In the height of summer, when your makeup has melted off by the time your tube journey is over and you’ve sweated through your cotton tee after five minutes, you’ll likely feel pretty desperate to lose the layers. Whilst, in theory, this makes perfect sense, it’s not what I’m here to recommend.
Is it just me or does every chic outfit right now involve a scarf? Of course, I’m not talking about the woolly or cashmere styles that we wrap up in all winter. The summer scarves I’m seeing are lightweight; composed of silk, satin or cotton and offer more styling versatility than you might think.
Adding a glamorous edge to your looks in ways no other accessory could, the summer-scarf trend is one I’m seeing more and more as classic style continues to dominate the fashion agenda. Why not give your beachside style a major upgrade by folding a small square scarf into a neat triangle and securing it around your hair, just like the movie stars in old black and white movies?
For an elegant touch that even Audrey Hepburn would be proud of, secure any excess fabric around your neck, creating a seamless finish whilst keeping your neck protected against the glaring sun. For a more low-key but equally stylish look, fold a square scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head before securing the ends either under your chin or at the nape of your neck. Honing ’70s charm in the chicest way, this subtle addition can lift any look into style-icon territory.
Clearly big news this season, I’ve spotted countless influencers style a summer scarf, both abroad and at home. Wearing well with the floaty dresses and printed layers we typically reserve for summer holidays, the trend also works beautifully when paired with more casual looks like jeans and a tank top.
Tapping into several overarching trends, summer scarves marry quiet-luxury aesthetics with a nostalgic edge and playful touch. If you’re anything like me, then you too spent your youth draping scarves across your shoulders, adhering clip-on earrings and slipping into somebody else’s pair of high heels at any given opportunity. For me, a silky scarf will always elicit the same excitable feeling of dressing up as it did when I was a child.
Further fuelling my need to invest in this key summer accessory, both designer and high-street brands are serving up an eclectic range of lightweight scarves. From COS’ pretty style to Rouje’s lemon-embellished design, read on to shop our favourites, but first, continue scrolling to discover how influencers are styling the trend right now.
HOW INFLUENCERS ARE STYLING THE SUMMER-SCARF TREND
Style Notes: Wear with an oversized pair of sunglasses for a movie star-esque ensemble.
Style Notes: Drape a skinny scarf across your chest for an ultra-elegant silhouette.
Style Notes: Channel your best Audrey Hepburn and secure a scarf around and your neck and head like Borislava Sekova.
Style Notes: Offering both a lightweight layer and the little bit of shade, an oversized silky scarf can go a long way to keep you cool during summer.
Style Notes: Yet another way to style a silky scarf.
SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST SUMMER SCARVES:
This beautiful silk bandana also comes in three other shades.
Secure this around your neck or drape over your head.
This looks so much more expensive than it is.
Toteme
Signature Monogram Silk Scarf Crème
This classic silk scarf is every fashion person’s favourite.
With a lemon and olive print, this is the easiest way to give your look a summery feeling.
& Other Stories
Leopard Square Scarf
The easiest way to add some colour to your summer wardrobe.
This playful design is one of my favourites.
Arket
Triangle Silk Scarf
Style underneath a cotton button-down or wear with a simple white tee.
Shop this pretty floral style whilst it’s on sale.
Toast
Trailing Nasturtium Print Silk Bandana in Garden Green
This sea-foam green shade is set to be one of the biggest colour trends of the summer.
COS
The Pleated Chiffon Scarf
This chiffon scarf looks supremely elegant when secured with a knot around the neck.
