Why A Silk Scarf Is The Defining Micro Trend of 2025
It’s the hard-working, versatile accessory that can transform an entire look when worn as a top, around the waist, or tied chicly around your hair, neck or bag. GILLIAN BRETT rounds up the covetable styles and five ultra-chic ways to wear them
Each summer brings it’s own micro trend. Last year, Y2K-coded claw clips and chic barrettes sprang as if from nowhere into the chignons and low ponytails of stylish women everywhere. And there was the mesh bag obsession of 2023 – netted totes that ferried around your SPF and showed off your choice of summer novel. United in their understated yet highly practical appeal, this year’s pick is no different. 2025 is all about the silk scarf – a multitasking accessory that transforms from a chic neck scarf into an evening top with a nostalgic 2000s feel in an instant. Just think how much space that will save in your suitcase. For the most sought-after styles and five ways to wear them this summer and beyond, read on…
Wrapped around the waist
The most modern way to wear a silk scarf is around the waist, over everything from slip skirts to wide-leg pants. It’s a styling trick that was spotted at Julian Klausner’s Dries Van Noten debut for Paris Fashion Week Men’s SS26. Klausner wrapped sarongs over tailoring, demonstrating an elegant way to style your beach pareo post-vacation. Fashion insiders have been opting for shorter lengths on the street – scarves that sit somewhere between a skirt and a belt. Tie Toteme’s cult striped style over The Row’s swishy washed-satin maxi skirt and pair with a cami top and blazer to perfect this look.
TOTEMEPrinted silk crepe de chine scarf
SAVETTESlim Symmetry Pochette suede tote
THE ROWLuce washed-satin maxi skirt$1,110.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size0 - out of stock2 - out of stock4 - low stock68 - low stock10
GUCCIFloral-print silk-twill scarf
In your hair
While summer hair is supposedly all about effortlessness, many of us can relate to the utter mayhem that chlorine, humidity and heat can wreak on everything from texture and condition to color. So, when worn bandana-style, a silk scarf puts a physical barrier between you and hair-savaging UV rays – not just a pretty addition to your outfit. Plus, they are the perfect way to speedily and artfully style post-swim hair. To give your hair a holiday from heat styling, simply scoop it back into a loose, low ponytail, tie it with a silk scarf, and allow it to air-dry. Gracie Abrams styled out her red bandana with everything from Adidas Originals track pants to a crimson Rodarte dress at this year’s Glastonbury. Nail Parisian Left Bank cool by styling Chloé’s silk-twill version – which comes decorated with gorgeous peonies – with a tank top, wide-leg pants and Sophie Buhai’s polished silver earrings.
CHLOÉFloral-print silk-twill scarf
AGOLDERayne ribbed stretch organic cotton and Lyocell-blend jersey tank$78.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - low stock
SOPHIE BUHAISilver earrings
LOULOU DE SAISONSbiru pleated wool-twill straight-leg pants
As a top
The silk scarf is truly decade-defying. In the 1940s, Hollywood stars would wrap theirs around freshly coiffed hair and paired it with supersized sunglasses. In the ’70s, it became a staple of the hippie movement. And by the turn of the millennium, it had been reimagined as a bandeau in our endless quest for jeans and a nice top. Don’t dust off your drainpipe denims just yet though – the modern way to wear it is with smart tailoring in muted hues that at once allow the top to pop and make it look considerably chicer. We love Valentino Garavani’s timeless red version with Tibi’s beige woven blazer and Sportmax’s wide-leg pants.
VALENTINO GARAVANIPrinted silk-twill scarf
TIBILiam woven blazer$525.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx smallx smallsmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
SPORTMAXSalvo pleated grain de poudre wool wide-leg pants$310.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock1012 - out of stock14
AEYDEDelfina suede ballet flats$237.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock35.5 - out of stock3636.537 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42 - out of stock
As a neck scarf
The most classic way to wear a scarf is, undoubtedly, around the neck. Spotted on the SS25 runways at Burberry and Ralph Lauren Collection, it has, again, that nonchalant French-girl feel that makes every outfit look instantly more polished. This silk-twill version by Gucci is printed with an equestrian-inspired design. Looking ahead, sleek riding boots, jodhpurs-style leggings and country-chic checks are all on the agenda for fall, so why not flex your insider knowledge and embrace this look now. With its sophisticated color palette, Gucci’s scarf will also elevate your workwear – so if you’re looking for ways to refresh your current rotation of tailoring, a silk carré is an effortless way to do it.
GUCCIPrinted silk-twill scarf
NILI LOTANDiane stretch-wool twill blazer
TOTEMEGarderob recycled grain de poudre straight-leg pants$510.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size32 - out of stock3436 - out of stock38 - out of stock4042 - out of stock
KHAITELoulou leather sandals$534.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - low stock36.5 - out of stock37 - low stock37.5 - out of stock3838.5 - low stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - low stock40.541 - out of stock
Wrapped around your bag
Bags have been getting special attention in 2025, and if playful trinkets and bag charms aren’t for you, consider looping a luxe scarf around the straps instead. It was one of Jane Birkin’s sartorial signatures, and nowadays fashion editors and insiders are fully embracing this easy yet impactful styling trick. Loewe’s geometric printed scarf from the brand’s annual collaboration with Paula’s Ibiza will pair beautifully with Muuñ’s woven bag. Keep the rest of your look tonal with Emporio Sirenuse’s versatile toffee-colored shirt dress.
LOEWE+ Paula's Ibiza printed silk-twill scarf
EMPORIO SIRENUSEGiselle belted cotton-drill midi shirt dress
MUUÑMinette leather-trimmed woven straw bucket bag
A.EMERYKinto leather flip flops$170.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size35 - out of stock36 - out of stock37 - out of stock38 - out of stock39 - out of stock40 - out of stock41 - out of stock42 - out of stock
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