I'm a firm believer in the power of the correct accessories. When done wrong, accessories can plunge a simple look into a state of chaos and confusion. Anyone who has experienced the emotional disarray of witnessing a "Get Dressed With Me" TikTok where the creator chooses the most egregious bag or shoe will understand the sentiment. When done right, the correct accessories can take an outfit from good to great. Good to iconic, even. Ask any girl with a Balenciaga City Bag to confirm.
I digress. The accessories world is experiencing a belt overhaul this summer, courtesy of the humble silk scarf. Last summer, silk scarves had their moment as hair accessories, and now, for their second year in the spotlight, they're moving down to the torso.
Silk scarves as belts are no new phenomenon. Back in the early aughts, skinny scarves threaded through belt loops was commonplace, but this season, things are looking a little more sophisticated. It's a styling hack I've kept in my own arsenal for years, but I'm seeing more people use this styling trick to elevate a simple outfit.
Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2018; Getty Images
Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2018; Getty Images
Back in 2017, for his Spring/Summer 2018 collection, Dries Van Noten flirted with the idea of silk scarves as belts, sending a series of looks down the runway that featured squares of fluid fabric hanging of waists and tucked into waistbands. And now, the layering technique is being revisited by countless style icons.
With any trend worth it's salt, Alexa Chung has cosigned and brought the concept to the mainstream, stepping out in London wearing a simple white t-shirt and jeans, and accessorizing with a Gucci scarf knotted around her waist. Its genius is in its simplicity—and since then, other It girls and influencers have quickly followed suit.
If you're in the mood to emulate the trend yourself, below are our favorite silk scarves to wear around your waist, in your hair or on your neck
