In recent years, I’ve become increasingly devoted to these pieces once the weather cools. Because first off, they hang so nicely. And secondly, they’re mostly thin and layer easily, and I’m all about layering once fall hits. They can be pricey, so I stuck to ones on the more affordable (if not outright cheap) end of the spectrum. I think this rich taupe shirt is pretty elegant, and if taupe isn’t your thing, it comes in a few other good colors too.
And speaking of good colors, I am of course crazy for this yellow top, which has such a comfy-looking sweatshirt-y fit.
A cheetah print in always-appealing blue and black.
The barely-there blush-hued houndstooth print here is rather unexpected and sweet.
A good mandarin collar popover with subtle stripes. Click through to see it in black, which I also like.
A stretch silk shirt made of washable silk, and super well-priced. It’s also washable.
This three quarter sleeve boatneck comes in a veritable army of colors, and is such a key basic.
I like the idea of a silk shirt in plaid; it’d be the basis of a strong menswear look, if that’s what you’re game for.
I want to order a dozen of this stretch silk tee, and layer it under everything.
This washable silk shirt pretty closely resembles something pricier from the French brand Equipment.
This pretty round neck silk top has a nice, subtle sheen and comes in millions of colors.
Here’s one from Quince, an inexpensive brand about which people rave.
I live in stand collar popovers not unlike this one, and I really like the glam gold hue here.
I love the washable ones! In fact, I wouldn’t even consider purchasing one that requires dry cleaning.
Before I knew it that washable silk Quince was in a shopping cart (I got it in Ivory and hoping it’s not too sheer). Thanks for the great options! I wish I could get back the excellent silk blouses I had in the 80’s – I had a few from a brand called Kikit that were oversized washable silk and I wonder why I ever got rid of them?
I remember Kikit! Had a fabulous chartreuse silk oversized with silver buttons. Purchased on sale at some little shop in Cambridge MA. I wonder what what happened to them.
I have the white washable silk top from Quince and I love it. Not too sheer. I wash it in cold water on the gentle cycle and hang dry. Good as new. It always gets compliments.
Can anyone comment on quality of Quince clothing? Never bought anything from them, but really like the silk button downs.
Hi Julie — I commented earlier, but I’m a big fan of the quality of their cashmere sweaters, although I haven’t yet bought any of their silk shirts. Based on their sweaters, tho, I’d try it. I’m going to order the stretch silk one Kim featured near the end of the list.
I have one of the washable silk shirts and really like it- see my comment above 🙂 I also have two of their cashmere sweaters and just recently bought the diamond bar necklace which I have been wearing on repeat. I’ve loved everything Ive gotten from them so far. Oh and last winter I got their cashmere gloves. OK, somebody might need to stop me.
I have one of their cashmere sweaters and it held up to near constant wear last winter. Just received the t-shirt style silk shirt that Kim shared here. I’ve worn it 5-6 times, both on its own and layered. It’s held up really well and is super comfortable. I will be ordering more.
I like the look of a button down under a sweater, but don’t want the extra bulk. Layering over a silk shirt is genius! Thanks, Kim. I’ve never had luck with anything from Everlane but I’ll be in NY for a few weeks soon and I plan to drop into their store and will check out their shirts.
These are all beautiful but am I the only one that worries about sweat stains under the arms with silk shirts? Unless they are black or dark, I can’t wear them for fear of the dreaded “pit stains”. Maybe this is just my menopause talking…….
I get sweat stains if the silk shirt is snug in the armpit area, so I stick to tops that have a looser fit there, which helps.
I’m so glad you mentioned this because I was going to make the same comment. I love silk, it looks beautiful, but I can’t wear it. I don’t sweat particularly heavy compared to other women but when it comes to silk I always sweat like a marathoner…. it’s definitely a “no” for me. I’ve used pit pads but it’s difficult because silk is so light so the pad outline shows. And menopause is definitely not a time for silk wearing, IMO.
I don’t really ever wear silk blouses long enough to sweat in them, and one reason I don’t is that they tend to make me feel like I’m sweaty even if I’m not. Or somehow anyway, there is an ick factor for me, even though I like how they look. There is also the animal rights guilt, even though they are really insects. (I like to stay ahead of the curve.)(Kidding! i am sooo far behind…) I don’t have a position on it and I’m hoping I’ll get distracted before I have to find one. It is too hot here for silk most of the time.
Last year, I picked up a navy Equipment silk shirt cut like a sweatshirt (knit wrists and waist). I wear it all the time. It’s warm in winter and cool in the spring. I throw it in on Gentle in the wash and air dry. Silk truly is a miracle!
I’m a big fan of a silk button down-so much less stiff than cotton. I wear a thin Uniqlo tee underneath and can get away from wearing the silk blouse a few times before washing if I’m lucky.
Does anyone know of a good company that makes silk shirts like the Everlane ones, but in plus sizes? I’ve been looking everywhere and can’t find a nice, clean lined one in a size that will fit my bust.
Universal Standard appears to have a silk tee, but I didn’t see a blouse.
Yeah, I can find shells and tees, but not button front blouses with collars.
Have you tried Nordstrom (their Signature line)? They make great silk shirts that fit well and look great.
The plaid and the leopard print from Rails. Lord give me strength. I’m afraid these are going to haunt me if I don’t buy them immediately.
Wow, you and I have the same taste — those were the 2 that I was immediately drawn too as well. I’m really into the gray/black animal print right now (leopard, cheetah, etc.) — it may have started with getting a pair of croc skin booties, and then a gray/black leopard print cardigan I tried on at Madewell. Was never that into animal print, but the gray/black colors make them seem less (potentially cheesy) animal print? Anyway, the Kate shirt is aces, and I’m really in love with that plaid shirt even more.
On another topic, there is a super-cute story on slate about zebras. So cute!!! With a nifty collective noun passage too.
Whenever I think about buying silk blouse, I end up not buying because of the dry clean bill. How do you deal with it? Do you handwash all home? Or did you get special deal with your dry cleaner?
I steam my silk shirts after wearing them, which really helps keep them in good shape and reduces the necessity for trips to the dry cleaner.
Honestly, I buy cheaper ones and throw them in a mesh bag and wash on delicate
I know there are washable options, but not all of them…
What a great collection. So glad you included Quince. I haven’t ordered their silk tops, altho that washable stretch silk blouse is definitely calling my name, but their cashmere sweaters are really nice. Mine have held up thru a couple winters so far, with gentle washing with a Laundress cashmere shampoo.
have just started using a salad spinner and baby shampoo to clean all silk and fine woolens!
Works great and very therapeutic 💕