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Yes, the silk scarf can be your style hero – here's how...

silk scarf retail therapist stella
silk scarf retail therapist stella

Is there anything more versatile and luxurious than a silk scarf? Like scent and lipstick, it’s one of those gateway purchases that allows you to buy into a designer brand you might otherwise not be able to afford (hello, Hermès). It can also be a means of adding colour to a neutral wardrobe. You might even have picked up a vintage silk scarf from a market on holiday and want to wear it to remind yourself of that trip.

“But how?” I hear you ask. It’s a common question. In 2022, the silk scarf can feel a little intimidating. You want to look chic, but you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard at the same time. The best scarf wearers are those who wear them with complete nonchalance, as if they were born doing it: the Queen, Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, who says she always carries a silk scarf in her namesake bag.

Entry-level scarf wearers should start simple. Drape it beneath the lapel of a coat or blazer, or tie it around the handle of your handbag for a splash of print and colour with very little styling skill required.

Ready to level up? Tie it around your neck, either loosely draped, or quite tight, like I have here. I’ve positioned it with the knot to the side to create the illusion of a longer neck. Double wrap it if you prefer a smaller knot. Move it to the front to conceal a too-low neckline (we’ve all been there). A scarf can also serve as an effective belt, too, looped through the waistband of a pair of jeans, or to define the waist of a flowy dress.

On holiday, I like to tie it around my head in the style of Jack Sparrow – or Brigitte Bardot, depending on my mood. A pair of gold hoop earrings and salty hair completes the bohemian vibe.

Of course, if you happen to be going for a ride in a convertible, there’s only one way to wear your scarf: Grace Kelly-style, on your head, knotted beneath the chin – instant movie-star glamour, without a hair out of place.

The inspiration

Jane Birkin Queen Brigitte Bardot
Jane Birkin Queen Brigitte Bardot

Jane Birkin

The style icon always carries a silk scarf in her bag

The Queen

A silk scarf is a key element of HM’s off-duty look

Brigitte Bardot

Classic summer style, the French way

The details to remember

Create the illusion of a longer neck

Wrap the scarf once around your neck for a bigger knot, twice if you prefer a lower-profile look

Add flair to an outfit

Be brave with colour: a bright print will help bring life to an otherwise neutral outfit

Use in lieu of belt

Weave a scarf through the waistband of denim skirts, shorts or jeans

Pair with block colours

Silk scarves look best with classic pieces like a T-shirt or a midi-skirt

Now make it work for you...

Graphic pattern organic silk twill, £180, Sésam; Ocean print silk, £96, Victoria Ragna; Logo print silk, £185, J&M Davidson; Flowers hand rolled silk scarf, £85, ID Peters; Garden print silk, £50, Jigsaw; Harlequin silk, £145, Aspinal of London; No 15 striped border silk-twill, £60, Le Scarf; Cherry floral silk scarf £85, Yolke
Graphic pattern organic silk twill, £180, Sésam; Ocean print silk, £96, Victoria Ragna; Logo print silk, £185, J&M Davidson; Flowers hand rolled silk scarf, £85, ID Peters; Garden print silk, £50, Jigsaw; Harlequin silk, £145, Aspinal of London; No 15 striped border silk-twill, £60, Le Scarf; Cherry floral silk scarf £85, Yolke

Graphic pattern organic silk twill, £180, Sésam; Ocean print silk, £96, Victoria Ragna; Logo print silk, £185, J&M Davidson; Flowers hand rolled silk scarf, £85, ID Peters; Garden print silk, £50, Jigsaw; Harlequin silk, £145, Aspinal of London; No 15 striped border silk-twill, £60, Le Scarf; Cherry floral silk scarf £85, Yolke

Finishing touches

Callie XI hoop earrings, £35, Jigsaw; Linen-cotton shirt, £95, WNU; Lee Radziwill petite double bag, £615, Tory Burch; Gucci Rouge À Lèvres Voile Lipstick, £36, John Lewis
Callie XI hoop earrings, £35, Jigsaw; Linen-cotton shirt, £95, WNU; Lee Radziwill petite double bag, £615, Tory Burch; Gucci Rouge À Lèvres Voile Lipstick, £36, John Lewis

Callie XI hoop earrings, £35, Jigsaw; Linen-cotton shirt, £95, WNU; Lee Radziwill petite double bag, £615, Tory Burch; Gucci Rouge À Lèvres Voile Lipstick, £36, John Lewis