Smart casual

The fashion industry’s obsession with all things throwback has seen a number of trends crawl their way back into fashion fold of late, from tie-dye and kitten heels to the slinky slip dress.

Light, body-skimming and surprisingly easy-to-wear, the slip dress has had a storming comeback in recent months, so much so that now the skirt version of the versatile frock has become a trend too.

Once considered a practical undergarment, slip skirts were originally used to help dresses and skirts hang properly, serve as an insulating layer in winter and prevent clothing from looking see-through.

But come the 1960s, the straight-cut skirts made from daintily trimmed cotton began to shun their respectability and so stars of time exploited the slips allure, most famously seen on Elizabeth Taylor in the 1958 film version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Fast-forward to the early 1990s and the trend for underwear as outerwear was gaining traction, and the slip was finally freed from its lingerie status.

From Kate Moss’ transparent silver slip that she wore to an Elite Model Agency party to Michelle Pfeiffer’s Elvira Hancock number in Scarface, the slip had become a daring fashion favourite.

Now, some 100 years since its inception, the slip skirt is an altogether different beast and has become one of the most popular pieces of the moment with everyone from Kendall Jenner to Emma Stone wearing the sultry style.

There are many versions to choose from — both high end and from high street — but none have quite reached cult status like those sold at Topshop.

Last year, the British fashion retailer released a range of satin slip skirts that flew off the shelves, and continue to do so.

Available in a variety of colours, from black to rusty brown, the initial drop sold out in approximately three hours online and they have so far had to re-stock the design twice.

Following the success of the original colours, Topshop has since launched 11 additional versions of the same skirt in everything from tiger print and tie-dye to ditsy florals.

When it comes to styling, don’t let the fragility of this silky style fool you because it is actually the perfect halfway house for mastering smart casual dressing, and can be worn by women of all ages.

For a look that subverts the ultra-feminine style of the skirt, take your cue from the likes of Instagram’s Monikh Dale or Hannah Crosskey, and pair yours with an oversized knit and knee-high boots.

A great option for those who are conscious of the bias-cut satin skimming their stomach, a jumper can be worn completely untucked or stuffed into part of the waistband so it billows at the sides and back.

For extra style points, pick a colour and run with it head-to-toe to create a tonal outfit.

If you want a more laidback option, try pairing a slip skirt with trainers and a casual t-shirt instead, but don’t forget to throw on a chunky cardigan to keep you warm.

The style can be smartened up so it passes at the office too with a tucked-in white shirt and mules, or on a night out with a similarly slinky camisole top and strappy heels. Now that’s what we call versatile.

The Independent