how to style a classic silk scarf — Photography by Getty Images

All the Different Ways to Style a Silky Scarf This Summer

Look to the classic silk scarf to add a touch of glamour and savoir-faire to your ensemble.

By Ivy Tang| Photography courtesy of Getty Images.

Date July 22, 2021

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A silk twill scarf is one of the most versatile accessories in one’s wardrobe. It’s a great way to add a pop of colour to a plain outfit or make a statement when paired with another pattern. Fashionistas, celebrities and royals alike have long been fans of this tried-and-true accessory, from Grace Kelly and Queen Elizabeth II to Halsey and Olivia Palermo. It plays a significant part in pop culture, too — just look to the Please Don’t Go challenge on TikTok and memorable looks in classic films like Meryl Streep’s Hermès foulard in The Devil Wears Prada and Faye Dunaway’s pointed number in Bonnie and Clyde. So how do the trendsetters style the classic silk scarf in 2021? Pretty much any way you can dream up, from twisting it into a bra top and wearing it as a belt to using it as a hair accessory. Here are some of our favourite examples of how to style a classic silk scarf from the streets of Paris, London and Milan.

Photography by Getty Images

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Now that you have ideas for how to style a classic silk scarf, it’s time to find the perfect add-on to your wardrobe. The trick to wearing the beloved accessory right is to find a scarf that is the right size for maximum versatility. When in doubt, look for pieces that are on the larger side, and make sure the distance between the adjacent corners is long enough to wrap around your torso, head or waist. As for the design, signature prints from heritage fashion houses are always a good call, or you can go wild with clashing colours and geometric patterns.

Whether you’re thrifting for a vintage style or opting for the latest launch, a classic silk scarf is the summer’s hero accessory. Click through the gallery below for some of our faves.