I'm constantly dreaming of warmer weather, for the day that my looks don't consist of mostly black layers, and a world in which a silk scarf can be styled as a top without risking hypothermia. While the silk scarf is an accessory that transcends seasons, I feel the most inspired to style them in the spring and summer—and, in anticipation, I'm constantly making offers on colorful and pattern-heavy styles on Depop that need to hold spots in my rotation.
In ancient times, the silk scarf was a symbol of status and nobility. Since then, the accessory has held a variety of roles including practically protecting the necks of pilots during World War II, modestly covering the hair in the Middle Ages, and being embraced in the 1970’s when the Bohemian aesthetic and funky colors and patterns were super popular.
Here at Coveteur, we're huge proponents of garments and accessories that can be styled in various ways—because it's essentially like having multiple pieces in one (and for one price)—and the silk scarf is arguably one the best examples of that.
Ahead, 5 tried and true examples of how to style a silk scarf regardless of season.
1. Belted
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Last summer, Alexa Chung wore a silk scarf as a belt—and fellow fashion girls everywhere went wild. We love the idea of being innovative with our looks, playing around with garments beyond what they were designed and intended for, and seeing where that takes us. Consider a silk scarf with an intriguing pattern or pop of color to elevate an otherwise simple, model off duty-inspired look. In Chung's case, she paired a patterned with a plain white tee and classic jeans.
2. Around Your Bag
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What if I told you that the scarf doesn't actually have to be on your body at all? Leave it to Bella Hadid to open up your perspective. The certified fashion girl was once spotted with a Gucci Flora silk scarf tied around her Gucci 1947 bag—and then it seemed like everyone started tying their silk scarves to their bags. Consider this a way of adding color, dimension, and an additional texture to any look. Play around with the placement and the way it's tied. In Hadid's case, she wrapped the scarf round the entire handle of the bag.
3. Like A Bonnet
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There is something so sweet and timeless about a silk scarf worn bonnet-style, tied underneath the chin—a sort of homage to Mid-Century style. Hailey Bieber provided us with a prime example of how to modernize this trend, though: throwing it on top of a baseball cap. In general, hat or not, this style is a foolproof way of appearing put together—even if you're not feeling put together at all. Styled over a baseball cap, especially when the colors and patterns contrast with the scarf, the look is incredibly dynamic.
4. As A Neck-Tie
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We encourage everyone to play around with styling silk scarves tied around the neck—and there are arguably endless ways to do so, all which help achieve a distinct look. For example, as seen above, consider a triangular fold with a knot behind the neck. Other methods of tying that we absolutely co-sign include the classic french knot, the double knotted loop, and casually slung over the shoulder.
5. Make It A Top
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Can you tell that we're dreaming of warmer weather? Picture this: a Caribbean beach, bikini bottoms with a cover up skirt overtop, and silk scarf styled as a top. As per Hailey Bieber's example, you can fold the silk scarf into a triangle, flip it upside down, and knot it at the bag. Depending on the size of the scarf, it could also be transformed into a halter top or one shoulder top.
