It’s no secret that the silk scarf has enjoyed a moment in the spotlight – a Euro summer, if you will. Its styling options are plentiful and it seems every celebrity and fashion influencer on Instagram has packed a suitcase full of them as they take to the skies, shores and streets of our favourite destinations. Printed bandanas pair well with sleek sunglasses for boat trips along the Italian coast, monochromatic designs (tied at the waist) contrast flippy maxi skirts for Barcelona city strolls, neckerchiefs knotted at the side and worn with cap-sleeve T-shirts create the perfect British staycation look, and colourful picks worn as tops work for Greek island getaways.
But now that summer is (sadly) coming to an end, how best to work this multi-purpose accessory into our year-round wardrobes? After some serious first-person research, we’ve deemed the silk scarf the new transeasonal essential, and we’ll be packing it for every trip.
Wherever you’re headed next, and whatever the styling conundrum, a silk scarf is the answer. And the best part about it for the Conde Nast Traveller editors? After years of packing light and favouring versatility, we already have a collection of silk scarves in our repertoires. Find us armed with a carryon filled with trustworthy travel accessories when considering what to wear on a plane.
Here are our recommendations on how to style our longstanding travel essential for the office, by the beach and (most importantly) on your next sunshine trip.
The silk scarf as a bandana
If, like us, the thought of wearing a bandana feels unnatural and visions of Bridget Jones in the rooftop car override Bridget Bardot’s more elegant approach, then trialling the look with a scarf you already own (or plan to wear in other ways) is a good way to experiment. Large floral-print designs lend themselves to tropical or Mediterranean destinations, especially teamed with a sleek pair of angular sunglasses and textured swimwear. Practical perks include keeping salty sea hair at bay, no matter how strong the breeze. On home turf, the headscarf makes a case for covering unwashed festival hair 2 days into a marathon party, and might even trick you into feeling as though your repeat denim-shorts-and-tank-top outfit is a new look altogether.
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The silk scarf as a belt
This is arguably the easiest way to style the silk scarf in the city or for work. If you (or your mum/auntie/granny) already have a long, slim silk scarf in a pretty vintage print, there’s no need to invest in anything new. Weave it through the belt rungs of barrel-leg or tailored trousers and let the extra length fall to the thigh to add interest to an otherwise ordinary look. Alternatively, opt for a square style folded in half and worn asymmetrically. Use it to break up colour-block separates or fasten it around the waist of a loose-fitting dress to create a more definitive silhouette. This is the look we’re championing for days in the office as well as more adventurous pursuits.
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The silk scarf as a cover-up
Linen shirts are perfect for throwing on as you head to the pool or beach, but if you’re tired of plain white and want to add a little interest, this is an easy win. Wear it as a sarong or simply tie it around the waist of your shirt, leaving the buttons open at the top – extra points for choosing a scarf in colours that complement your swimwear.
The silk scarf as a top
Throwback to the early noughties and perhaps you were working this look when it was cool before? Folding a square scarf in half and tying it around your torso so the triangular point falls to the waist is an easy way to look polished without trying too hard, and the perfect option if you’re stepping off the sand and into a hotel restaurant or beach club. If you favour a strapless bikini, this look just got even easier, as you can tuck the edge of the scarf into the top of your swimwear to ensure it stays in place all evening. The bigger the better with this one.
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The silk scarf as a bag charm
Simple yet effective, looping a scarf around the strap of your favourite bag can instantly make it feel more summery. Alternatively, wrap it around shorter handles to make it look less like an accessory and more part of the design itself.
The silk scarf as a… scarf
Eschew any preconceptions you may have of the neckerchief being old-fashioned or stereotypically straight-laced and embrace its 2025 acceptance by the fashion crowd. Small square styles like the below from Toteme work best, and elevate a simple white T-shirt (cap-sleeve silhouettes are the shape to know now) when tied neatly at the side. Yes, it’s charming in summer but it’s equally relevant as we edge towards autumn. In fact, we’re predicting at least one appearance on Claudia Winkleman as she presents the next season of The Traitors.
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Great Job Sarah Leigh Bannerman & the Team @ Condé Nast Traveler UK Source link for sharing this story.
