I Found 20 Vintage Silk Pieces for You To Wear This Summer
When all you want to wear is as little as possible
As the seasons change, so do the materials we gravitate toward. In October, we start to reach for cashmere cardigans and soft leather jackets. In December, it feels right to wrap yourself in velvet.
Then comes June and silk becomes impossible to resist.
And how can it not? It’s arguablly the most sensual of clothing fabrics. Not only for it’s shimmer but also the way it hugs the body, slips onto it (and off it) and keeps us ventilated.
When the temperature rises, I want to feel the opposite of heaviness on me. The opposite of constrained, hard or angular. Everything must be free-flowing, easy and breathable.
But we sometimes forget the versitility of silk. It’s not just for fancy wine bars or a bedtime robe. It can serve you in a daytime look, a beach day cover-up or a lounge at the park. So, don’t constrain yourself to the opportunities that silk can bring to your summer wardrobe.
I will say, all of this applies to any and all silk-adjacent fabrics. There are plenty of satin or a silk-blend options that to me, do the trick just fine.
And of course, the best place to get the most affordable (and unique) silk pieces is secondhand. All you need is the right keyword search, a bit of patience and you’ve got a ‘90s Prada or Blumarine look on your hands.
I think my favorite part about thrifting silk or silk-y items is that they often overlap with vintage sleepwear. (This is my official reminder to you, dear reader, to never skip the lingerie and pajama section at your local thrift store).
After may hours of browsing I decided to create a little capsule of secondhand silk that can elevate any summer wardrobe.
And this capsule is going to look different for everyone and what their style is. Maybe you just need a cute, shimmery top to pair with your go-to jorts. Or maybe you need a slip skirt to get you through those corporate office days.
Either way, here are some picks…
The Tiny Little Top
For the longest time, I was overthinking what a summer going-out top could (or should) be. At the end of the day, you want it to just be light and bright. In other words, never underestimate the power of a delicate silk camisole or tank.
This little Ann Klein number in a shimmering creamy peach color.
For a more formfitting, cropped option, this Ann Taylor top with a peplum silhoutte, high neck and flower embroidery is a great option.
There’s something about a berry, hot pink when it comes in silk — like this one from Lafayette 148.
This simple silk-blend knitted top from Euro-X in a creamy green is also a good option for simple outfit formulas
A little pricier option from Victoria’s Secret, but probably worth it for this incredible color.
The perfect pinky peach top also from VS…I mean, it’s literally the shade of a summer sunset.
Finally: a beautiful white/cream v-neck cami by Elie Tahari for living out your Italian summer fantasies.
The Slip-On Dress
You call it a slip dress, I call it a slip-on dress. Because these are the dresses that should make summer dressing incredibly easy. And you don’t need that many — just one that hugs your body like warm embrace and shimmers during golden hour.
This short purple slip dress from Victoria’s Secret would look amazing dressed down with some sneakers.
Or even this
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