5 niche brands for natural fiber obsessives 🧶
got silk?
Today’s free newsletter is sponsored by ThredUp.
Whenever someone compliments my outfit, I am the proverbial girl who always responds with “thanks—it’s vintage!”
The conversation usually shifts towards how the person really wants to “get more into” secondhand shopping. If they ask which online platforms I use, I say all of them. You name it, I’ve tried it. I probably have the app downloaded on my phone, and you don’t even want to know how many push notifications I get for vintage Miu Miu every day…it’s sickening…
I shop on all platforms because they’re good for different reasons, kind of like high school yearbook superlatives. And I crown ThredUp best for natural fiber obsessives.
This is because it has the most precise material composition filters out of any secondhand platform. In my dream world, every platform would have these filters:
“Natural Materials” is a catchall for everything below, and they even have filters for fabric blends.
If you’ve been reading The Molehill for a bit, then you know I’m an absolute fiend for secondhand silk. It’s my favorite material, because of the skin feel and drape and layering potential. I know it has a reputation for being a precious special occasion fabric, but I truly believe in wearing it casually!
In today’s newsletter, I’ll be sharing my favorite 5 brands to shop on ThredUp for silk/natural fiber clothing.
1). Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti
The best way I can describe this brand is “y2k Great Gatsby.” Ferretti pieces from the 90s/00s have somewhat of a signature look: ethereal pale colors like lilac, cream, peach, and sheer gauzy textures. Lots of silk, which is why it’s at the top of this list!
These are a pair of silk/cotton blend capris with fish scale sequins along the hem. I found these on ThredUp for about $50. They are the only capris I own and I’m very particular about how I like them styled—with a fitted leather jacket and baby kitten heels.
If you liked the aprons at Miu Miu’s Spring 2026 show, then this cotton-silk blend gingham dress may pique your interest. The back straps resemble Allina Liu’s apron dresses, perfect for layering over a big blouse.
This blush pink silk shift dress is classic Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti. It’s got that twee-meets-flapper thing going on. It’s perfect for a holiday party—I would give it a bookish twist with knee socks, mary janes, and a tailored cropped jacket.
I was instantly drawn to the color of this kabocha leather suede skirt. Would look stunning with a pair of burgundy knee boots and a purple-toned sweater!
2). Chloé
To be honest, I did not really start paying attention to Chloé until Chemena Kamali joined as Creative Director and Doechii wore that iconic barefoot look. It got me digging into the brand and I’ve come to appreciate what the “Chloé blouse” is all about…a balance of delicateness and wearability.
This is a silk barely-there Chloé tank I found on ThredUp. It’s the lightest of blues, almost white, and shimmers in the sunlight like an oyster shell.
You should definitely create a saved search for Chloé blouses because they sell kinda fast. Here’s an interesting leg of mutton puff sleeve blouse that I would tuck into ultra high waisted sailor pants and a camel colored suede belt :)
This cotton eyelet one is actually Ralph Lauren, but I’m adding it here because (1) it is spiritually a Chloé blouse and (2) I want to incorporate a range of sizes.
The bags are worth a look too. I like this leather shoulder tote more than the Paddington. It looks like something a museum curator would wear, stuffed with top secret files.
3). Donna Rico
Does anyone remember that TV show Pushing Daisies?! I credit Kristin Chenoweth’s role as the ever-chipper Olive Snook as one of the reasons I love this shade of apple green.
Anyways, Donna Rico is one of those secret y2k brands to know for decently affordable silk dresses. The styles skew a a little campy, a little Moschino-esque, so my approach to styling them is to lean into the dramatics with a feather trim cropped jacket and my swiss cheese heels.
The neckline is one of my favorite design features of the dress—the perfect amount of space for a golden locket!
Some options on ThredUp—
This navy silk bubble hem dress is a cute 2000s take on office holiday party attire. I would style it with ribbed high socks and a tall pair of mary jane heels (channeling Betty Suarez).
A silk polka dot halter dress similar to my green one! I think this could have been better styled on the mannequin (the neckline is hitched too high in the photo), so try to imagine a deeper plunge!
This red silk polka dot number is also similar to my green one, it has a v-neck instead of the cowl halter, but I can tell the overall fabric and shape hangs the same way.
4). Nanette Lepore
My current saves are full of printed Nanette Lepore pieces. You can find lots of natural fiber pieces in playful colors.
For example, here’s a zebra print cotton trench! (Size 6). Wear it over a baby flare jean and a long skinny scarf for the frazzled librarian look.
This 3/4 sleeve cotton blouse reminds me of those children’s books, The English Roses (was obsessed with reading these at the dentist’s office). I would wear this under some blue and white stripe painter’s overalls and clogs.
Snag this skirt before Clairo’s stylist does. The tiny polka dots and slight mermaid hem have her name all over it.
If you’ve started collecting old Anna Sui pieces, this embroidered silk skirt totally fits the bill.
5). TSE
Every winter there is so much secondhand cashmere discourse. Everyone seems to have their favorite brands, and I always recommend TSE. I have 3 sweaters and they’re extremely soft, and the texture looks better in real life.
This chartreuse green cashmere v-neck sweater is in my saves. I would layer it over a striped crewneck tee.
This poppy/coral sleeveless cashmere shell would look amazing with an ice blue jacket. By the way, I think the key to styling a knit shell without feeling dowdy is to treat it like a muscle tee! Style with baggy denim, a little jewelry, biker boots.
What niche brands do you recommend saving on ThredUp? I’d love to swap ideas :)
P.S. There’s almost always some kind of promo code going on, especially for first orders (FIRST50 for 50% off). They make it very obvious on the listings what the discounted price is, which is helpful.
Is anyone else going to the Marché holiday market on November 15th?? I’ll be there :)
Today I’m listening to the new Bella Freud ft. Alexa Chung Fashion Neurosis episode. I’m 1/3 of the way through. Really comforting to pass the time on a drive or commute.
The air is starting to get very cold and my skin is thirsty as hell. I’ve been using this facial moisturizer for years (I rarely recommend facial skincare because I rarely try new products) and this body moisturizer from Gntl (founded by a Molehill reader, Sydney!).
Here is a guide on how to use and support local Bay Area food banks during the SNAP cuts, and here’s a list of free food distributions in Oakland.
Reminder that 20% of new subscription upgrades this week will go to the Berkeley Food Pantry!
xo viv
Thanks for being here. You can find me on IG and TT. My wardrobe pieces and recs are saved here—unless it’s vintage, of course ;) I may earn a small commission from purchases made through affiliate links.
