Styling a silk shirt
Style

Ten reasons to buy a silk shirt

As every style guide will tell you, one wardrobe staple you can’t live without is a simple, classic silk shirt, and a silk shirt in a neutral colour (white, cream, grey or black) is often spotted in capsule wardrobe guides.

There is nothing quite like a silk shirt. It’s the symbol of effortless chic and it’s a timeless, completely versatile, always elegant addition to any wardrobe, which can be worn in all seasons and for all occasions.

Ten reasons to buy a silk shirt

Read on for more photos, details about this outfit, featuring this black, silk shirt from Lilysilk and ten reasons why you shouldn’t be without a classic silk shirt.

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Styling a silk shirt

Outfit details

I chose to style this black, silk shirt from Lilysilk with a floral print maxi skirt from Promod and as always, I added a belt to complete the look and create an hourglass shape. My tassel earrings are from Nocturne, and finally, I added these fringed shoe boots from Maje (last season).

There is no wardrobe staple quite like the silk shirt, as how many  other pieces can be worn for all occasions and in all seasons? See below for :

Ten reasons why you should have at least one silk shirt in your wardrobe.    

Silk is a symbol of effortless chic

Silk has always been worn by style icons, past and present, such as Katherine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Lauren Hutton, Marilyn Monroe and more recently Victoria Beckham, Angleina Jolie and Olivia Palermo, to name but a few.  

A silk shirt is timeless

A simple silk shirt never goes out of date and can be worn for many years! When investing in silk, opt for classic styles that will stand the test of time,  such as silk shirts, silk t-shirts, silk camis and of course, silk lingerie.

 Silk is comfortable and luxurious

Silk is a lightweight fabric and it feels so soft and comfortable next to your skin.  Not only does it feel amazing, but it is also deeply luxurious and sensuous. There’s a reason why Marilyn Monroe insisted on silk for her famous photoshoot ‘Nude In White Silk Sheet’!  Polyester wouldn’t have had quite the same impact!

Silk tops reflect a flattering glow 

The triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre allows silk to refract incoming light at different angles, which create luminosity, and the end result is that any silk close to your face will create a flattering glow! Perfect for a date night!

Silk is good for all seasons and all climates 

Silk is one of the most breathable and absorbent fabrics and it’s natural temperature-regulating-properties make it a good fabric for all climates and all seasons. It keeps you warm and cozy in winter and comfortably cool in summer.

Mulberry silk is 100% natural and certified chemical free

Natural fibre clothing may be more expensive up front, but it is a better investment in the long term as it keeps its form, colour and style better than synthetic fabrics. It’s also a better option for the environment and the lack of ‘nasty’ chemicals must be better for our health!

Silk has numerous health benefits

Silk also appears to be associated with healing qualities that range from easing the symptoms of the menopause (due to its temperature-regulating properties), to anti-ageing (as the protein in silk can adhere to the protein in skin to form a barrier layer which retains water and has a plumping effect).

Silk is hypoallergenic

Because of its natural protein structure silk is the most hypoallergenic of all fabrics, and is therefore a great choice for anyone with allergies, sensitive skin and even eczema.

Silk is also a strong and robust material 

In spite of its delicate appearance, silk is a strong and durable fabric, which when cared for correctly can last for a long time.

And, very importantly, a silk shirt is also

One of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe.

One of the best things about a classic silk shirt is that it can be easily styled for a casual weekend brunch, the office and/or a date night. Here are a few styling ideas:

  • Tuck it into a pair of high-waisted jeans for an effortlessly chic weekend look, or for a more edgy look, try styling it with some leather shorts. Mixing luxury fabrics with your casual essentials is a great way to add smart pieces to your weekend wardrobe.
  • For an elegant, classic, work look, you can pair the silk shirt with a pencil skirt or tailored trousers, and for an ultra-smart boardroom look, add a structured blazer.
  • To transition to a date night look, pair the silk shirt with tailored trousers, a floaty skirt or a high-waisted skirt and add red lipstick and lots of gold accessories!

So, this black, silk shirt  is a perfect addition to my wardrobe, and I think I will be looking at adding a silk pillowcase next (anything that stops wrinkles and hot flushes has got to be a good investment!)

As always when buying on-line,  I would recommend paying attention to the sizing when you order, and their site includes a useful guide for how to take the measurements when you click on size guide.  Each page also includes photos of the item, details of the material and reviews, so don’t hesitate to check this out.

You can get 16% off the entire range of womens’ clothing with the code ‘thevelvetrunway16′,  and this codes is valid indefinitely.

Don’t forget to have a look here for more of our style posts.

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With love,

94 Comments

  1. Didn’t knew a lot of these facts. Wow, I should definitely get myself more silk shirts. Thanks for sharing this dear, really informative.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I’m glad you found it helpful, Jessica xo

  2. Gorgeous.. I love how you styled it! You have a lovely blog here by the way, well done on all your hard work with it.. it completely shows! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much for your lovely compliment x

  3. You always have the best style! Perfect styling, Juls! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Have a great weekend!
    Much love, Len
    http://www.lenparent.com
    XO

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much, Len! Hope you’re having a great week xo

  4. Amanda says:

    This convinced me to buy a silk shirt haha! Amanda xo

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I hope you enjoy it xo

  5. Silk shirt is always a good idea. 🙂

    Great pictures.

    Kenza

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kenza xo

  6. You look amazing!! Love your skirt!!
    xx
    Mónica Sors
    MES VOYAGES À PARIS
    http://mesvoyagesaparis.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Monica xx

  7. Amy Arnold says:

    I totally agree. This is such a classic! It looks really beautiful on you too.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Amy Ann xo

  8. Camila says:

    I think they are just super comfy and look lovely. Yours is super cute Julia!

    Camila,
    My Vogue Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Camila xo

  9. the shirt looks great on you!
    xoxo
    style frontier

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xoxo

  10. the shirt looks great on you
    xoxo
    style frontier

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xo

  11. fab post. i’m ashamed to say i have a Lanvin silk shirt burried away in my wardrobe somewhere! i’ll have to dig it out

    Missy
    TheFashionFusion

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Missy! I’m glad you liked the post and I hope you managed to find your silk shirt xo

  12. wendee says:

    thanks for sharing. Never knew silk had health benefits.
    The Glossychic

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Wendee! Nor did I until I did the research- I just knew I loved the feel of it xo

  13. Vivian Tse says:

    That’s a beautiful silk shirt and it’s worth the investment! You look amazing btw! Love your skirt too! Vivian x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Vivian x

  14. Sharon says:

    Silk is such a pretty and feminine fabric 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree, Sharon! Silk and cashmere are my two favourite fabrics xo

  15. Silk shirts are always a great idea! Love how you styled it! It looks so effortless chic. Wishing you a great day! xx

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Andreea xo

  16. I love how comfy and luxurious they are <3

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you! Me too xo

  17. westcoastcharmed says:

    Your styling is so Chic

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much! xo

  18. What a great post! I don’t actually own a silk shirt, or much silk in general however it is a gorgeous material.

    This shirt looks gorgeous on you!

    Laura xo
    http://www.shehearts.net

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Laura! I love silk, as it’s so luxurious xo

  19. I love your skirt! The dainty little flowers are just too beautiful!
    Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
    Xx Caroline
    http://www.foreverdolledup.net

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Caroline, I’m glad you like it xx

  20. Sarah says:

    Wohoo! Great compilation. The ten reasons are completely true 😀 Completely sold on luxurious and comfortable. it just looks amazing!!!! and your photos are sooooo pretttty! keep up the great work 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you x

  21. The shirt looks amazing on you! Loved reading your blogpost.

    X Merel
    http://www.andathousandwords.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Merel, I’m so glad you enjoyed it xo

  22. You convinced me 10 times over! Love this elegant black silk shirt and the printed maxi you styled with it. You look so lovely and pretty, chic in those sunglasses too!
    Love from the big Apple ?!
    ❤️?❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much, Elle. xo

  23. I totally second you on this. Great post!
    Nistha
    https://www.fashionistha.com/how-i-style-my-reds/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Nistha xo

  24. Amy-Anne Williams says:

    I mean, I was already sold with the photos of how nice it looks haha. I don’t own any silk skirts but I would adore to get my hands on one, as like you say they’re super versatile. More so than velvet or even cotton I think, it’s quite a surprise that I haven’t got one yet.

    Amy;
    Little Moon Elephant

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Amy! I love velvet too!! xo

  25. I agree with you on the reasons! For me it’s because it’s breathable and soft on the skin, plus it looks glam! You look fantastic!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Lorna!

  26. mahryska says:

    i love silk tops.
    kisses from the sandpit ❤︎

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you! Me too xo

  27. Filipa says:

    I don’t own a silk shirt, but I so want one

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      They are such versatile pieces, Filipa, and so comfortable ! xo

  28. Nina Nguyen says:

    You look so beautiful!!
    xx- Nina

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Nina xx

  29. Georgia Owen says:

    Yes girl, you look so chic in this! Also, thank you for all the reasons for me to buy another silk shirt – anything that justifies it helps haha!

    //teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Georgia xo

  30. There is nothing better than a silk shirt. You look AMAZING BTW!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Vera xo

  31. Hi Julia! You look simply stunning as always, and the silk shirt looks very becoming on you. I love the way you’ve styled it, and I adore the obi belt, which creates the perfect silhouette. I agree, a silk shirt is a must-have, and is a timeless look that never goes out of style.

    I hope you’re having a fab weekend so far!

    Lots of love Saba xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Saba xx

  32. A silly shirt is definitely a wardrobe staple that every women needs in her wardrobe. I love how you styled yours with a corset belt and that stunning skirt! I bet you have so many ideas for how to wear it!

    xoxo
    Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Rina xoxo

  33. Desires In Style says:

    These are great reasons!! 😉
    Beautiful outfit!
    kisses
    Agnese & Elisa

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  34. Oh, I love your shirt! 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  35. Falasha says:

    Great points, silk is such a luxurious fabric.

    xoxo Falasha

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Falasha xoxo

  36. Ashon says:

    Both You and the background look stunning.

    xx Ashon

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Ashon xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  37. Definitely a wardrobe staple. Nice writing dear and as always I love your classic and beautiful styling.

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Mercy xo

  38. I like the idea of a silk shirt and I like the feel of the material, but I am always put off by the upkeep and afraid I might stain it. I prefer a silk blend because it is easier to launder.
    LaToya
    http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree that they are a bit harder to look after than a silk blend, but I much prefer the feel of real silk, so, for me, it’s worth the effort xo

  39. love your shoes <3

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you 🙂

  40. You look lovely Julia, I agree with you that silk shirt will never go out of style. I love to wear it especially in the summer, as you said it’s really comfortable.
    Hugs,
    Dusana

    http://www.letnedni.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Dusana! I agree it’s such a classic piece and so comfy xo

  41. Gorgeous outfit!
    Have a nice evening!
    Gil Zetbase

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you xo

  42. I love a nice silk shirt. It is the washing I hate..

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Haha! I agree, Hilda! xo

  43. Love this look on you! and I’m all about silk clothes!

    -L.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Lena xo

  44. I do have a silk shirt as well and it’s my go-to semi-formal piece 🙂

    xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      It’s such a versatile piece 🙂

  45. I couldn’t agree more that this is a wardrobe staple every woman must have. You looks so chic Julia! What a versatile piece!

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kathrine! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving xo

  46. I love how comfy and classy silk shirts are. It’s just pretty hard to find ones that use authentic/pure silk fabric

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree, but it’s worth the search xo

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