Its beauty is in its simplicity, how it is barely there but so noticeably lovely. A simple sheath that is retro and modern at once. But for all its spareness, a slipdress is not easy to pull off. It shows a lot of skin. It clings. It offers very little structure or support. Nevertheless, not since the '90s has this dress silhouette been so prevalent and relevant.

Here are five ways that we've seen the dress worn successfully in recent months. Take them as an invitation to experiment with your own interpretation of this sexy summer staple.

Keep It Simple

With just a pair of sandals, a slipdress is its most feminine. A flat sole plays up the dressed-down-to-almost-nothing appeal of the apparel. Simple but sultry accessories like the above Y-necklace can help lend definition to your physique. Pulling back your hair, too, emphasizes a strong shoulder.

Cinch Your Waist

If you're afraid of getting lost in the volume or just want to accentuate your natural curves under the straightness of the frock, break up the lines with a belt. Something with an interesting buckle or tie will be all the embellishment your outfit needs. Fasten the belt around your natural waist or slung high on your hips to maintain the loose style of the dress while still drawing attention to the trimmest part of your midsection.

Wear It with Sneakers

This is certainly the most popular way we're seeing this simple style. Tennies make the dress as casual as a tee and shorts, but more interesting and girlish. Clean makeup and loose hair or a ponytail are the perfect way to complete the laid-back look, which we might be wearing all weekend, every weekend this summer.

Tie on a Scarf

No matter how much your dress resembles-or just is-lingerie, tying on a silk scarf signals that you've styled the dress; it is an accessorized look; you did not forget to put on clothes. A little lace on slipdresses is so pretty and definitely plays up the style's boudoir roots. But out of the bedroom, you do need added touches to go out on the town.

Over a Tee

Although it doesn't have to be black on white, a tissue tee under a strappy dress is a forgiving way to style this look-it also allows you to wear a bra! For a concert or day out, this may be the way to go. And if your day turns into a date night, then slip off a layer. So simple. So pretty.

-Britt Olson