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    23 Silk Dresses For Anyone Wanting To Look Effortlessly Elegant

    Yes, it's possible to look luxurious and feel comfortable at the same time.

    1. A faux wrap silk bustier dress in a striking hot pink that'll even have Barbie calling you up to ask to borrow it.

    Model wearing mini hot pink bustier dress with sweetheart neckline, back view of model in product with zip closure
    Nordstrom

    Make sure to have this dry cleaned to avoid any unwanted damage to the material.

    Promising review: "I think everyone needs this dress in their closet! Extremely nice neckline, the back has the little bit of give, and puckered fabric if you’re worried about the bra line showing. However, I didn’t feel a bra was necessary with the bustier style." —AustiAng

    Get it from Nordstrom for $218 (available in sizes 0–12).

    Psst — we've also got these rose gold dresses to add to your pink collection.

    2. A silk shirtdress serving business while you enjoy the pleasure of its smooth and *not* scratchy feel on your skin (yeah, we're looking at you dress pants).

    Model wearing knee-length button down high-low silk shirt dress with collar and black ankle booties
    Bloomingdale's

    For the best clean, it should be hand washed without any twisting or rubbing. The material also comes with no stretch.

    Promising review: "Very comfortable fabric that skims the body and the hemline is around knee length." —Margrett 

    Get it from Bloomingdale's for $325 (available in sizes XS–L).

    3. A stretchy silk dress featuring a ruffled neckline for a more ~elevated~ peasant look that will have convinced you need to go pick wildflowers to build your handmade flower crown with, of course.

    Model in a white sleeveless silk dress with a ruffled square neckline decorated with purple flowers and paired with white lace up sandals, close up of model wearing product in navy blue with red small flowers decorating it
    J Crew

    And it's machine washable!

    Promising review: "This dress is sweet and sexy, making it perfect for spring! The only thing I would mention is that the ‘pale cloud’ color is a light sky blue. Nonetheless, the blue is beautiful! The material is substantial, sensual, and the fit is spot on. Highly recommend!" —Heather

    Get it from J.Crew for $104.99+ (originally $248; available in sizes 00–24 and two colors).

    4. A cami midi Madewell silk dress that'll have you hitting up the group chat to schedule brunch plans JUST so you have an excuse to show this lil number off.

    Orange maxi silk dress with ruched waist and scoop neckline with tie on a white background, model showing back view of dress with spaghetti straps
    Madewell

    Features an elastic waist and should be hand washed only.

    Promising review: "Loved the simplicity of this dress and in person it did not disappoint. Since it's silk, it's incredibly light which is ideal living in Southern California heat. The fabric also has a slight sheen to it and fit very comfortably." —Diparbar

    Get it from Madewell for $151.99 (originally $198; available in sizes XXS–XXL).

    If you're a fan of this look at these dresses that deserve an award.

    5. A scoop ruffle hemline silk dress featuring a skirt *so* flowy your friends are going to have to hold you back it'll be THAT hard to resist giving it a twirl (or five).

    Video of model moving side to side in midi length light blue silk dress with white spots and a ruffle scoop neckline
    Model showing back view of product with scoop ruffle back and black small heels in front of white wall
    Theory

    Comes in a calf grazing length with a high-low hemline.

    Promising review: "Gorgeous dress for my Mother-of-the-Bride moment! Spotted this whilst on a trip to New York and knew instantly that it would be great for the above occasion. The color and silk fabric is exquisite and the style is super simple, but has great impact. It could be dressed down with wedges and dressed up with heels. All in all, I am delighted to have found this dress, which will take me from daytime to evening with ease." —janice s.

    Get it from Theory for $142.20 (originally $395; available in sizes 00–12).

    6. An empire waist silk dress with lonnnng arm straps that only add to the sheer etherealness of this gown. Once you slip it on, it'll have you looking like you've been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale.

    Model showing side view of silk tiered gown with tie strap sleeves, four models showing front view of product in yellow, peach, purple, and dark green with sweetheart necklines
    Perrin and Co

    Perrin and Co. is a woman-owned small shop on Etsy that hand makes custom dresses that fit perfectly to you.

    Promising review: "I got this dress in sage green and it is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever put on! I feel like a fairy princess. I went with the custom fit and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, it's the most beautiful dress I’ve ever owned, and the way it makes me feel is unmatched! Do yourself a kindness and order." —Elizabeth

    Get it from Perrin and Co. on Etsy for $160+ (available in sizes XS–4XL or custom sizing, and 30 colors).

    7. A cap-sleeve silk dress so you can serve '90s chicness that's ~so fetch~ even if it's just for a quick coffee run with that friend visiting from out of town.

    Model wearing dark green cap sleeve silk dress with floral pattern and a deep V-neckline paired with black high boots, close up of model wearing product in light green with ruffled reverse V underneath the neckline
    Reformation

    For the best care this dress should be dry cleaned only. It's also bra friendly! So you can wear it without worrying if the straps will show.

    Get it from Reformation for $278 (available in sizes 0–12 and four colors).

    Don't forget to add some sage green dresses to your closet too!

    8. A washable silk dress meaning you can completely avoid those unwanted dry cleaner fees OR the burden of having to hand wash it yourself.

    Model wearing navy blue V-neck silk midi dress with white tennis sneakers, model showing side view of product in red with black flats on
    Quince

    The material doesn't have much stretch so for a more form fitting fit get your normal size.

    I have this in the navy blue and try to find any excuse to wear it out, it's so fun to wear. Normally I'm nervous about owning 100% silk things because I don't want to accidentally ruin it, but with this I can relax over spilling my coffee since it can just go in the washer. I love how lightweight the material is, especially in this summer heat! It keeps me cool while giving a nice elegant touch to my outfit whether I'm sporting it in with a denim jacket or a my fave heels.

    Promising review: "This dress is so beautiful, simple, and elegant. The quality is incredible — it's obviously made with very high quality silk and feels so luxurious. Will be buying more colors, and the silk skirts." —Emily K.

    Get it from Quince for $79.90 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors).

    9. A pullover maxi silk dress for anyone looking to live out their rom-com dreams — ya know, when the love interest comes to pick you up for that fancy ball and you wow them as you ~slowly~ descend the staircase.

    Model wearing floor length white silk dress with spaghetti straps and a V-neck paired with white sandals on a white background, model wearing product in black with diagonal stitching across bottom half of the dress
    Saks Fifth Avenue

    Make sure to have this dry cleaned to keep it in best shape.

    Promising review: "I'm beyond obsessed with this dress. It is the most dreamy dress I've ever worn, and I will be finding excuses to wear this dress the rest of my life. The silk is of incredible quality, so airy." —shannon w.

    Get it from Saks Fifth Avenue for $595 (available in sizes 0–18 and four colors).

    10. A pleated silk dress you'll deem your go-to ~fancy event~ outfit as it's elegant enough to go from the office to your sister's rehearsal dinner — so you avoid doing a not so graceful bathroom quick-change. 

    Model wearing knee-length teal sleeveless silk dress with a pleated crewneck and tiny slit at the bottom
    Ravella

    Made from 100% mulberry silk that's machine washable.

    Promising review: "I wore this emerald dress to my cousin's wedding and got tons of compliments. I felt so fancy and luxurious. The cut is gorgeous, classy, and just the right amount of sexy. I loved the elastic waist that expands as needed and kept me feeling comfortable throughout the night — a girl's gotta eat at a good party!" —Camille L.

    Get it from Ravella for $375 (available in sizes XS–XL).

    11. A cowl neck silk dress accessory collectors will appreciate (especially around wedding season) as the plain yet ~luxurious~ pattern allows you to test out an endless combination of earrings, necklaces, belts, etc.

    Models wearing cowl neckline spaghetti strap silk midi dress in light blue, black, and red, with side slit and black heels
    Lilysilk

    Features a side slit and adjustable straps you can personalize to fit how you want.

    Promising review: "The quality is amazing, it gives the illusion of curves, and the silk is so soft and pretty." —Claudia T.

    Get it from Lilysilk for $129 (available in sizes 2–12 and four colors).

    12. '60s-inspired silk dress *so* lightweight it'll honestly feel like you're not wearing anything — don't be surprised if you find yourself double-checking to make sure you didn't walk out of the house in your birthday suit.

    Reviewer wearing short orange silk dress with cowl neckline, layered gold necklaces, and a white long sleep button down in front of stairs
    Video of model wearing product and walking showing front view of spaghetti straps and a square back
    Rylee Johnston/Buzzfeed, Anaphe

    Anaphe is a small shop based in Hong Kong that aims to provide luxury clothing for less using sustainable materials. The material is also 100% machine washable for an easier clean.

    This is by far the SOFTEST material I've ever touched, I could literally just rub my face on it. I have never worn a slip dress before and was nervous it'd look like a sack on me, but after ~slipping~ this on for some drinks with a friend, I'm forever sold on the look. I also love how the dress drapes so elegantly and you can fix the neckline to be more of a sweetheart look or a scoop — so versatile. If you want a dress that'll add luxurious pop to your outfit, this is a must.  

    Promising review: "Sexy and cool to wear in these hot summer days." —D Mak

    Get it from Anaphe for $182 (available in sizes XS–L).

    13. A versatile mini silk dress you'll never want to take off — no, but actually. It's SO soft, your biker shorts are going to be staring at you longingly from your dresser while you throw this on, yet again, to run errands.

    Three mini spaghetti strap silk dresses in brown, purple, and cream with square neckline handing on hangers
    Nice Silk Fabric/Etsy

    Nice Silk Fabric is a small shop on Etsy that specializes in producing silk clothing and undergarments.

    Promising review: "I absolutely LOVE this dress, it's so soft and fits like a glove." —Kata

    Get it from Nice Silk Fabric on Etsy for $39.98 (available in sizes M–L and 25 colors).

    14. A gathered silk dress featuring a soft ~dreamy~ material you can look fabulous and comfortable in all day long.

    Model wearing mini black, white and green floral dress with cinched tied waist and cuffed balloon sleeves, paired with black heels
    Video of model in product showing flowiness of skirt against a white wall
    Theory

    Can be dry cleaned only and cool ironed on low when needed.

    Promising review: "This may be my spring/summer go-to dress. It's dressy enough for a first communion and casual enough for a graduation dinner, and work. I like that it has long sleeves so I don’t have worry about what to wear on top when it’s chilly." —Marja L.

    Get it from Theory for $142.20 (originally $395; available in sizes P–XL).

    15. A J.Crew silk slip dress your other dresses with be sighing with envy over for how easy it is to pair with your sweaters, T-shirts, and belts, making it an all-season winner in our books.

    Model wearing maxi light green silk dress with spaghetti straps and nude heels, model showing back view of straight cut dress with black bucket wicker purse
    J Crew

    Promising review: "Never thought I could pull off a slip dress, but this dress fits like it was made for me. Buy the size according to your bust measurements and the dress will expand to accommodate your hips. It's light and breezy, and perfect for hot humid days while still letting you feel cute. " —Helen

    Get it from J.Crew for $97.90+ (originally $128; available in petit and tall lengths from sizes 00–24 and six colors).

    16. A detailed rosette silk dress giving off such dark and sultry vibes, we don't blame you for trying to sneak in as many pics of this fit while you ~casually~ stroll through the park.

    Model wearing black scoop neck midi silk dress with rose detailings on the side and spaghetti straps, model showing side view of product with ties flowing to the ground
    KES NYC

    KES NYC is a small woman-owned shop that specializes in offering silk set, slip dresses, and face masks. Features adjustable straps and 100% silk material that should be dry cleaned only.

    Get it from KES NYC for $425 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and two colors).