Are Slip Skirts Appropriate for Work?

Here's a question that might be worth a discussion: are slip skirts appropriate for work? WHICH slip skirts are appropriate for the office? What attributes of the skirt make it appropriate or not, and what attributes of the outfit make it appropriate or not?

Obviously, every office is different — know yours!

Slip Skirts You Might Consider for Work Outfits

To focus the discussion, here are four slip skirts, all available at J.Crew at the moment…

Which Slip Skirts Are Appropriate For Work?

For my $.02, I've kind of put them in the order that I would think they are most appropriate for work, with #1 being the most appropriate, and #4 being the most questionable. Here are my thoughts…

The Non-Clingy Midi Slip Skirt (#1)

I think the non-clingy, textured slip skirt looks great for work. It can be hard to keep something like this looking polished as the day goes on, but my guess is that at most offices, this skirt would be A-OK.

(Many readers are noting that this is not what they think of when they think of a slip skirt, but that's the title on J.Crew's website.)

The Bias-Cut Slip Skirt (#2)

This skirt is the type that I've seen everywhere for at least 5 years now — and that fact will be important in a second.

First, a good slip skirt should be cut on the bias, to skim the body, and historically speaking, that's where things start to become questionable. As pictured on the model, I think the slip skirt looks great for work. But in reality, it might be difficult to wear without choosing your undergarments with care. That doesn't automatically make it inappropriate for work, but I think that is the line where things start to get dicey for work (garments for which you must choose your undergarments with care).

The other noteworthy thing about this is that looks like this were more traditionally reserved for special occasions — think of the slinky, sexy slip dress of the '90s. Obviously, though, people have been wearing it far more casually in the past five years, including with sneakers.

In the past, I've suggested a five year rule with trends — once something has been around for five years, people are used to seeing it and it becomes a lot more acceptable for work. So… I don't really see a problem with wearing this skirt to work.

I saw someone wearing a maxi-length version of this skirt and suggesting it for a work outfit — and she looked nice. I would question a maxi skirt for work in general, but… know your office.

The Slip Skirt Layered Over a Mini Skirt (#3)

This layered slip skirt is a newer version of the trend, I think, and J.Crew has a lot of options that are similar right now. Is it acceptable for work? This is very much a “know your office” situation.

The arguments against are that it's essentially a mini-skirt, and sheer fabrics have traditionally been associated with the boudoir. But on the other hand… it's not really that shocking compared to other skirts, and the main reasons one might be against miniskirts for work aren't really present with the overlay.

Thus, I'd recommend approaching with caution and knowing your office.

Slip Skirts with Lace (#4)

J.Crew has this slip skirt with lace, as well as a version that is midi length but with a thigh-high slit, edged in lace.

I would say that anything with lace and silk is a no go for most offices — it just looks like a nightie to me. (Or, hey, a slip!) I would really be cautious wearing this type of slip skirt to work… unless it's beneath your actual skirt.

OK readers — over to you — what are your thoughts on slip skirts for work clothes? Can you wear slip skirts to the office? Are slip skirts appropriate for work?