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15 Best Satin Skirts and Half Slips To Buy Now And Wear 24/7
From your classic black midi to the silky lace-trimmed minis we've been seeing everywhere lately.
There’s a lot of stuff out there, and not all fashion pieces are created equal. Luckily, the ELLE editors know their way around a shopping rail, and when it comes to helping you find those niche brands worth knowing to high-street hits of quality, and a few vintage treasures too, our ELLE Edits showcase the very best of the season.
It’s safe to say the satin skirt hit staple status a few years back, ensuring that in 2025 these slinky, fluid pieces can truly be worn anywhere. And while we've been distracted by denim maxis, bubble-hem minis and pencil skirts in recent months, we'll always keep coming back to the louche and comfortable elegance of a silky slip – and for good reason.
Before the satin skirt’s second coming, lustrous fabrics were restricted to evenings only. Even in the Nineties, when Calvin Klein and the supers served us myriad underwear-as-outwear looks, gossamer organza slip dresses and bias-cut skirts were still reserved as partywear. SJP wore her extensive collection to red carpet events with romantic blouses and heels, while Gwyneth Paltrow plumped for tonal silk shirts.
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Then, in 2018, Topshop dropped a casual version of this lingerie-inspired piece. It was one of the iconic British retailer’s last hurrahs and we can’t think of a single soul in the ELLE UK office who didn’t indulge in this £29 'It'-piece. Chances are, you had one too. The truth is, Topshop democratised the slip skirt by swapping delicate silk-satin for a synthetic alternative and topping it with an elasticated waistband. Instead of only being appropriate for dinners and parties, suddenly this slinky – yet still comfy – piece felt right for work, play and everything in between.
Fast forward to 2025, and satin skirts are up there in the capsule-wardrobe canon with trench coats and white T-shirts (they make a great trio, too). Luckily, we’ve also moved on from the disposable take on this trend. Sustainable favourite Reformation has perfected that flattering bias-cut in luxe silk fabrics while high street brands Arket and Nobody’s Child have upgraded satin with sustainable fibres to ensure it drapes and falls elegantly, without a crease or pull in sight.
From floor-sweeping black satin slips to vintage-inspired silk styles, here's ELLE's edit of the very best satin skirts to buy now.
The Satin Skirts To Invest In This Season
Arket's black satin skirt is a wardrobe essential, in our opinion. The A-line shape, elasticated waist and maxi hemline makes it appropriate for both work and play – just switch between kitten heels and knee-high boots to suit any situation.
Lingerie-inspired lace trims are huge right now. And when we saw Alexa Chung wearing a mini slip skirt casually with cardis and white shirts, naturally we wanted this Reformation style in our repertoire.
Vince's satin slip skirt might look simple upon first glance, but it's expertly cut on the bias to create a beautiful fluted silhouette. We love that just-below-the-knee hemline with strappy sandals.
For a new take on the satin skirt, layer up with other textures. This Khaite design is defined by its bias-cut organza overlay that showcases – but diffuses – the lustre of silk beneath. Choose between black and this off-white hue.
Nobody's Child Brown Satin Mila Midi Slip Skirt
By now you’ve likely donned your black slip skirt to death, so why not update to the new staple colour de jour: chocolate-brown. This lustrous satin skirt doesn’t just work with neutrals, it pairs nicely with hot pink and bright blues, too.
Silky skirts aren’t always minimalist. Case in point, Rabanne’s paisley maxi: it has a cool asymmetric overlay that’s designed to look like you layered up with a bandana or scarf. Styling done for you.
By Anthropologie Lace-Trim Bias-Cut Midi Slip Skirt
This Anthropologie slip skirt can skew as either romantic (it’d work for summer weddings with the matching cami and heels) or directional (the asymmetric lace placement and blush pink hue feels decidedly late 1990s). Amp up the turn-of-the-millenium vibes by sliding the elasticated waistband down to your hips.
Trust Allsaints to put its own punky twist on the classic slip skirt. It's topped with a ribbed-knit fabric and falls to a satin handkerchief hemline that billows beautifully as you walk.
Acne Studios' Lala skirt is crafted from crinkle-hammered satin for a cool, textured effect. Staying true to the brand's rebellious DNA, the lightweight fabric is punctuated with contrast topstitching. We love how the high-waist wrap detail gives a flattering, adjustable fit.
While we love the versatility of a black slip skirt, if your staple wardrobe is looking healthy, why not branch out with brightly-hued satin instead? Sandro's midi is dyed in the shade of the summer: butter yellow.
Free People’s take on the slip is refreshing. Made from hammered satin, this maxi is spliced with sheer lace and turns to reveal a floor-sweeping train at the back.
If anyone can perfect the slip skirt, it's Ghost – the London-based label paved the way for bias-cut dresses in luxe-but-practical silk alternatives back in the late 1980s. We love the drawstring waistband on this midaxi style.
The slip skirt is so easily elevated with an off-kilter hem or detailing – like the asymmetric tiered ruffles on this Sister Jane style. Wear yours with the matching cami top as an alternative to summer dresses.
The satin skirt is an Anine Bing essential, so naturally the designer has perfected the piece. The Bar skirt is made from pure silk charmeuse (and double-faced for extra luxe appeal) with a simple elastic waistband.
We couldn't resist including Arket's maxi satin skirt in this edit. The taupe will really elevate your slip game – wear it with everything from tonal tank tops to fluffy mohair knits.
Abigail Southan is our Senior Fashion Ecommerce Editor and has five years' experience as a writer and editor in the industry. Abigail has a BA in History from the University of Bristol and an MA in Fashion Journalism from Central Saint Martins. Abigail currently covers all things style and shopping across titles including Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Esquire and Red. On a daily basis, she helps readers buy better with how-to-wear guides, first-person product reviews and deep dives into the latest trends. Previously, Abigail has worked for The Sunday Times’ Style and Fabulous magazine as their first ecommerce writer and was a founding editor of Sun Selects. She has also written for Net-a-Porter, I-D, Man About Town, Wonderland and 1 Granary, and has interviewed the likes of Paris Hilton, Dua Lipa and Christopher Bailey. You can follow Abigail on Instagram at @abigailsouthan.
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