Olivia Wilde makes the lace-trimmed slip skirt feel fresh with loafers

Olivia Wilde was recently spotted in New York City in a white midi-length lace-trimmed slip skirt from Aritzia, styled with a sheer white button-down over a black bralette and black loafers. The styling did the heavy lifting: it made a delicate skirt feel sharp enough for daylight, not just after dark.

Why this version works

The lace-trimmed slip skirt has already done the trend cycle. It was one of the major summer 2025 pieces in fashion cities like New York, Paris, Milan, and London, and the appeal was obvious from the start: it has more presence than a plain white poplin skirt, but it still moves with that easy, slinky drape people want when the weather gets warm. What keeps it interesting now is the styling. It has to read like clothing, not lingerie.

Wilde wore Aritzia’s Wilfred Henrietta Satin Skirt, priced at $148, which is exactly the kind of entry point that makes this trend feel accessible rather than precious. She also carried The Row’s Large Cecily Top Handle Tote Bag, priced at $2,675. The glossy satin, sheer shirt, black bralette, and substantial leather tote all keep the lace from tipping too sweet.

The office-friendly formula

The standard way to wear this skirt has usually been pretty predictable: a T-shirt or tank, then kitten-heel mules. That formula works because it is simple, but it can also make the skirt feel too close to sleepwear. Wilde’s version updates the whole thing by swapping in loafers and a button-down, which instantly gives the outfit more spine.

This is the formula that makes the trend relevant for workwear:

• A lace-trimmed or slip skirt in white, ivory, or another pale neutral.
• A crisp shirting layer, ideally a button-down with enough structure to contrast the softness below.
• A flat shoe with polish, especially loafers, when you want the look to feel intentional.
• One grounding piece, like a black bralette or a dark bag, to stop all that light fabric from floating away.

A sheer white shirt over a black bralette creates a clean graphic break, while the skirt keeps the movement.

Why loafers change the whole mood

Loafers are doing a lot here. Runway attention from Miu Miu helped give them broad fashion credibility, and that runway echo shows up in how they are being worn now: less preppy, more purposeful. They carry the comfort and versatility of ballet flats, but the thicker sole gives a little more height and a little more bite, which matters when the rest of the look is soft.

That is why Wilde’s outfit lands differently from the usual lace-skirt styling. The loafers make the skirt feel current instead of precious, and they keep it from reading too literally as a “feminine” piece.

How to wear the trend without making it too sweet

The best way to treat a lace-trimmed slip skirt is like a neutral, not a statement. It has enough texture and edge built in, so the surrounding pieces should stay clean and edited. That is especially true if you want the skirt to work for a desk, a client lunch, or a day that starts at 9 and stretches into dinner.

A few styling moves make the difference:

• Keep the top crisp. A shirting fabric, even when sheer, gives the skirt a more tailored frame.
• Stick to flat shoes with a polished finish. Loafers work best, but sleek ballet flats can also keep the look grounded.
• Add a structured bag. A top-handle silhouette or a boxier tote helps offset the skirt’s fluid line.
• Use darker accents sparingly. Black bralettes, belts, or shoes create contrast without making the outfit feel harsh.

Why this skirt still has legs in 2026

Lace slip skirts are already sitting beside ruched loafers among the year’s trendy basics. The skirt is still useful because it can be dressed up with heels or down with sandals or flats, and that flexibility is what keeps editors and stylists coming back to it. It can move between settings without needing a full outfit reset.