How to Style Silk Tops & Honest & Unsponsored Best Buys

Silk tops are the ultimate wardrobe chameleon—they instantly elevate casual denim, add sophistication to tailored trousers, and transition effortlessly from desk to dinner with just a change of shoes. I've been styling women for over a decade, and I can confidently say that a well-cut silk top is one of the smartest investments you'll make. The fabric's natural lustre flatters every skin tone, whilst its fluidity skims the body in all the right places without clinging. Whether you're after a minimalist camisole or a statement pussy-bow blouse, there's a silk top that'll slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.

Why Silk Tops Actually Work

Let me be straight with you—silk isn't just about looking expensive (though it certainly does that). The fabric naturally regulates temperature, which means you won't overheat in meetings or freeze in air-conditioned offices. Real silk also has this incredible drape that synthetic alternatives simply can't replicate. Yes, it requires a bit more care, but hand-washing takes five minutes and the longevity makes it worthwhile. I've got silk camis from five years ago that still look pristine.

The Foolproof Styling Formula

The beauty of silk tops is their versatility, but here's how I approach styling them for maximum impact. For daytime, I tuck a silk camisole into high-waisted denim and add loafers or trainers—it's that effortless French-girl aesthetic everyone's after. If I'm heading to the office, I'll pair a silk shirt with tailored trousers and add a structured blazer for polish. The key is balancing the fluidity of silk with something more structured.

For evenings, I let the silk be the star. A simple camisole tucked into leather trousers with heeled mules is my go-to dinner outfit. Or try a silk pussy-bow blouse with cigarette trousers and courts for something more formal. The mistake I see too often is over-accessorising—silk has enough visual interest on its own, so keep jewellery minimal and let the fabric do the talking.

The Styling Scenarios You'll Actually Wear

Weekend Casual: Silk camisole with straight-leg jeans, white trainers, and a slouchy cardigan. Add a crossbody bag and you're done.

Smart Casual: Silk blouse tucked into midi skirt with ankle boots. Layer with a knitted blazer when it's chilly.

Office-Ready: Silk shirt with tailored trousers, loafers, and a structured tote. Keep the colour palette neutral for maximum versatility.

Evening Elegance: Silk camisole with wide-leg trousers and strappy heels. Throw on a tailored coat for the journey.

High Street Heroes (Where Your Money Goes Furthest)

Mango consistently delivers silk tops that punch well above their price point. Their minimalist camisoles have a beautiful weight and come in versatile colours that won't date. I've recommended their pieces to countless clients who've reported excellent longevity.

Massimo Dutti is my secret weapon for affordable silk that feels luxurious. Their silk-blend shirts have impeccable tailoring and the fabric quality rivals brands twice the price. Perfect for office wear.

COS excels at architectural, minimalist silk pieces. Their slip tops have this gorgeous drape and the cuts are incredibly flattering. Expect muted tones and timeless silhouettes.

Reiss sits at the upper end of high street but delivers polished silk pieces that look far more expensive. Their pussy-bow blouses and structured silk shirts are investment pieces that'll last for years.

Whistles offers contemporary silk tops with modern cuts. Look for their draped camisoles and relaxed silk shirts—they've mastered that effortless-but-considered aesthetic.

Jigsaw is brilliant for quality silk in interesting prints and textures. Their pieces tend to run true to size and the fabric has excellent recovery, so they maintain their shape beautifully.

M&S has genuinely upped their silk game. Their Pure Silk range offers excellent basics at unbeatable prices. Stock up on camisoles in black, white, and navy—you'll wear them constantly.

Zara is your go-to for trend-led silk pieces at accessible prices. Their satin camisoles (often silk blends) are perfect if you want to experiment with colours or styles without major investment.

Premium Picks (When You're Ready to Invest)

Equipment is the gold standard for silk shirts. Yes, they're pricey, but the quality is exceptional and they hold their value brilliantly on resale platforms. Their signature silk shirt is a genuine wardrobe staple.

Vince creates silk camisoles and blouses with the most flattering cuts I've encountered. The drape is exceptional and they're designed to skim rather than cling.

Luxury & Designer Options (For Special Occasions)

The Row produces silk pieces that are minimalist perfection. Their construction is faultless and the silk quality is sublime—these are true investment pieces.

Saint Laurent for statement silk blouses with that rock-and-roll edge. Their pussy-bow blouses and draped silk shirts are iconic for a reason.

The Independent Brands You Need to Know

Olivia von Halle might be known for pyjamas, but their silk separates are spectacular. The British brand uses the finest silk and the pieces transition beautifully from loungewear to outerwear with the right styling.

Rixo brings vintage-inspired silk pieces with personality. Their printed silk blouses and camisoles are conversation starters and the brand has a loyal following for good reason—the quality is excellent and sizing is inclusive.

My Honest Styling Tips

Always size up if you're between sizes—silk shouldn't pull across the bust or gape at buttons. Invest in a good strapless bra or silk camisole to wear underneath if you're concerned about sheerness (lighter colours especially). And please, ignore the dry-clean-only labels on most silk—hand-washing in cool water with gentle detergent is perfectly fine and will save you a fortune.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar

Here's the thing about silk tops—sizing varies wildly between brands. What's a size 10 in Mango might be a 12 in Reiss, and don't even get me started on designer sizing. This is exactly why I recommend Tellar.co.uk—it's the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly.

Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or simply input your existing size in a brand you know fits well
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—COS, Reiss, Equipment, Rixo, and more
Always free, no downloads needed—it works straight in your browser

I genuinely wish this existed when I started out as a stylist. The time I've spent comparing size guides would've been better spent actually styling. Tellar also has a Fashion Hub library stacked with free posts from experienced stylists like myself. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free.

Helpful Tellar Resources:

Trust me, once you've used Tellar for sizing, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. No more ordering three sizes and returning two, no more squinting at confusing size charts. Just accurate sizing, every single time.

Remember, the best silk top is the one you'll actually wear. Start with a classic camisole in black or ivory, then build from there. Your wardrobe will thank you.