I love the luxurious look and feel of silk and satin and weave it into my day-to-day looks. Slip dresses have reached wardrobe-staple status – I wear them with a top under or knit over for day, then solo and slinky for evenings. For work, a sleek shirt makes me feel like I’m in Succession (just minus running a billion-dollar media empire). And recently, I’ve bought a silky patterned co-ord that I can’t wait to pull out for warm evenings on an upcoming trip to Sicily.
What do these have in common? Despite being ‘luxury’ pieces, they’re all washable in the machine. When shopping, if I see those dreaded three words, ‘dry-clean only’, or the equally tedious ‘hand-wash only’, it’s a no. With the former, the cost just isn’t worth it and the latter is a faff, frankly, that I never quite get around to, which means the pieces just pile up on top of my wash basket with the cost-per-wear rising with every day.
Machine-washable silk staples: editor's picks
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I know I’m being cautious: my mum puts everything in the machine, including silk. But I’ve had too many bad experiences to risk it – I’m still fuming about the time I shrank my go-to black slip dress, taking it from a chic midi length to an unflattering mid-calf hemline. Plus my lack of care meant it pilled slightly, taking the sheen off wearing it (quite literally).
I’m trying to buy less, buy better, which sometimes means spending a bit more to get items made from natural fabrics or more-planet friendly materials. So to ensure things last from season-to-season, I look for easy-care, classic pieces (and now am much more careful about following all the instructions). Expect to pay more for 100% silk but there are some great-quality silk lookalikes on the high street. I’ve picked my go-to brands below and some highlights from their collections.
M&S: Best for 100% silk tops
If it’s elevated basics you’re after, try M&S Autograph. It has a range of 100% sandwashed silk – giving a softer, almost suede-like finish – in black and ivory. There are shirts and my favourite, a short-sleeved top with a relaxed fit and a ribbed neckline. I’m pairing mine with wide-leg trousers and a blazer for that ‘quiet luxury’ vibe. You can wash these on 40 degrees (make sure it’s on a delicate setting) and they come in M&S’s usual impressive size range: 6-24.
Honorary mention to in-house brand Jaeger, which has a 100% silk co-ord in monochrome houndstooth in its latest collection . The wide-leg trousers are technically supposed to be ankle-grazer length but on me (5”1) they’re more full-length.
Arket: Best for 100% silk coords (or luxe PJs!)
Technically PJs, but also listed as elevated staples, Arket’s silk trousers and tops (there are shirts, camis and tanks) work on their own or as a luxe co-ord. They come in four shades: white, a light beige, black and Barbiecore pink. While I debate whether I actually need another co-ord (I mean, I definitely don’t) I might get a cami or tank for those jeans-and-a-nice-top occasions.
Ghost: Best for slip skirts and dresses
Okay, so Ghost’s slip skirts are actually ‘eco-satin’ – a machine-washable viscose with a lower carbon footprint than is standard and made using less water – but they look much more expensive than the price tag. Fashion editor Krissy is a fan of the midi Luna; cut on the bias and that dream combo of form-fitting yet fluid so it’s really flattering. It comes in nine shades, I’d go for the darker tones and neutrals for maximum versatility. On off-duty days, team with trainers and a tee, but then with a matching cami and heels for a more dressed-up vibe. If you’re after a slip dress, try the Palm, which comes in even more colours. There are also gorge co-ords in the same fabric.
AllSaints: Best for slip dresses with a side split
For me, slip dresses with side splits deserve their own subheading as they can be hard to find. I like that a slit on a bias-cut dress gives that bit more movement and feels flattering over my hips. My sweet spot is a knee-high rather than a thigh-high situation, so AllSaints’ Hadley dress is my dream frock. I have the black version and I wear it at least twice a week. Made from a recycled polyester blend with a tiny bit of stretch, it’s so comfy but also subtly sexy. The cowl neckline nails the 90s aesthetic but the fabric makes it look a hundred times more luxe than any slips teenage me wore back in the day. It also comes in ivory or red and for this season, a statement print, with a cami in the same material.
Best of the rest
Nobody’s Child
This is a great-value slip dress from Nobody’s Child, made from an eco-viscose blend. It comes in green and chocolate and there are camis too.
Reiss
I love that this one comes in regular and petite, sizes 4-18. It’s expensive, yes, but will do well for cost-per-wear and is easy to care for. I think the ‘Champagne’ colour will fit seamlessly into a tonal work wardrobe. Size up to keep things looking sleek (gaping buttons are not the one).
Everlane
Everlane shouts about its durable washable silk and this comes in four tones. I reckon the ‘burnt sugar’ shade is very Shiv Roy. This one is thicker than some and can even go in the tumble dryer (on low, mind).
Jigsaw
After something slinkier? Jigsaw’s silk shirt is slightly sheer, so wear with a cami underneath for work or without for when you’re off duty. Be sure to wash on a cool, delicate cycle.
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