The catch-all slip and how to refresh it

THE MIDI SLIP is the Coca-cola of clothing – it has universal appeal. In fluid silk satin, this slinky piece transcends barriers of style, season and occasion, and just so happens to be the hardestworking piece in your wardrobe right now – seriously. This is your doeseverything dress and if you don’t have one, trust us, you need one.

The key to the slip’s catch-all status is simplicity. With not even a zip in sight, its fuss-free silhouette semaphores effortlessness like nothing else and offers endless styling options. Printed or plain, in muted shades or opulent jewel tones, anything goes – just make sure it’s midi in length and that the fabric skims rather than clings to the body.

Look to the slip’s ’90s heyday for inspo – sleek minimalist Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, grunge queen Courtney Love and eternal cool girl Kate Moss in a transparent silver slip circa 1993, accessorised with nothing but a pair of black pants and a fag. A bold look, perhaps best left to the gravity-defying and attention-seeking of us. But those of us with more bountiful boobs aren’t left out. Opt for a thick-strapped style (we love Vince’s version, right) or layer over a white tee – an on-point style switch that also cannily accommodates a bra.

Clever layering is the key to giving the slip its newfound staple status. Teaming a spaghetti-strap version with a tan and slides is a no-brainer for summer, but no need to pack it away come autumn – just wear over a finegauge polo and jeans. Similarly, the slip makes a seamless day-to-night transition, simply swap a denim jacket for a velvet tux and chandelier earrings.

Cool, flattering, versatile: if you didn’t know you needed one – you do now.

You’re more of a jeans girl – can you still do the slip? Absolutely – layer it over denim and add the other repurposed hit of the season, a cardi. RELAXED

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1. Top, £19.99, Zara (zara.com). 2. Dress, £485, T by Alexander Wang (net-a-porter.com). 3. Earrings, £10, Topshop (topshop.com). 4. Boots, £199, Kurt Geiger (kurtgeiger.com) FEMININE A sweet shade of pink on a laid-back slip gets some cool-girl kudos....

S PORT Y If track pants and a skinny roll neck are your off-duty uniform, consider a satin slip over the top for a modern spin. An unexpected pairing that really works. 2. 1. 4.

3. The best-dressed woman at the party never looks like she’s trying too hard. Vamp up the languid lines of a slip with a Le Smoking-style velvet jacket and pumps. 2. GLAMOROUS

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1. Trainers, £70, adidas (schuh.co.uk). 2. Dress, £70, Topshop (topshop.com). 3. Body, £140, Wolford (harveynichols.com). 4. Trousers, £30, Monki (monki.com) 3.

1. Blazer, £89, Mango (mango.com). 2. Dress, £340, Vince (net-a-porter.com). 3. Earrings, £7.99, New Look (newlook.com). 4. Shoes, £560, Rochas (matchesfashion.com) 4.