Silk scarves have long been shorthand for nonchalance. Once synonymous with insouciant glamour, they have evolved into the modern wardrobe’s most versatile accessory, worn slung over trousers, tied to handbags or twisted through hair with intentional ease.
At Copenhagen Fashion Week, they emerged as the season’s understated signature, cinching ponytails, tracing waistlines and punctuating the soft tailoring of the Scandi street-style set.
Meanwhile, on the Spring/Summer 2026 runways in New York, designers reaffirmed the scarf’s enduring appeal. Calvin Klein showcased silk in muted creams, jet blacks and refined two-tone palettes, paired with sleek separates that reflected the brand’s minimalist precision.
At Hermès, the house once again demonstrated its mastery of silk, looping twillies through belts, draping them over shoulders and weaving them into jewellery for a touch of studied opulence.
Immortalised by Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, the silk square now finds itself in the wardrobes of Kendall Jenner, Alexa Chung and Sabrina Carpenter, each giving it a contemporary edge. Still, its simplicity can be deceptive.
Taking cues from both the runway and the street, we’ve curated an edit of styling inspiration to help you unlock the silk scarf’s transformative potential.
The Silk Scarf Edit
Twill Scarf Insects
SILK LAUNDRY
Label Print Silk Scarf
OROTON
Classico Head Scarf
SIR.
Polka Square Scarf
MIMCO
How To Style A Silk Scarf
Over Trousers
Take a cue from Alexa Chung and experiment with the scarf-as-belt trend — an effortless way to inject colour and shape while subtly defining the waist.
The Vintage Headscarf
Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn by tying a silk scarf under your chin and wearing it over the head. Perfect for sunny days, protecting your blowout or adding effortless elegance.
Knotted At The Neck
Knotted, tucked, or loosely tied around the neck, a silk scarf transforms everything, from jeans to tailoring, into something effortlessly polished. It carries the quiet confidence of someone who has life perfectly arranged.
Wrapped Around Your Bag
Take a cue from Jane Birkin and knot a silk scarf around your bag handles. Subtle yet refined, this timeless styling gesture elevates any silhouette, lending the kind of understated elegance every minimalist swears by.
As A Bandana
Worn as a bandana, a silk scarf instantly adds a dose of effortless cool. Fold it diagonally, knot it low, and let it contrast softly against polished pieces. Supple silk, airy chiffon or crisp linen elevate even the simplest outfit.
Make It A Top
The scarf top can adapt to almost any aesthetic. Channel Y2K nostalgia by styling it as a tube or halter top with low-rise denim, chunky gold jewellery, and strappy sandals. For something more refined, pair it with high-waisted trousers or a blazer and loafers, letting the silk soften tailored lines.
