How to Style a Silk Dress

Co-authored by Susan Kim and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

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.

Silk is a very thin material, and heavy jewelry can overwhelm it. If you’re wearing your silk dress on its own, go for a simple chain necklace, a thin bangle, and some studs.^{[1]
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- 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.

2

Pair your silk dress with silk for extra elegance.

As you pick out fabrics and styles, don’t be afraid to go bold. If you have a silk cardigan or duster, put that on over your silk dress to turn heads.^{[2]
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- 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.

If you don’t want to seem ultra-fancy, dress down your look with a contrasting fabric. Cotton, wool, and linen all look great with a silk dress.^{[3]
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- 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.

4

Embrace your inner rock star with a graphic tee.

Silk can be grunge too! 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]
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- 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.

Silk dresses usually have spaghetti straps, so they aren't great for the winter. Put on a 3/4 sleeve or long sleeve shirt, then throw your midi or maxi dress on top.^{[5]
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- 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.

6

Get bold with a pair of jeans.

This is a fashion-forward look that you can rock anywhere. 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]
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- 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.

This look is perfect for those days you just can’t get out of bed. Put on your mini or midi silk dress, then throw on an oversized sweater to keep your arms warm.^{[7]
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- 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.

8

Dress it down with a jean jacket.

Silk dresses don’t have to look super fancy. Throw on your mini or midi silk dress, then add your favorite fitted denim jacket before hitting the town with your friends.^{[8]
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- 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]
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- Pair this look with some lace-up boots to add a tough contrast.

9

Go for a sporty look with a bomber jacket.

You can take your dress to the big game in this outfit. Put on your mini silk dress, then throw on a silk bomber jacket to make it match.^{[10]
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- 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.

10

Embrace the loungewear look with a long kimono.

So comfortable, you’ll feel like you’re wearing pajamas! 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]
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- 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.

This is a streetwear look that’s sure to turn heads. Put on your midi or maxi silk dress, then pair it with a boxy, oversized blazer to mimic a corporate professional.^{[12]
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- 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.

12

Wear a trench coat for a classy look.

Nothing says fashion like a floor-length coat. Throw on your midi-length silk dress, then layer a long trench coat on top before you head out for the day.^{[13]
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- 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.

Your dress is more versatile than you think! Put on your mini silk dress, then pull on a midi or maxi length skirt on top.^{[14]
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- 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]
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  Expert Interview. 30 April 2019.}
- 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.

14

Tuck your dress into pants for a simple look.

If you’re not really feeling a dress today, this one’s for you. 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]
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- 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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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!
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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.