Yep, it’s this black silk tee dress. It’s got a bit of a minimalist boho vibe here in this outfit, paired with my knit vest and clogs. But it’s done so much more — it’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it.
For example, a few weekends ago, I was getting ready to go to a dear friend’s wedding. I keep a small rotation of fancy outfits on hand for weddings and special occasions, but I haven’t needed them much in the past year or so. I should have seen it coming, but when I went to get dressed for the wedding, two of the three dresses no longer fit.
Uh oh.
The dress that still fit was a little too fancy, and time was ticking — I had about 45 minutes until I needed to leave for the wedding.
So what did I turn to? This dress. I paired it with a statement necklace, some nude heels and a little clutch.
And you know what? It worked like a charm. It’s basic, but it still got a ton of compliments.
Then just recently, I wore it with flip flops and a straw hat to run errands. I ended up stopping by my parent’s house, which turned into playing around in the backyard with my nieces and nephews.
And you know what? It worked like a charm then too. I mean, I might not recommend running around outside and sweating profusely in it all the time, but it worked.
What about washing it, you ask?
It’s silk, which often means dry clean only. But I usually ignore dry clean only labels — although it’s best to test wash a tiny spot before ignoring that label completely.
Instead, I either steam it with my travel steamer or hand wash it with this gentle soap. There are a few tricks to washing silk by hand, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. Here are some great instructions on how to hand wash silk.
I’m curious, what’s the most versatile piece you’ve found in your closet? I’m all about finding those flexible pieces so I’d love to hear about it! Do you have anything you can dress up for an evening event and dress down for the daytime too?
• • •
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01 / Dress gifted by Everlane (made responsibly, almost sold out, but I bet they’ll restock) | Almost the exact same dress here (made in the USA) | Similar tank version and long sleeve version (both made responsibly)
02 / Vest (old) | similar | similar fringe version
03 / Clogs gifted by BRYR (handmade to order in USA) | similar for less
04 / Bracelet by Moulton (handmade in USA)
xo
This dress looks amazing on you. I could see this being a staple in my closet. I love pieces that are versatile!
http://www.thebeautydojo.com
Andrea, thank you! Versatility is a must with a smaller wardrobe :) xo, Caroline
I feel as though I wouldn’t be able to wear a dress like that because I have a larger bust.. I tend to loose any shape in dresses like this. I’m also taller (5’9) and I’m nervous the front would come up too short on me. Thoughts??
I love shirt dress and how it can be both worn as a shirt or a dress :)
And thanks for the tips on how to clean silk pieces. Dry clean can get really expensive!
Kasey, no problem! Just looking out for you guys ;) xo, Caroline
I have a simple black dress like this one, except mine is a machine washable rayon knit. I wear it with a stone open-weave cardigan or a cropped denim jacket.
Hey Carol, sounds cute! :) xo, Caroline
I recently donated my only silk dress, tags still on it, because every time I tried it on the static cling was so bad that it was unwearable. How do you combat that?
Hi Laura! I’m sorry to hear that! When I battle static cling, I either use a spray like Static Guard (http://bit.ly/2cUqYVd) or rub a dryer sheet along the inside of the dress. That seems to help :) xo, Caroline
Silk has similar structure to your hair, so you can wash it with shampoo, and conditioner stops static, just like it does with your hair.
Millie, smart idea! Thanks for sharing :) xo, Caroline
Hello Laura, wearing a slip helps, or the other random thing I do is moisturise my hands then rub them over the slip/under the dress (not sure how to put that without sounding mad), works though!
Hi, do you wear a slip under this dress? I purchased it but found the material to be see through. Thanks!
Hey Marian, no I don’t wear a slip. Someone else mentioned they thought it was too sheer also, but I haven’t had a problem. :) xo, Caroline
Vintage ’60s wool jackets are definitely among my most worn and most versatile items of clothing. I have a few in various colours, all with slightly different features – texture, buttons, pockets, body length, sleeve length, etc – that make them interesting and distinctive. I wear them with everything: dresses, skirts, jeans, cropped tailored trousers. They’re neither too casual nor too fancy so they work in pretty much any outfit and setting, formal or informal. They never detract from other statement pieces if I want to wear them but equally the tailored cut add a bit of something to a very casual, plain outfit. The only weather they don’t work well in is our freezing Scottish winters, but in spring, summer and autumn they’re perfect. The one I’ve got the most use out of is a dark green with large-ish gold rimmed buttons. When I bought it (10 years ago?) I had no idea it would be such a staple, and it taught me that slightly surprising colours can work as a neutral backdrop.
Clare, that jacket sounds to die for! :) xo, Caroline
I hand wash my silk garments too, other wise i would be at the dry cleaners all the time!
thanks for the tips. Cute outfit!
I bought this dress in navy when you linked to it a few weeks back. I normally only buy fit and flare style dresses due to my body shape but had to try it. Instant love. So much so, in fact, that I stalked the link, and – huzzah! black came back in my size, but just a few! so I just received that one in the mail as well. I try to stick with only natural fabrics and a breezy silk dress like this is JUST PERFECT for Texas summers! (and falls … and springs…)
THANK YOU!
Your blog is such an inspiration to me.
Aw Elizabeth! That’s so sweet. And I’m so glad you love the dress! :) xo, Caroline
I absolutely love this, I am going to try and find one just the same. I too have often ignored dry clean labels for silks, I find if I had wash with a mild detergent they are just fine.
I love your blog… Being in Australia it is a shame I can’t purchase this dress! Oh well inspiration to find a similar style available here. Xo
I am also in Australia and have come across this silk tee dress by Grana, who seem to have a similar philosophy to Everlane but are based and ship from Hong Kong. Worth a look! https://www.grana.com/silk-tee-dress.html?size=203&color=383
Bree, yes! I’ve been hearing a lot about Grana. Excited to check them out. :) xo, Caroline
Any suggestions for where to find a dress like this? I can’t seem to find one anywhere and I’m desperately searching for one to wear to a wedding this weekend. So beautiful!
Hi Jessi! Well, depending on your budget, I thought this one was simple and pretty: http://bit.ly/2aNIwjN. Or if you have an American Apparel close to you, they have some really affordable options like this one: http://bit.ly/2aX91qR. While I find their dresses to be a little too short sometimes, you might find something that works! Good luck :) xo, Caroline
I just saw your reply! Thank you so much! I ended up ordering the Everlane one in Navy and I love it (though still need a black dress, oops!) Thank you for the suggestions. <3
Here is a very similar dress (in a heavier ply silk) from Cuyana: https://www.cuyana.com/silk-tee-dress.html#black
Thanks for sharing Christy! xo, Caroline
shirt dresses really are versatile! i have a cheap charcoal one from h&m i usually wear it when i’m too lazy to choose my outfit then i just spruce it up with accessories. love how yours look with those clogs!
Looks like the link to this dress on Everlane isn’t working – is that because it’s sold out? Bummer, because it looks like exactly what I’ve been looking for!
Hey Allyson, yes unfortunately it looks like the dress is sold out. But they do have a great Silk Tank Dress here: http://bit.ly/2b165qd. I think it would be equally as versatile. I’ve also heard great things about their new Japanese Go-Weave fabrics: http://bit.ly/2aPixf0. Or perhaps the Linen Dolman Dress (http://bit.ly/2aPi0tC} since the drape looks very similarly to mine. Hope you find one that you like! :) xo, Caroline
This dress is so beautiful, and I can imagine it’s very versatile! I also love the vest you have it paired with here…I’m thinking about finding a vest for my fall capsule wardrobe! :)
Thanks for sharing your beautiful style, Caroline!
-Lauren
http://www.chic-ethique.com/
Hi Lauren, yes! A vest is such an easy way to spruce up an outfit in summer or fall :) xo, Caroline
I have a dress very similar to this one from Cuyana in black heavy weight silk. I recommend giving it a try if the one from Everlane is sold out. I have a black silk tank from Everlane that I love too! I find that I tend to stick with dark colors when I buy silk because I’m always worried that I will stain lighter colors (I’m a red wine drinker) ;) Love the look on you, Caroline! You’ve convinced me to get a pair of clogs for my next purchase!
Hi Caroline and all.
Not sure if you are aware of the company/site Grana but they operate on a similar model as Everlane and have a very similar dress!
See here: https://www.grana.com/silk-tee-dress.html?size=203&color=383
xo
I have a black cotton, very basic, T-shirt dress that I wear all the time and it works for everything. Just as well since its the only dress I currently have in my wardrobe! I might have to re-dye it at some point though to make it all nice and new-looking again.
I love this dress. It reminds me of Sotela’s new line of dresses, too :)
-Marie
http://www.marietheresebatt.com
I can see the potential of this dress!
I have a black linen dress that is very versatile. It is as simple as switching flats for heels, and it completely changes its vibe. It’s black, so it doesn’t show wrinkles.
I wash linen and silk by hand too – actually, never dry cleaned them. The secret is cold water and delicate handling. It works like a charm, I have silk nightgowns which have lasted for years!
I love this dress! I’ve been thinking of getting a silk tee for the same reason – it just seems like something you could easily dress up or down, and the t-shirt shape makes silk seem less fancy. The only reason I haven’t gone for it is the issue of cleaning, but I might pick up one and try hand washing now :)
I have the same dress from Everlane and I have to agree with you! It’s so easy to dress up and down. Definitely a very hard working piece :)
Such a nice dress to wear. I’ve been looking for one with that cut for a long time now. I haven’t found a print that I like yet. All black seems like a great idea though, very versatile and elegant.
Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com
So pretty and effortless !
Just want to say you have the best.blog.ever!!!! I’m not really a blog reading kind of gal but I so look forward to your post and style! So much inspiration!
Hi Caroline!
Just curious, do you also hand wash your JCrew white silk tank (the one you’re wearing here: http://www.un-fancy.com/outfits/summer-outfits/summer-pt-2/)?
I have the same top and while I love it, I choose it less often since I have always dry cleaned it! Would love to know if hand washing might be a possibility for this item.
Thanks so much!
Lindsay
I have always hand washes my silk. Cold water, delicate soap and delicate handling should do it. I also iron it on low.
i’d love to see the different ways you’ve styled it. :) ox
Probably my black skinny jeans. I love them because with a cute top and statement jewelry they look dressy, but can be casual with sandals and a tank. I just feel more pulled together when I wear them.
Five years ago I bought a cotton-made striped button-down for breastfeeding. Now I wear it almost every season for different occasations: paired with a jeans for the playground, with a bikini at the beach or under a blazer for formal appointments. Its a little bit oversized, so I could wear it during my second pregnancy, too.
Hi Caroline!
Can you share how Everlane sizing compares to JCrew, or a similar retailer? I love their rompers and dresses, and just want a better idea of fitting before I press yes. Thank you! Love your blog. Sue
Hi Susan! Everlane’s sizing can seem a bit tricky at times. Basically, I have found if the item is described as “fitted”, it runs a little small. If it is described as a “relaxed fit”, it runs a little big — you may even be able to size down. The pants seem to fit true to size. And just a note: I have found their customer service to be very helpful, and if you have specific questions about fit, you can email them. They’re cool! :) xo, Caroline
I wash my everlane silk in a delicates bag in the washer with normal detergent. Then I iron on steam setting. It works fine, and I’ve successfully laundered several pieces this way for going on 2+ years. It’s even more low maintenance than hand washing.
Wow, amazing! Thanks for sharing Caroline!
Amazing outfit.
The dress is perfectly fot you and your shapes.
You’re so gorgeous.
Thanks a lot for sharing and inspiring us.
Consulenza di immagine
Consulente bellezza
Cheers
I absolutely love this dress and can see it being a great closet staple. I saw it in an Instagram photo of yours and since then have been dreaming up a version of it in rayon or linen since silk can be finicky. The style seems simple enough that creating a pattern shouldn’t be too hard!
Brooke, that would be an awesome project! With these simple, flowy pieces, I often find myself wishing I could sew! Haha :) xo, Caroline
Wearing clothes that are durable and utilitarian simplifies life.
dat vest! I’ve been peeping on it since it first showed up in your capsules and can’t find anything similar that I like! Thanks for the links to similar pieces, will keep looking.
I got spoiled this spring when I found your exact green JCrew vest (the utility one) at Buffalo Exchange in Austin. Damn right I bought it! I only feel like a copycat/creeper about half the time when I’m wearing it…
Cate, haha! What a lucky find though. It’s ok if we’re twinsies :) xo, Caroline
Nothing beats a black dress! best piece ever! <3
Dear Caroline,
I loved that dress from the very first time I saw it on your Blog. Just wondering: Doesn’t silk tend to wrinkle a lot? Because that was the reason that kept me from buying it.
I also can imagine wearing it in winter with a heavy knit knee length cardigan + pistol boots.
Still love your blog!
Aylin
Hi Aylin, It did wrinkle a lot at first, but the longer I’ve had it, the less it wrinkles. I’m not exactly sure why or how, but I wore it out the other day and noticed that it was barely holding a wrinkle — even in the car with a seatbelt on. So, strangely enough, it seems to get better with time. Or maybe it’s the heat! :) xo, Caroline
My most versatile piece…hmmm. It’s not exactly an item of clothing, but I think the silk scarf my mother-in-law brought back from Paris would have to be it. I can wear it equally well to fancy events as a shawl or with blue jeans and my winter coat to keep my neck cozy.
I’ve always dry clean my silk items and it costs a fortune. Lovely to get a few tips on how to deal with this material in an economical way.
Caroline,
I have a piece that I love to wear all the time. I can dress it up for work or dress it down when I am running errands. The only thing is that I found 2 holes on it and one it them is a little biger than the other. I don’t know what I should do bc I really love this dress and I don’t want to throw it out but I don’t know what to do to preserve it for a little longer. Do u have any suggestions or ideas?
Hey Denise, I would definitely take it to a tailor to see if there’s anything they can do! Good luck :) xo, Caroline