A Silk Printed Top Will Be the Most Versatile Piece in Your Wardrobe

Lady in silk shirt — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Welcome to The Essentials, our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.

If you're trying to impress your co-workers in an important Zoom meeting or you're reinvigorating your romantic life via a socially-distanced FaceTime date, a silk printed top is an elegant solution to appear polished, (from the waist up). If you care to change out of stretch pants, the mix-and-match pairing options are virtually endless. A feminine floral button-down can hold its own with a tailored suit, a pair of baggy tomboy jeans, or your floaty vintage maxi skirt. Lightweight enough for dreaded summer heat waves, the versatility of a silk printed top will give even your trusty white button-down some hefty competition. Go for an iconic '70s print, find a sheer version to pair with your arsenal of bralettes, or invest in a designer piece adorned with a signature print. Ahead, we've got 10 options to shop now.

1. Caroline Constas Printed Silk Top

Pair this poet-sleeve silk top with a some high-waisted white jeans or a multi-tiered maxi skirt. Compliment the V-neckline with layered gold necklaces, and slip on an easy minimalist sandal for romantic, slightly bohemian vibes.

2. RIXO Printed Silk Blouse

A silky fabric elevates the bandana print, so you can sport this bow blouse alongside a suit. It easily pairs with denim shorts and low-rise sneakers too.

3. Veronica Beard Striped Blouse

A perfect pinstripe top is a wardrobe must-have, but consider trading your starchy cotton button-downs for this silky, puff-shoulder rendition.

4. Gucci Silk Twill Shirt

This statement silk top showcases Gucci's iconic floral prints and heritage stripes. Consider this an investment piece that can be worn buttoned up as a shirt or worn open, over a T-shirt, like a jacket.

5. FRAME Floral Silk Blouse

This short-sleeve cropped blouse will be your future vacay wardrobe MVP. Style it unbuttoned over a bodysuit and biker shorts for any and all activities.

6. Marc Jacobs The Silk shirt

Pair this blue floral print top with a gaucho pant and blazer for the boardroom. For nighttime—ditch the blazer, throw on a pair of stilettos, and roll up the sleeves.

7. ZARA Zebra Print Top

Wear this zebra printed silk top with a pair of khaki Bermuda shorts when you're in the mood for adventure. It's still acceptable if you're limited to exploration in your own backyard.

8. Dolce & Gabbana Silk Organza Blouse

This lightweight silk blouse will complement a pencil skirt, tucked in, with a hardware or logo belt. For days off, style it with a bralette and boyfriend jeans.

9. ARIAS Print Silk Blouse

This retro printed blouse will give life to your grey wool skirt suit. Throw on your favorite hoop earrings and don a chain strap cell phone carrying case to spice up your 9 to 5.

10. Tory Burch Striped Silk Shirt

Sport this neutral silk stripe shirt with the matching pants for a pajama ensemble you can get away with in public.

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she has worked in various roles to ensure the brand's fashion content continues to inform, inspire, and shape the conversation around fashion's ever-evolving landscape. A Missouri School of Journalism graduate, she previously held fashion posts at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and covered style and travel for Equinox’s Furthermore blog. Over a decade in the industry, she’s guided shoots with top photographers and stylists from concept to cover. Based in NYC, Sara spends off-duty hours running, browsing the farmer's market, making a roast chicken, and hanging with her husband, dog, and cat. Find her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.