Silk Fashion
There are many myths that detail how silk came to be, and one of my favorites came about in 3000 BC. This myth explains that the cocoon of a silk worm found its way into an Empress’s teacup. The Empress tried to remove the cocoon from her drink and noticed that the cocoon unraveled into long fibers of thread that she was able to weave into fabric, a fabric that we now refer to as silk. Silk may or may not have started from a mysterious tea incident, but we do know that silk originated in China in the Neolithic era, and made its way to areas like India, Africa, and Europe through a trading network known as the Silk Road.
Silk is a very strong natural fiber, composed of many proteins including fibroin and albumen, and it is produced from the cocoon of a silkworm. The albumen in silk can “speed up the metabolism of skin cells”. This fabric can also serve as a natural temperature regulator, meaning that “silk helps the body retain heat in cold weather while excess heat is expelled in warm weather, helping your body maintain a comfortable, natural temperature”. Overall silk has many commendable qualities, and the big question is how can we incorporate it into our wardrobes?
One of the easiest ways to wear silk is by purchasing a silk face mask! Yes you heard me right. In the midst of a global pandemic, silk face masks are not only a quality form of protection, but they are also perfect if you find that cloth masks cause irritation to your skin, maybe even in the form of maskne! Silk is hypoallergenic, extremely smooth and soft, and “unlike cotton, silk does not draw moisture away from your skin and hair, but encourages proper moisture balance”, which is great news for anyone with sensitive skin.
Aside from facemasks, if you're looking for a more bold look for the summer, check out silk midi skirts! These skirts are extremely versatile in terms of patterns. You can pair them with your favorite blouse (right now I’ve been loving the tie front crop tops and ruffle hem tops), and you can even dress down the look by pairing them with a simple graphic tee. This breathable fabric will feel amazing on your skin, and it is just what you need going into the lovely summer season.
If the facemasks and midi skirts weren’t your style, I’ve got another silk option for you. Silk scarves - a classic accessory for summer 2021. Now, you can style the scarves any way you like, and I’m going to give you plenty of options to choose from. You can fold the fabric into an adorable bandeau top, you can use it simply as a bandana in your hair, you can use it as an accent for your handbag by tying the scarf around the handle, and you can even fold the scarf and wrap it around your neck as a choker. Any of these options will have you looking your best!
Now, we’ve talked about the benefits of silk as a fabric and ways in which we can incorporate it into our wardrobes, but now it's your turn to find the best pieces for you. How are you going to be styling a silk staple this summer?
Strike Out,
Writer: Aparna Srinivasan
Nashville