A silk scarf is your perfect spring and summer accessory. Besides being a favourite on the spring/summer 2020 runways [1], it's also one of fashion's most sustainable styling trends. You can make a scarf out of any fabric you have lying around and use it in countless ways: from saving yourself from a bad hair day to instantly elevating a casual at-home look [2] and even as a makeshift mask [3] for protecting yourself from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
On the spring/summer 2020 runways, we're taking inspiration from the scarfs worn as belts at Tommy Hilfiger, the scarf-print bandeau tops at Bronx & Banco, the massive pussy-bow-tied scarfs at Tory Burch, and the simple french-knot-tied scarfs at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. We love that a scarf can be styled to look cool, as much as it can be preppy, and can also give some prairie-inspired folk vibes. Ahead, see how we're styling summer's easiest accessories trend and our favourite summer scarves on the market.
Style a Scarf as a Bandana
Take a medium silky scarf and fold it diagonally into a triangle. Then, tie the far ends of the triangle behind your ears into a double knot, and tuck the short end of the triangle under the double knot.
Style a Scarf as a Bandeau Top
Take a large matte scarf and fold it diagonally into a rectangular shape (wide enough to fit your breasts). Then, wrap it around your back, and, holding the far ends of the scarf, lean forward to kind of cup your breasts in the top and tie the ends into a double knot while doing so. This style is not recommended for an active day.
Style a Scarf as a Choker
Take a medium silky scarf and fold it diagonally into a long rectangle shape. Then, wrap is gently around your neck, and secure the ends into a double knot at the back of your neck. This style looks best with layered necklaces.
Style a Scarf as a Bag Accent
Take a small silky scarf and tie it into a double knot or bow onto the strap of your favourite purse.
Style a Scarf as a '70s Babushka
Take a medium silky scarf and fold it diagonally at 3/4 of the scarf length. Then, tie the far ends of the triangle under your jaw into a double knot, and twist the long end of the triangle (at the back of your head) and tuck it into the double knot under your jaw.
Style a Scarf as a French Knot
Take a small scarf and fold it diagonally into a triangle. Then, tie the ends into a double knot around your neck.
Style a Scarf as a Strapless Top
Take a large matte scarf and fold it diagonally at 3/4 of the scarf length. Then, on the straight side, fold it again into a rectangular shape for extra breast support, lean forward, cup your breasts in the folded side of the scarf, and tie the back into a double knot.
Style a Scarf as a Hat Accent
Take a large silky scarf and twist it into a rope. Then, wrap the scarf around your hat and secure the ends with a double knot.
Style a Scarf as a Headband
Take a medium silky scarf and fold it diagonally into a rectangle shape. Then, wrap it around the crown of your head and tie the ends into a single knot at the front, with the loose ends of the scarf tucked under the headband.
Style a Scarf as a Wrist Cuff
Take a medium scarf and fold it diagonally into a rectangle. Then, gently wrap the scarf around your wrist, and secure the cuff with a double knot.
Mango Floral Printed Scarf
Mango Floral Printed Scarf [4] (£13)
Versace Green Printed Silk-Twill Scarf
Versace Printed Silk-Twill Scarf [5] (£190)
Furla Tortona Carré Nero
Furla Tortona Carré Nero [6] (£155)
Ganni Leopard-Print Silk Scarf
Ganni Leopard-Print Silk Scarf [7] (£50)
& Other Stories Colour Block Plissé Scarf
& Other Stories Colour Block Plissé Scarf [8] (£35)
Burberry Orange Printed Mulberry Silk-Twill Scarf
Burberry Orange Printed Mulberry Silk-Twill Scarf [9] (£120)