How to Wear a Silk Scarf 10 Ways

Silk scarves are a timeless and versatile accessory that can elevate any outfit. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, texture, or pattern to your look, a silk scarf is the perfect choice. Wearing silk scarves is all about how to choose the right accessories. The way you wear a silk scarf can change the overall look of you outfit. Today, I’m sharing some tips and style inspiration for classy ways to add scarves to your outfits.

How to Wear a Silk Scarf

Around Your Neck

I love a simple, no fuss knot. It’s easy and so effortlessly chic. Without trying too hard, you can achieve a simple but elegant look. For a dramatic effect, use the larger square scarf size (70 or 90cm) like this green scarf. You can simply fold the scarf on the diagonal and leave the pointed end in the back. This creates a touch of drama and adds some color to all neutral outfits. Alternatively, you can fold the scarf as I describe below (for wearing as a belt), before knotting it in the front.

How To Tie A Silk Scarf As A Belt

First, fold the scarf in half along the diagonal. Next, roll it starting with the pointed side. Roll all the way until the scarf forms a long rectangle before tying it around your waist. It’s a great finishing touch to high-waisted pants, or changing the look of your dress by cinching in the waist. This larger size scarf is so versatile.

Fold the scarf along the diagonal
Starting with the pointed side, start to roll it
Roll all the way until the scarf becomes a long rectangle
Tie around your waist.

Add It To Your Coat

Having a silk scarf drape effortlessly over your shoulders is an easy way to elevate your look and add some color to your outfit. If you like wearing your coat open but want to add a bit of fun to your look, try replacing your coat belt with a scarf. Let it hang loose in a very effortless way. The Banniere silk scarf is shown here with the Sezane Scott Trench coat.

How To Wear Silk Scarves: In Your Hair

To tie a silk scarf around your ponytail or top knot (bun), you can use the same method as above for the belt if you have a large square scarf, or use a long thin rectangular scarf, also known as a twilly (by Hermes) or mitzah (by Dior). Just wrap it around your hair and tie in it into a knot or bow. For a chic look, tie the scarf under your bun or ponytail so it hangs underneath. For a more playful look, tie the scarf on top so that the knot or bow is more visible.

As a Headband

You can also wear a silk scarf as a headband. Tie it underneath your hair for a chic look, or on top of your head for the bow effect! This is a great way to wear a scarf for second day hair, or hair that’s being unruly! For this look, I used a large square scarf and rolled it as you would for a belt described above.

How To Wear Short Scarves: Tie It To Your Bag

You can wear a silk scarf on your bag by tying it to the handle. While you can use any size scarf for this, I like to use the small square pocket scarfs, also known as a neck scarf, to keep it from being too long. Alternatively you can use a long rectangle scarf. Just a simple knot will do. Use it to add a pop of color to your outfit, or added texture to an all neutral look.

How to Wear A Silk Scarf Top Outfit

There are so many options to wearing your scarf as a top, it can be intimidating. While most looks are not for me, I do think that this style pictured above is a classy way to wear a scarf as a top. Fold the large silk scarf on the diagonal. Where the two points meet, cross them over each other and tie them in a knot behind your neck. Then take the bottom two corners and tie behind your back. This looks great paired with linen pants, or tailored trousers for a chic look.

How To Wear A Scarf With A Dress

It’s really easy to where a silk scarf with a dress. You can use it as a belt to cinch in your waist, tie it around your neck and let it drape, you can even wear a silk scarf as a shawl. The options are truly endless. The most versatile scarf size will be around a 70cm or 90cm square, which is about 27-35 inches. This makes a great cover-up for wedding guest attire.

How To Wear A Small Neck Scarf

Want to know how to wear your small scarves? These are just large enough to tie around your neck without getting it the way. This smaller style lets you add some texture and color to your outfit wile not overpowering it. How else can you wear a small scarf? See below!

Wear It As A Bracelet

Take your small square silk scarf or your skinny rectangle scarf and wrap it around your wrist to wear as a bracelet. This is great for a more minimal or casual outfit that you want to add a little detail to. You may need help tying this if you’re doing a bow!

Incorporating silk scarves into your wardrobe can instantly elevate your look. It’s easy to wear them with so many different options to choose from. If you’re still ensure about this bold accessory, keep the color and pattern of the scarf neutral and minimal. This way it is not a distracting part of your outfit, but just an added classy detail.

How to Wear a Silk Scarf 10 Ways