How to Wear Silk Scarves
I’ve long loved the look of silk scarves. They look so elegant and timeless – two things I like to think I embrace in my style (sometimes at least)! In the last few years, I’ve seen so many different ways for how to wear silk scarves that I finally gave in and bought one for myself. And I love it!!
Feeling fabulous, I included the silk scarf in my Italy packing list and wore it so much last spring – yes, with jeans everyday. It was perfect – dressy but not over the top. A little warmth as needed. And just so dang elegant and happy while taking up practically zero room in my suitcase. I’ve also styled my silk scarf with dresses in the same styles as my jeans and it was seamless!!
So grab your silk scarf (or pick out your favorite one) and let’s get to some styling options, shall we!!
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How to Wear Silk Scarves
There are loads of styles of silk scarves – solids and prints. And while I’m normally a solids girl, I am here for the printed silk scarves. They somehow take on an identity of their own with each styling option, showing various parts of the pattern and colors. With prints, I think it’s just important to keep in mind the general color scheme.
The one I bought is primarily white with dark and light browns. It leans toward the warmer side of things. While I’m often in jeans and black, both of which go fine with these colors, I also adore accessories in these brown colors, so the print is fun but still ideal for fitting into my style and wardrobe (learn how to find your style here).
Are Silk Scarves In Style
I don’t think silk scarves are ever out of style The prints and colors may change. Perhaps the styling of silk scarves change, but they’re always there and right on point. Can’t you just picture them on a woman in the 1950s? 70s? and today!
I’m also the woman who doesn’t care if skinny jeans are “out” these days because they’re flattering on me and my body type, so I’ll be in them for years to come! So, I too will wear a silk scarf for many decades to come!
How To Style Silk Scarves
Besides your preference, the weather, your outfit, and your hairstyle can help you decide which style option is best on a given day.
The scarf in these photos is a square scarf, measuring 90cm x 90cm (roughly 36″ x 36″ square). These styling ideas below aren’t just for how to wear a square silk scarf though. I’ve included notes of how to wear a small silk scarf, long silk scarf, and a large silk scarf (larger than mine).
Draping – Tied in Back
This might be a silly place to start for how to wear silk scarves because it’s the one that took me the most time to feel comfortable wearing. I wear this style most when I’m wearing a plain tee or top and/or if my hair is down. I’m a bit of an internal drama queen if my hair is down and something is bothering me about my neck. Just laying it all out there! And it’s a great, easy way to dress up an otherwise plain ensemble.
For this style, loosely fold the scarf in half (opposite corner to corner to get a triangle). Grab the corners and tie a double knot that will rest behind your neck (I usually tie this in front first so I don’t get my hair caught in the knot).
Loose Wrap Around Neck
This method for how to wear a silk scarf is similar to the one just below, save for one exception. Here I did a slightly looser wrap (twice around my neck) and then made the tail shorter. I often tuck the ends too for this look. It has the appearance of a snood or what we used to call an infinity scarf (is that still a thing?).
If you want the knot or tails in front, hold the scarf up by a corner with one hand. With your other hand, wrap around the scarf and go to the middle of the scarf. Place the (loosely bunched) middle of the scarf in front of your neck, pulling the two ends around to the back of your neck. Wrap the two ends around your neck to bring the end to the front. Tie a double knot, allowing for as much “tail” as you like. Watch a video!
Double Wrap Around Neck w. Tails
The method for this is exactly like above, but it’s a slightly snugger wrap, so you can get longer tails. I like the tails for a bit more of a prominent scarf wear – lovely layering with a blazer!
Bolo Tie
This method for how to style silk scarves is the easiest and most versatile. I really like it because you can adjust the double knot location depending on your outfit. Or, I actually like to make it lower for warmer days and higher for cooler days.
With a small silk scarf, the tails will just be shorter!
How to Wear a Large Silk Scarf
Methods for how to wear a large silk scarf or how to wear a long silk scarf are a little different because there is so much more material with which to contend. Large and long silk scarves can easily be worn more like a shawl or another layer of clothing. You can get some more inspiration on in this post about the best travel scarf (hint: it isn’t this silk scarf, but a warmer option)!
