Silk Scarf Tricks

A silk scarf is the smallest thing that can change an entire outfit. Tie one at your neck with a plain sweater, knot it around a ponytail, or loop it on your bag handle, and suddenly the outfit looks finished. If you want to keep going, The Printed Silk Scarf: Twill Squares, Bandanas and Easy Knots is the one I would read next.

 

In fall, look for richer prints: paisley, leopard, polka dots and small equestrian prints in brown, burgundy and navy. Silk feels soft, holds a knot well and adds a little shine.

 

Below I split them into bandanas and small squares first, then bigger squares you can wear more ways.

Small silk squares are the easiest to wear. Fold one into a triangle and tie it at the side of your neck over a crew neck sweater. The navy paisley bandana and the brown mini dot one feel very fall, and the red paisley one adds a pop of color.

 

The sage solid scarf is the most minimal pick, while the red and burgundy striped ones look great tied on a bag. The red horse print and the navy foulard square have a slightly preppy feel, and the blue striped bandana works with denim. I went deeper on a related idea in Scarf Dress: How a Square of Parachute Silk Became a Print.

 

What I check: a hand rolled or neatly stitched edge. What I would skip: a scarf so slippery it will not hold a knot.

A bigger square gives you more options. Fold it into a long band to wear as a headband, tie it around your waist as a belt, or drape it around your shoulders over a coat.

 

For fall, the leopard prints and the brown carriage print are my top picks, and the brown striped square looks very polished. The rust and navy border scarf and the dark plaid one feel cozy, while the floral prints in navy, green and cream add something soft. The tan bandana with tiny stars is the playful one.

 

My fitting room test: hold it up to your face and check the colors flatter your skin. What I would skip: very thin prints that look washed out from a distance.

Tie a small square at your neck with a cream sweater and jeans, or wrap a big leopard scarf around a low ponytail with a camel coat.

 

Store scarves rolled, not folded, so you do not get sharp creases, and steam them on low if they wrinkle.