How to Wear a Silk Scarf 10 Ways

Silk scarves are one of those accessories that never really go out of style. I’ve been seeing them styled in so many different ways lately, from tied around the waist with dresses to wrapped around handbag handles. Whether you already own one or are thinking about buying your first, these are the ways I actually like to wear a silk scarf.

What Size Silk Scarf Should You Buy?

90cm Silk Scarf

A 90cm silk scarf is the most versatile if you want to experiment with different styling ideas. It’s large enough to wear around your neck, tie around your waist as a belt, or even style as a scarf top.

70cm Silk Scarf

If you’re only buying one silk scarf, I recommend starting with a 70cm square. It’s an easy size to wear around your neck, in your hair, or tied to your handbag, making it a great everyday option. Sometimes the 90cm can be a little big.

Small Square Silk Scarf

Small square scarves are perfect if you prefer a more subtle accessory. They work beautifully tied around your neck, wrapped around a handbag handle, or worn as a bracelet.

Thin Silk Scarf (Twilly or Mitzah)

A thin silk scarf, often called a twilly or mitzah, is best for adding a small detail to an outfit. Wrap one around a ponytail, tie it to your handbag, or wear it around your wrist for a simple finishing touch.

Here are a few of my current favorite scarves in every size:

How to Wear a Silk Scarf

Around Your Neck

This is the most classic way to wear a silk scarf. For more of a statement, use the larger square scarf size like a 70 or 90cm size. You can 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 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.

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

Add It To Your Coat

Having a silk scarf drape 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. I’m wearing one 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. For this look, I used a 70 cm 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.

If you’re looking for a timeless bag to style with a silk scarf, you may also enjoy my guide to the best everyday handbags.

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 70 or 90cm 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 pants 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 your wedding guest dress.

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

A think silk scarf or your skinny rectangle scarf works best for this. Just 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. It can be awkward to tie so you may need help if you’re doing a bow.

Whether you wear a silk scarf around your neck, tied to your handbag, or around your waist, it’s one of those accessories that can completely change the look of an outfit. If you’re just getting started, choose a scarf in a size you’ll wear most often. You’ll be surprised how versatile it is.

Shop Large Square Scarves

Shop Long Silk Scarves

If you’re interested in building a wardrobe of accessories you’ll wear for years, you may also enjoy my guide on how to choose the right accessories.