Satin has a reputation as a party fabric, and I think that's why most of us only wear it twice a year. It doesn't have to be that way. The easiest fix is to pair it with something rough, like a chunky knit, a denim jacket or a pair of loafers. Darker colors like black and olive are the easiest place to start, because they show less shine.

Start with a skirt. Simkhai's Kora satin wrap midi skirt is olive and just $147, and it looks right with a cream sweater. Victoria Beckham's Isabella maxi skirt is black and gathered at the waist, easy with a fitted T-shirt. Comme des Garçons' gathered midi skirt is a full black shape for when you want to look a bit more interesting, and Ann Demeulemeester's Birit skirt has a paisley pattern woven into the satin.

Satin pants are the other big win. Lisa Yang's straight-leg pants are black and plain, very good with a gray sweater. Simkhai's Kyra pant is olive, Ulla Johnson's Edlyn barrel-leg pants are a pale sky blue, and Róhe's plissé tapered pants have fine pleats running down the leg.

A satin shirt can go straight to the office if you treat it like a regular button-down. Tuck it into wool trousers, add a knit over the shoulders, and it stops looking like evening wear. A crewneck sweater over a satin blouse, with only the collar and cuffs showing, is my favorite office trick.

Khaite's Ivy silk-satin shirt is a deep olive brown with a long collar, and it's the one I'd buy first. Loulou de Saison's Anya blouse is gathered and soft, and Leset's Barb blouse is an ivory drape with a cowl neck at $250. Destree's Amoako Summer blouse is cream with short sleeves and a row of small buttons.

For tops, Simkhai's Alina and Addy tops are both $295. The Alina is black with wide sleeves, and the Addy is a relaxed olive tee. Anine Bing's Blanca cami is navy with thin straps, easy under a blazer. Johanna Ortiz's Narrative Weaving top is draped and asymmetric, for a lunch that runs late.

Satin shows every wrinkle, so choose relaxed shapes that are meant to move.

Satin shoes and bags are the quickest way to try the fabric, because a little shine at the edges of an outfit goes a long way.

Adidas's Taekwondo Mei ballet flats are a silvery white satin at $100, and they're the pair I'd wear with jeans. Loeffler Randall's Alice 44 sandals are white with a low block heel. Simkhai's Bridget wedge sandal has a shell-shaped heel, and Manolo Blahnik's Turgimolda 50 pumps mix black satin with flocked mesh. Jimmy Choo's Brigitte 100 mules are the dressiest pair here. Flat satin shoes are surprisingly practical, as long as you keep them out of puddles.

For bags, Jil Sander's Goji Pillow bag is a rust-orange satin shoulder bag with leather straps. Christian Louboutin's Sabrina clutch is a deep red with a curved shape, and Liffner's tasseled shoulder bag is black with a long tassel at $525.

Pair a satin shoe with a matte outfit. Satin next to wool or denim looks deliberate.