The 90s red slip dress is back: slinky, simple and impossible to ignore, and it is the boldest Christmas party outfit you can wear this year. A slip dress in a rich, true red needs almost nothing else — no pattern, no fuss, just a beautiful colour, a beautiful drape and a woman who knows how to wear it. These 90s red slip dress outfit ideas for women for a Christmas party are built around that simplicity, with blazers and faux-fur coats for warmth, heels, boots and tights for every venue, and jewellery kept minimal so the dress can shine. In this guide you will find 15 90s red slip dress outfit ideas for women, with warmth and fit tips, budget finds and red shades for every skin tone, so you can wear the most talked-about dress of the season with confidence.
Why the Red Slip Dress Leads This Christmas
The red slip dress leads this Christmas because it is the simplest dress that makes the biggest statement. A slip dress has no sleeves to fuss with, no waistband to adjust and no pattern to match: it is one long, beautiful line of colour, and it flatters almost every body because it skims rather than clings. Red is the colour of Christmas, of confidence and of celebration, and a red slip dress in a rich, true red will be noticed the moment you walk into a room. The 90s version is also wonderfully easy to wear: thin straps, a bias cut that moves with you, and a length that works for a dinner, a cocktail night or a dance floor. The key is the fit — a slip dress should skim your body, not cling to it — and the fabric, which should be a soft, fluid satin or silk that drapes beautifully. Get those two things right, and the dress will do the rest.
Styling It with a Blazer or Faux-Fur Coat
A slip dress on its own is a summer dress, but a slip dress with a blazer or a faux-fur coat is a winter party outfit, and the layer you choose will set the mood. A fitted black blazer over a red slip dress is smart, modern and perfect for a work party or a dinner, because the blazer adds structure and warmth while the red still shows underneath. A faux-fur coat over a red slip dress is glamorous and dramatic, and it is the outfit for the party you have been looking forward to all year, because the fur softens the red and makes the whole look feel like an occasion. A long wool coat in black or camel is the most practical choice for the journey there, and a leather jacket will give the dress a cooler, more modern edge. Whatever layer you choose, wear it open so the red still shows, and keep the rest of the outfit simple.
Look 1: Red Slip Dress with a Black Blazer and Heels
A red slip dress with a black blazer and heels is the smartest way to wear this trend, and it works for a work party, a dinner or a smart cocktail night. The blazer adds the structure and the warmth, the red dress adds the colour and the drama, and the heels add the height. Wear it with black pointed heels, a small black clutch and gold jewellery, and keep the makeup to a red lip and a little eyeliner. The blazer should be fitted, not oversized, so it does not hide the shape of the dress, and it should be worn open, so the red is visible. This outfit is also wonderfully versatile: take the blazer off when you start dancing, and the dress becomes a full party outfit in seconds. It is the look to choose when you want to be bold and smart at the same time.
Look 2: Red Slip Dress with a Faux-Fur Coat and Boots
A red slip dress with a faux-fur coat and boots is the most glamorous way to wear this trend, and it is perfect for a Christmas party on a cold night. The faux-fur coat keeps you warm, the red dress adds the drama, and the boots add the practicality, so you can walk to the party without worrying about your feet. Wear it with black knee-high boots, a black clutch and gold jewellery, and keep the makeup to a red lip and a little mascara. The coat should be in black, cream or burgundy, long enough to cover the dress, and the boots should be flat or low-heeled, so you can walk comfortably. This outfit is also wonderfully forgiving: the coat covers everything on the way there, the dress shines when you take it off, and the whole look feels like a movie. It is the outfit for the most special night of the season.
Heels, Boots and Tights Pairings
The shoes you wear with a red slip dress will change the whole outfit, so choose them for the venue as well as for the look. Pointed heels in black or nude are the most elegant choice for a dinner or a smart party, because they lengthen the leg and add the polish. Knee-high boots in black suede or leather are the warmest and most practical choice for a winter night, because they keep your legs warm and look wonderful with a slip dress. Ankle boots are a good middle ground: smart enough for a dinner, comfortable enough for dancing, and warm enough for the walk home. Tights are the secret weapon of a winter slip dress: black opaque tights will keep you warm and make the red look even richer, while sheer black tights are more elegant for a formal party. Avoid bare legs on a cold night, because a woman who is shivering is not a woman who is having fun, and avoid very high stilettos unless you are confident in them.
Look 3: Red Slip Dress with Black Pointed Heels and Sheer Tights
A red slip dress with black pointed heels and sheer tights is the most elegant shoe pairing in this guide, and it works for a dinner, a smart party or a night at the theatre. The pointed heels lengthen the leg, the sheer tights add the warmth and the polish, and the red dress does the rest. Wear it with a small black clutch, gold jewellery and a red lip, and keep the coat simple: a black wool coat will keep you warm on the way there. The heels should be comfortable enough to walk in, so choose a heel height you can manage all evening, and add a gel insole if you need one. This outfit is also wonderfully flattering: the pointed toe lengthens the foot, the sheer tights smooth the leg, and the whole look reads as polished and deliberate. It is the outfit to choose for a formal Christmas party.
Look 4: Red Slip Dress with Knee-High Boots and Opaque Tights
A red slip dress with knee-high boots and opaque tights is the warmest shoe pairing in this guide, and it is perfect for a Christmas party on a cold night, or for a party where you will be walking. The knee-high boots keep your legs warm, the opaque tights add another layer, and the red dress still shines above them. Wear it with a black faux-fur coat, a black clutch and gold jewellery, and keep the makeup to a red lip and a little mascara. The boots should be flat or low-heeled, in black suede or leather, and the tights should be in a thick, opaque black. This outfit is also wonderfully practical: the boots are comfortable enough to walk in, the tights keep you warm, and the whole look feels like you have made an effort without sacrificing comfort. It is the outfit for a winter night out.
Underlayers That Keep You Warm
A slip dress is a thin dress, and the secret to wearing one in winter is the underlayer: a thermal top, a fine-knit roll-neck or a long-sleeve bodysuit worn underneath, in black or nude, will keep you warm without changing the look. A black thermal top under a red slip dress is almost invisible, and it will add a whole layer of warmth. A fine black roll-neck under a slip dress is more visible, but it is also more fashionable: the 90s layered look is back, and a roll-neck under a slip dress is the most modern way to wear it. A long-sleeve bodysuit in nude or black will keep you warm and smooth, and it will not bunch up under the dress. The key is choosing an underlayer that is thin and smooth, so it does not add bulk, and in a colour that works with the red — black is the safest, nude is the most invisible, and white will show. Try the combination on at home before the party, and you will know straight away whether it works.
Look 5: Red Slip Dress over a Black Roll-Neck
A red slip dress over a black roll-neck is the most modern layered look in this guide, and it is perfect for a woman who wants to wear a slip dress in winter without feeling cold. The black roll-neck adds the warmth and the coverage, the red dress adds the colour and the drama, and the combination feels like a 90s fashion editorial. Wear it with black tights, black ankle boots and a black coat, and keep the jewellery to gold. The roll-neck should be fine and fitted, in black, so it does not add bulk under the dress, and the dress should be in a rich red satin that drapes over it. This outfit works for a daytime party, a smart lunch or a casual evening, and it is wonderfully warm: the roll-neck, the tights and the coat together will keep you cosy all day. It is the slip dress outfit for a woman who loves the 90s.
Look 6: Red Slip Dress with a Thermal Top and Tights
A red slip dress with a thermal top and tights is the most practical layered look in this guide, and it is the one to wear when the weather is really cold. The thermal top is invisible under the dress, the tights add the warmth, and the red dress still looks like a party dress. Wear it with black knee-high boots, a black faux-fur coat and a black clutch, and keep the jewellery to gold. The thermal top should be in black or nude, thin and smooth, so it does not show through the dress, and the tights should be in a thick, opaque black. This outfit is also a wonderful choice for a long evening, because the thermal top and the tights will keep you warm from the first drink to the last dance, and the dress will still look immaculate. It is the slip dress outfit for a cold Christmas night.
Jewellery: Keep It Minimal
A red slip dress is already the statement, so the jewellery should be minimal: one quiet piece, such as small gold hoops, a thin gold chain or a simple gold bracelet, is all you need. The dress is the star, the jewellery is the supporting act, and anything more will fight the dress for attention. Avoid a chunky necklace with a slip dress, because the thin straps and the simple neckline need space, not competition. Avoid large, colourful earrings, because the red is already the colour in the outfit. A pair of small gold studs, a thin gold chain and a simple gold ring will finish the outfit beautifully, and they will let the red do the talking. If you love jewellery, save the bold pieces for a plain black dress, and let the red slip dress shine on its own. The same rule applies to the bag: a small black or gold clutch, not a big, sparkly one.
Look 7: Red Slip Dress with Small Gold Hoops and a Thin Chain
A red slip dress with small gold hoops and a thin gold chain is the most elegant jewellery combination in this guide, and it works for a dinner, a party or a night out. The gold warms up the red, the hoops add a little sparkle, and the chain adds a delicate touch, without ever competing with the dress. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and a red lip, and keep the rest of the outfit simple: the dress, the gold and the lipstick are all you need. The hoops should be small, not large, and the chain should be thin, not chunky, so the jewellery feels like a whisper rather than a shout. This outfit is also wonderfully easy to put together: the dress, the gold and the lipstick are three things you probably already own, and together they make a party outfit in minutes.
Look 8: Red Slip Dress with a Gold Bracelet and No Necklace
A red slip dress with a gold bracelet and no necklace is the most minimal jewellery look in this guide, and it suits a woman who likes her glamour quiet. The bracelet adds a touch of gold at the wrist, the bare neckline keeps the dress clean, and the whole outfit feels modern and confident. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and a red lip, and keep the earrings to small gold studs. The bracelet should be simple — a thin bangle or a delicate chain — not a chunky cuff, because the dress is already the statement. This look is perfect for a dinner party or a smart lunch, because it is polished without being overdone, and it photographs beautifully: the red dress, the gold bracelet and the red lip are all the colour the photograph needs.
Hair and Makeup to Match the Drama
The hair and makeup for a red slip dress should match the drama of the dress, but they should not compete with it. Soft waves, a low ponytail or a sleek bun will all work, because they show off the neckline of the dress and keep the hair from catching on the straps. A red lip is the natural partner for a red dress, and it should be in a shade that matches the dress — a blue-red for a cool red dress, a warm red for a warm red dress — applied carefully and blotted so it lasts. Keep the eyes soft, with mascara and a little liner, and let the lips and the dress do the work. A little bronzer will warm up your skin against the red, and a soft blush will add the colour to your cheeks. Avoid glitter eyeshadow, because the dress already provides the drama, and avoid a heavy contour, because the look should feel fresh, not made up.
Look 9: Soft Waves, Red Lips and a Red Slip Dress
Soft waves, red lips and a red slip dress is the most romantic beauty-led look in this guide, and it is the one to wear for a Christmas party where you want to feel like a movie star. The waves soften the sharpness of the red, the red lips echo the dress, and the combination photographs like a Christmas card. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and gold jewellery, and keep the eyes soft with a little mascara. The hair should be in soft, loose waves, not tight curls, so it frames the face without competing with the dress. This look takes a little time in the morning, so give yourself an extra half hour to get ready, and enjoy the process: the hair, the makeup and the dress are all part of the party. If soft waves feel too fiddly, a low ponytail will give you almost the same effect with half the effort.
Look 10: Sleek Bun, Dark Eyes and a Red Slip Dress
A sleek bun, dark eyes and a red slip dress is the most modern take on the red dress beauty look, and it suits a woman who wants the drama without the softness. The bun keeps the focus on your face and the dress, the dark eyes add the drama, and the red dress adds the colour. Wear it with black heels, a black clutch and gold jewellery, and keep the lips nude or soft pink, so the eyes are the focal point. This look is perfect for a smart dinner or a formal party, because it is polished and modern, and it is also a gift for anyone who hates fussing with her hair all night, because a good bun stays put from the first photograph to the last dance. It is the red dress outfit for a woman who likes her glamour sharp.
Red Shades for Every Skin Tone
Not every red suits every skin tone, and choosing the right shade will make the difference between a dress that flatters you and a dress that washes you out. Cool skin tones, with pink undertones, suit blue-reds, burgundy and wine reds, which will flatter the skin and make the teeth look whiter. Warm skin tones, with yellow or golden undertones, suit orange-reds, tomato reds and warm scarlets, which will warm up the skin and make it glow. Neutral skin tones can wear almost any red, though a true, classic red is the safest choice. If you are not sure about your undertone, hold the dress up to your face in natural light: the right red will make your skin look bright and healthy, while the wrong red will make it look tired or washed out. Here are the rest of the 15 90s red slip dress outfit ideas for women in quick form. Idea 11: a red slip dress with a denim jacket for a casual party. Idea 12: a red slip dress with a white shirt underneath for a modern look. Idea 13: a red slip dress with a black leather jacket for a night out. Idea 14: a red slip dress with a cardigan for a family Christmas. Idea 15: a red slip dress with a statement belt for a defined waist.
90s Red Slip Dress Outfit Ideas for Women Christmas Party: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a slip dress in winter without feeling cold? Yes, with the right layers. A thermal top or a fine roll-neck underneath, opaque tights, knee-high boots and a faux-fur coat over the top will keep you warm, and the dress will still look like a party dress. Try the combination on at home before the party, and you will know straight away whether it works.
What should I wear under a slip dress? Nude, seamless underwear in a shade close to your skin tone, and a slip or lining if the dress is sheer. A long-sleeve bodysuit in black or nude will also work as a warm underlayer. Avoid white underwear under a red dress, because it can show through, and avoid anything with a visible strap or seam.
Is a red slip dress appropriate for a work Christmas party? Yes, with a blazer over the top and closed-toe heels, a red slip dress is perfectly appropriate for work. Keep the jewellery minimal, the makeup simple except for a red lip, and the hemline at the knee or below. Take the blazer off later when the dancing starts.
How do I stop a slip dress from clinging? Choose a dress in a fluid satin or silk with a bias cut, which will skim rather than cling, and wear a slip underneath to stop static. A little anti-static spray will also help, and a dress with a little stretch will be more comfortable. If the dress clings when you try it on, try a size up.
Save This Look on Pinterest
Love these 90s red slip dress outfit ideas for women? Save the pin above to your Christmas party board so you can find it again when the invitations arrive. Save this look on Pinterest with one click, and if you want to write your own perfect pin caption, try our free Pinterest Caption & Pin Generator to create a caption for your own board in seconds.
Final Thoughts: Try the Red Slip Dress This Party Season
The 90s red slip dress is the boldest, simplest party outfit you will ever own, and it is the one that will make you feel like the most confident woman in the room. Choose the red that suits your skin, add a blazer or a faux-fur coat for warmth, keep the jewellery minimal, and let the dress do the rest. Whether you go for a blazer, a faux-fur coat or a roll-neck underneath, the best red slip dress is the one you feel confident in, the one you can dance in, and the one you will reach for again next Christmas. If you love a party dress in a different colour, you will also enjoy our White Dress Christmas Party Outfit Ideas for Women and our Red Sequin Dress Outfit Ideas for Women Christmas Party. Save your favourite look on Pinterest, try the red slip dress this party season, and enjoy being impossible to ignore.