long Kimono Quilted Utility Jacket ($750)

If you’re looking for a topper that’ll give you that instant cool vibe with minimal effort, Natalie’s go-to Phillip Lim parka is the ideal pick.

Chloé Hudson Small Patchwork Saddle Bag ($2290)

As Natalie mentioned, this bag may be a statement-maker, but the classic shape makes it a staple you’ll be able to wear season after season.

Marc Jacobs Taylor Double-Strap Leather Booties ($495)

Turn to the runways or the street style set and you’ll quickly realize that the moto style is the go-to boot silhouette of the season.

Lanvin Mini Nomad Studded Leather Bag ($1695)

The grommet details and embossed accents give this classic Lanvin style a modern twist—it’s the perfect bag to incorporate into any fall look (including Natalie’s outfit here).

Haider Ackermann Long Sleeve Cotton Jacket ($1600)

This olive hue is very right now—and while we love it in the parka iteration, it’s just as gorgeous and cool in a bomber, too.

Elizabeth and James Marlee Windowpane Ruffle Dress ($395)

The beauty of this slip dress is that you can dress it down with a T-shirt, a denim jacket, and sneakers (or dress it up with mules and a moto jacket).

Alexander Wang Lyndon Metal Cap Toe Leather Booties ($750)

It’s all about the details here—the silver accent on the toe gives this chunky silhouette a feminine feel.