How To Wear Gorgeous Silk All Summer Long

The summer heat is no joke. And while we love dining al fresco, sitting poolside, and going on weekend trips, you sometimes can't beat the heat. Thankfully, wearing silk in the summer is a thing, so you don't have to feel super stuffy while stranded on a subway car with broken air conditioning. Yup, this has happened to me, on my way to a job interview. It wasn't cute.

For about 75 percent of the year, I'm frigid. I'm constantly trying to find a way to warm up, meaning I've got a blanket, scarf, sweater, and flannel on my chair at work. In the winter, I've got a black parka that reaches my ankles. I wear shearling-lined boots, and I don't think I take my hat off, ever. So, like any other cold-blooded person, I love the summer heat. As soon as I get the opportunity to bare some skin, I take it immediately. Spring and summer is when I flourish.

But if you've ever lived in New York City in the summer, it's not all cute festival looks. Those three blocks to the subway feel like you're walking through the Sahara. Think you're safe in the subway with an air conditioner? Nope, not when it's filled side to side with people who have been sweating, too. L.A., you may have the traffic, but New York city has the subway B.O. Remind me again why I live here?

Thanks to breathable fabrics, like linen, cotton, and most especially silk, New York City is almost bearable. Almost. But what's the best way to wear silk, since it practically looks like you're about to hit the hay every time you put it on? Easy. Make sure it's feminine, polished, and paired with more structured pieces.

1. The Classic White Blouse

Theory Silk Blouse, $108, Net-a-Porter

With a lariat necklace, this beauty looks amazing in pencil skirts.

2. A Sexy Cutout

Haute Hippie Sleeveless Silk Keyhole Blouse, $78, Nieman Marcus

You'll need this little breeze, trust me.

3. The Cap Sleeve

Vince Cap Sleeve Silk Popover Blouse, $159, Vince

This is how you wear black in the summer.

4. The T-Shirt Dress

Missguided Plus Size Silk Contrast Oversized T-Shirt Dress, $10, Missguided

Love how these are styled with furry shoes.

5. The Pop Of Color

Veronica Beard Sleeveless Silk Pintuck Blouse, $138, Nieman Marcus

Consider me obsessed with this color.

6. The Minimalist

Silk Georgette Crepe, $119, E ileen Fisher

I love how this is styled.

7. Classic Trousers

Joie Julietta D Silk Pants, $97, Nieman Marcus

If you must wear pants, silk are the way to go.

8. The Maxi Dress

Apricot Floral Print Silk Maxi Dress, $42, Vip Me

One word: Love.

9. The Button Front Skirt

Silk Island Button-Front Skirt, $98, Madewell

Love this with a sleeveless turtleneck.

10. The Beautiful Print

Bardot Moroccan Tile Skirt, $111, Revolve

What's chicer than this?

11. The Standout Dress

J.Crew Sleeveless Silk Dress, $119, J Crew

Easy and breezy.

12. The LBD

Rory Beca Double Strap Silk Dress, $112, Shopbop

I'm feeling colder just looking at this.

13. The Striped Beauty

Samsoe & Samsoe Tuersen Mini Skirt in Stripe, $51, Asos

With platform sandals? Killer.

14. The White Tank

Joie Acrux B Tank, $90, Revolve

This top will literally go with anything.

15. The Off The Shoulder

Amanda Uprichard Kiara Top, $111, Shopbop

Love the color of this one.

16. The Button Up Dress

Equipment Slim Signature Silk Shirtdress, $154, Nordstrom

So effortlessly chic.

17. Silk Shorts

David Lerner Silk Shorts With Lace Scallop, $120, Shopbop

These just look super comfy.

Are you ready for the sticky temps yet? Luckily, you've got a few days before it gets unbearable. Get your linen and silk on ASAP!

Images: Courtesy of Brands