How to Style a Silk Dress

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Silk dresses are a closet staple that work well in every season. Their thin straps and material make them great on their own in hot weather, and adding a few layers and accessories can make them perfect for chilly days, too. Try out a few different ways to wear your silk dress to find the perfect outfit for any occasion.

1

Balance out the delicate material with simple jewelry.

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    If you’re wearing your silk dress on its own, go for a simple chain necklace, a thin bangle, and some studs. [1]
    • Throw on some sandals to keep this look casual, or step it up a notch with some booties.
    • Grab a small clutch or a handbag to hit the town.
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2

Pair your silk dress with silk for extra elegance.

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    If you have a silk cardigan or duster, put that on over your silk dress to turn heads. [2]
    • You can match the color of your silk pieces for a monochromatic look, or you can contrast them to make your outfit pop.
3

Make your outfit casual with cotton or wool.

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    Cotton, wool, and linen all look great with a silk dress. [3]
    • These fabrics are also a nice contrast against silk’s slippery feel.
    • This is a perfect way to take your dress from an evening time look to a daytime one.
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4

Embrace your inner rock star with a graphic tee.

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    Put on your favorite band or graphic T-shirt, then pull your silk dress on top of it. Mini and midi silk dresses look great with this rocker outfit. [4]
    • Add a pair of heeled booties and your favorite statement necklace to hit the town in this rock and roll outfit.
    • Grab a small leather handbag to complete your look.
5

Layer with a long sleeve shirt if it gets cold.

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    Put on a 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve shirt, then throw your midi or maxi dress on top. [5]
    • Style this look with a few bangles and a pair of booties to look cozy during the fall.
    • If it’s extra cold out, put on a pair of tights, too.
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6

Get bold with a pair of jeans.

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    Put on a basic white T-shirt, then throw on a pair of cropped denim jeans. Add your maxi slip dress on top for a chic, sophisticated outfit. [6]
    • Put your essentials in a small backpack and throw on a few big bracelets before you head out for the day.
    • Pair your look with some ballet flats to keep it simple.
7

Turn your dress into a skirt with a cozy sweater.

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    Put on your mini or midi silk dress, then throw on an oversized sweater to keep your arms warm. [7]
    • If you want to accentuate your waist, crop your sweater by tying it up with a hair tie or rubber band.
    • Pair this look with some ballet flats and some simple stud earrings.
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8

Dress it down with a jean jacket.

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    Throw on your mini or midi silk dress, then add your favorite fitted denim jacket before hitting the town with your friends. [8]
    • If you want to go for a more streetwear look, put on an oversized denim jacket instead.
    • Toss on a fanny pack for an on-trend way to keep up with your essentials. [9]
    • Pair this look with some lace-up boots to add a tough contrast.
9

Go for a sporty look with a bomber jacket.

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    Put on your mini silk dress, then throw on a silk bomber jacket to make it match. [10]
    • You can match the color of your jacket to the color of your dress for a cohesive look, or you can contrast them to make your outfit pop.
    • Wear a pair of low top sneakers and a backpack for the ultimate sporty look.
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10

Embrace the loungewear look with a long kimono.

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    Put on your mid-length silk dress, then pull a long kimono on top. Leave the kimono open to give people a peek at your elegant dress. [11]
    • Throw on a pair of sunglasses and slip on a pair of mules to embrace this comfortable outfit.
    • If you want to dress this look up a little, add a statement necklace and some long earrings.
11

Rock a business casual look with an oversized blazer.

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    Put on your midi or maxi silk dress, then pair it with a boxy, oversized blazer to mimic a corporate professional. [12]
    • Tie a thin belt around the blazer to accentuate your waist and slick your hair back into a low bun for extra elegance.
    • Put your essentials into a large handbag and step into a pair of kitten heels before walking out the door in this look.
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12

Wear a trench coat for a classy look.

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    Throw on your midi-length silk dress, then layer a long trench coat on top before you head out for the day. [13]
    • Wear a pair of heeled booties and some tights if it gets cold.
    • Grab a small handbag to complete your look.
13

Transform your dress into a top with a long skirt.

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    Put on your mini silk dress, then pull on a midi or maxi length skirt on top. [14]
    • Try pairing the dress with different fabrics to create a textural contrast. For instance, you might pair your dress with a corduroy or linen skirt! [15]
    • Pair your outfit with a simple necklace and stud earrings to head out to a party.
    • Wear a pair of booties and grab a fitted jacket to complete your look.
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14

Tuck your dress into pants for a simple look.

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    Pull on your mini silk dress, then slide on a pair of skinny jeans. Tuck your dress into your pants and smooth down the lumps to look seamless. [16]
    • Wear some sneakers to stay casual, or dress it up a little with ballet flats.
    • If you want to take your outfit to work, put on a pair of slacks and add a fitted blazer on top instead.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do you wear over a satin dress?
    Susan Kim
    Professional Stylist
    Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
    Susan Kim
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Try pairing the dress with different fabrics to create a textural contrast. For instance, you might pair your dress with a corduroy or linen skirt!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I dress down a silk dress?
    Susan Kim
    Professional Stylist
    Susan Kim is the owner of Sum+Style Co., a Seattle-based personal styling company focused on innovative and approachable fashion. She has over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry, and received her AA from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
    Susan Kim
    Professional Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Throwing a belt or a fanny pack low on your waist is a great way to dress down a dress or a skirt and give it more of a street vibe.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://fmag.com/how-to-wear-silk-dress/
      2. ↑ https://fmag.com/how-to-wear-silk-dress/
      3. ↑ https://fashionmagazine.com/style/how-to-wear-silk-style-panel/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZnBqdXoY0&feature=youtu.be&t=66
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv4Fm5MgXtA&feature=youtu.be&t=12
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZnBqdXoY0&feature=youtu.be&t=93
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ns9_jjY_U0&feature=youtu.be&t=158
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ns9_jjY_U0&feature=youtu.be&t=121
      9. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv4Fm5MgXtA&feature=youtu.be&t=126
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZnBqdXoY0&feature=youtu.be&t=46
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWZnBqdXoY0&feature=youtu.be&t=152
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv4Fm5MgXtA&feature=youtu.be&t=25
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv4Fm5MgXtA&feature=youtu.be&t=197
      6. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv4Fm5MgXtA&feature=youtu.be&t=221

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