All Year Silk Shirt Looks for Effortless Elegance
Silk may be something you think is only for Summer or warmer days, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You can wear it all year round, but you don’t have to hide it under layers, either. Here are a few of the best silk looks you can wear from January to December.
Silk & Cashmere
One of the best combinations you can create is pairing one of the many women’s silk tops from David Lawrence with cashmere. This ultra-cozy combination is perfect for Winter and colder Autumn days.
Pairing a silk top with a cashmere cardigan gives you the warmth you need without feeling weighed down by heavy fabrics and layers. If it isn’t too cold, add a flowy skirt for a whimsical, stylish, and incredibly comfy look.
Layered Silk
If you do need to add some layers, why not swap out your cotton T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt for a silk tank top? While it may not be the warmest thing on its own, it will trap your torso heat, and when combined with a big wool jersey, you will most certainly not be cold.
This simple look is very versatile, too. You can wear it with a long skirt, pants, or jeans and dress it up or down, depending on where you are going and what you are doing.
Silk & Linen
An amazing Spring combination is silk and linen. Both offer a flowy look and feel and give you the breathability you need without having to bare too much skin if you don’t want to. For a quick look to throw on in the morning, pair a silk top with a pair of loose linen pants.
You can also make this a formal look and office-ready by wearing a silk shirt with a linen blazer and fitted linen pants. You will stay cool without being weighed down by a heavy pantsuit.
Silk & Shorts
Another fantastic Summer look is pairing a silk shirt with a pair of fitted shorts. You can play around with this look a lot, as you can opt for tailored shorts for a chic look or denim shorts for a more relaxed outfit that is perfect for brunch or a day out.
Once again, you can also choose linen, as loose linen shorts are easily one of the most comfortable clothing items you will ever own and give you a relaxed feel that is still stylish and on-trend.
Silk Shirt & Jeans
For a look that is a homage to the 90s, a silk shirt with a pair of great jeans is another ultra-simple ensemble that is highly versatile. You can wear this look on a date, at the store, or even to work.
You can take it further with a looser shirt that you tuck in, which gives you flow and freedom without looking too casual.
White Silk
If you are looking for something more ethereal and eye-catching in its simplicity, a white silk shirt with white pants is the way to go. It’s fresh and comfortable, can be worn in Summer or Winter, and is perfect for every occasion, from the office to a date.
If stark white isn’t for you, opt for an off-white that will give you the same effect but is slightly less sheer.
What to Remember When Choosing a Silk Shirt
Now that you have a few ideas on how to style your silk shirt, here are a few tips for picking the best one for yourself.
Weight
The first thing you should look at is the weight of the silk. Known as momme, a higher momme silk is thicker and heavier, perfect for Winter, while a low momme silk is more sheer and better for Summer and hotter days.
Silk Type
There are three main types of silk. Crepe de Chine is lightweight and sheer. Charmeuse is smooth and drapey with little sheer and is better for cooler weather. Third, Habotai is lightweight and durable with a matte finish.
Fit
Considering silk isn’t stiff, it is important to align the shoulder seams with your shoulders first when fitting a silk shirt. For the chest and waist, choose a top that is snug but not tight, as this will keep you comfortable, but the shirt won’t look like it doesn’t fit.
Colors
You can be as bold or as reserved as you choose for colors. However, if you are only planning on buying one shirt, choosing a neutral color is the best option as it will give you more flexibility and more opportunities to wear it.
It is also important to note that undyed silk will be more sheer, while dyed silk is more opaque because the dye will stop light from passing through the silk.
Quality
Finally, high-quality silk should be smooth and have a slightly crunchy feel when squeezed. Another must is to look for imperfections, as missed stitches are small tears that can quickly become big problems.
