Guaranteed to be the most versatile accessory in your wardrobe!
One of the best packing tips I’ve ever received is to always bring a silk scarf. Why? Because you never know when you’re going to need it. What if your luggage gets lost in transit and you’re left with only a white t-shirt? A brilliantly coloured neckerchief will instantly elevate your outfit. What if you misread the weather report, and instead of the balmy temperatures you dressed for, it’s a scorching sunny day? A slinky square of fabric makes the perfect impromptu bandeau top. And God forbid you get trapped in a tower Disney Princess style, and you miraculously remembered to pack fifty scarves. You can tie them all together and escape your evil stepmother equivalent.
So, if you need a style refresher or just some warm weather dressing inspiration, here is how to style a silk scarf this summer.
The classic
The silk scarf is an iconic accessory for a reason: everyone has worn it. From Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday to Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, celebrities have embraced the neckerchief to add a little oomph to any ensemble instantly. The key to making this trend feel current is in the silhouette. Embrace oversized proportions with a large blazer and pair it with a simple under-layer, like a slip dress or high-waisted shorts.
The bandana
After nearly 20 years, the bandana is back. On the heels of the late ’90s/Y2K resurgence, this stylish staple is making its triumphant return, along with low-rise jeans and tube tops. To transition the look from teeny bopper to refined boho babe, try organizing your outfit around one colour, as seen above. Alternatively, a linen button-down blouse will look charmingly retro without venturing too far into costume territory.
The TikTok trend
The word “scarf top” currently has over 1 billion views on TikTok, so yes, you could say it’s pretty popular. Countless videos go into great detail on how to style a silk scarf as a makeshift blouse, but we recommend doing a few test runs at home before venturing outside. For beginners, start with this triangular shape, and work your way into more advanced and skin-revealing combinations as your knot tying skills improve.
Bonus: The bag
Many of us only have a few bags in our closets, so it can be hard to make them feel fresh. Luckily, silk scarves provide the perfect remedy to handbag fatigue. Whether the material is hanging down the side or tied around the straps, it’s an easy way to breathe new life into an old item.