Lace-trimmed slip dresses in silk and satin are everywhere this season, and the most wearable way to style them is with something tougher or more casual on top. Start with a colour you love. Loretta Caponi's red lace-trimmed silk Grimilde maxi, Staud's bright green Lara midi, Posse's pink Tabitha mini and Sir's light blue Noria maxi cover a lot of moods.

Broderie anglaise brings a sweet, summery feel that a suede jacket carries into fall. Dôen's white ruffled embroidered Henrietta mini and Altuzarra's tan suede Astley jacket make an easy pairing, and Neous's dark brown suede Poera boots and Valesque's pink quilted bag complete it.

A crisp poplin dress with one bright accent is the most polished take. Saint Laurent's black ruffled poplin maxi works with Marni's red Sabot slip-ons and Loewe's red beaded Flamenco clutch, and La DoubleJ's green check cardigan adds a playful clash.

A black lace slip with a fine knit and flat shoes is easy to wear almost anywhere. Self-Portrait's black satin and lace mini under The Row's black cashmere Phaed sweater looks sleek, and Jil Sander's black Elyss ballet flats and Alaïa's laser-cut Delta bag keep it simple.

A longline slip dress with a button-up shirt thrown over it is a relaxed daytime look. Johanna Ortiz's dark green silk Windborne maxi and Agolde's cobalt blue Sona shirt make a bold colour pairing, and Saint Laurent's tan suede Le Loafer mules and Gucci's slim GG belt finish it.

The nightie dress looks best when it is not treated too preciously. If you take one thing away, let it be that it needs a counterpoint, whether that is a suede jacket, a knit, a crisp shirt or a heavy boot, so it reads as daywear rather than sleepwear. A slip in a solid colour is the most versatile, and one with lace trim adds interest without much fuss. We would skip very sheer slips unless you plan to layer them. Start with the one you already own and try it with a sweater over the top.