Trending 27th April 2026 by Emily Molloy

Silk Scarves: The Simple Accessory For Elevating Your Look This Summer

Classic and cool

Before last summer, if anyone ever suggested to me that I should pair a silk scarf with my outfit, I would have politely declined.

Not because I hated silk scarves but rather because I saw them as something my granny or mother would have worn, and a style that to me, was only reserved for the preppy girl look.

In my head, the words ‘silk scarf’ meant the expensive luxury of Grace Kelly or Queen Elizabeth II, and while I very much admire the style, it never felt cool girl enough for me.

 

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However, my small fashion mind was opened up after seeing the Spring 2026 runway shows across the major fashion capitals of the world. Of course there’s bright colours, tailored jackets, and chunky sunglasses, but what caught my eye the most was the influx of silk scarves. They were everywhere.

And they weren’t just styled in the traditional ways and colours that we were used to – no, these looks from the likes of Celine, Kallmeyer and Miu Miu showed how the humble silk scarf could be used to fully transform an outfit from bland and basic to cool girl chic.

Whether in your hair, around a bag, as a skirt and even as a belt, these fashion houses know how to give a classic staple a whole new revamp for the next generation.

While there is no end to how you style or wear a silk scarf, we have rounded up some of our favourite styling hacks inspired by the runway that can add a little umph to those summer outfits.

Neck scarf/shoulder wrap

Taking inspiration from the Marina McManus show, wearing the silk scarf as a scarf (revolutionary, we know), or a shoulder wrap is the perfect way to jazz up an outfit. Think of it as a toe dip. It’s simple and chic but just adds that perfect element to the look.

Take inspiration from Michael Rider’s debut Celine runway show. It keeps neutral tones throughout, but the scarf just adds that little extra element that really catches your eye. Perfect for daytime looks like over a trench coat, or as an extra piece to a strapless dress. Keeping the style old school is never a bad idea.

 

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Asymmetrical wrap

A favourite style of mine, has to be the asymmetrical look. I love seeing these silk scarves tied around tailored trousers as a sarong style skirt or tied across a blazer. It’s a style that matches tailoring with beach wear ideal for those summers spent in the city.

Imagine an all-black suit, paired together with a bright patterned sarong style silk scarf and some simple slides – the perfect elevated basic look that you can wear all summer long. If you are looking for some more style inspiration, look at Kendall Jenner, the queen of the sarong scarf look.

 

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Belts

Another favourite style of mine, and one that I have started to implement in my wardrobe, is the belt method. A fun take on the boring traditional belts, these scarves are the perfect way to add some fun to your look while still staying very much in your comfort zone.

To keep the look more chill, you can add a black satin scarf to break up a look and to add depth. Or you can choose a patterned one with a frill trim for some real fun. My favourite way to style these is with jeans or around the waist of skirts and dresses to create multiple different looks with just one accessory.

 

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Headscarf

This next style is a classic, and even if the traditional scarf look isn’t really your style, there is something about this look that really speaks to me. It looks so chic!

Whether you’re wearing it as the bandanna look with a big pair of chunky aviator glasses, or over a baseball cap for that real Hollywood look, it just gives that extra bit of luxury to your fits without costing you a fortune.