Just like trench coats, kitten heels, and cocktails with olive skewers, silk scarves always seemed a little out of reach for my unrefined tastes. Sure, my more sophisticated friends could handle accessories with a grown-up, polished allure – but I, with my band tees and oversized denim, could never.
It’s a prejudice I’ve held dear for years. But this summer, the silk (or at least silky) scarf in all its forms has taken over our Instagram feeds and the high street. Whether vintage Hermès, new-in Zara, or fished out of the charity shop bargain bin, all the cool girls and boys are draping themselves in one.
And I’ve realised this is one trend with the potential for real staying power. For one thing, it’s effortlessly chic. And for another, because it’s essentially a massive square of brightly printed cloth, you can do anything you like with it. Bored of wearing it jauntily around your neck? Boom! It’s a headscarf, a top or even a cute bag.
Read on to find out seven ways to wear yours. Short on time or attention span? Watch the TikTok version:
1. The headscarf
A classic for a reason. Fold the scarf diagonally, pop it over your head and tie at the back (under your hair, if it’s long) to channel your 1950s femme fatale of choice.
2. The neckerchief
We’re still keeping it simple here: just fold diagonally, roll it up a little and tie loosely around your neck. Use exactly the same technique to add a little flair to your handbag, luggage or dog.
3. The bandeau
A more advanced manoeuvre for those of us confident in our knotting skills (I’m starting to regret never joining the Scouts). Again, fold the scarf diagonally. Place it around your chest with the tip pointing down, and tie securely at the back.
4. The side bandeau
Start exactly as before: fold a triangle and tie it around your chest. Make sure to leave as much loose end after the knot as possible. Swivel it around so the knot is under your arm, then take the loose ends and tie them over your shoulder.
5. The halter top
Perfect for the beach, this one. Get your folded triangle ready, then instead of tying it, bring the long ends to your front. Cross them over on your chest, then loop them behind your neck and tie them loosely but securely. If there’s a lot of loose fabric on the bottom, you can tuck it under to keep it neat.
6. The front bandeau
Extremely cute – but not for the faint of heart. Fold the scarf diagonally, but then fold it lengthwise once or twice, so it becomes a long rectangle. Bring the ends to the front of your chest and tie securely, then fan out the fabric so it’s covering as much – or little – as you like.
7. The bag
Yes, really! For a cute shoulder bag, tie a knot at each corner, leaving a little part loose. Then tie the corners on each side together to form straps and loop them over your shoulder. A tote is even easier. Just tie two opposite corners together, hang this over your shoulder, then tie the other two corners together under your arm.