"When summer begins and the temperature hits 90 degrees by 9 a.m., the question of whether to throw on a light layer or commit to a dry-clean-only top becomes irrelevant. Heat makes dressing for summer start to feel like driving on autopilot: monotonous and oftentimes forgettable. A white tank and denim shorts might seem like an easy and stylish choice, but come mid-July, even that starts to feel boring at best. It was around that time last summer that I, in complete despair, impulsively purchased a silk scarf. I pictured it looped around my bag on occasion, not knowing that it would single-handedly transform my warm-weather wardrobe in more ways than one.
By the end of the season, my silk scarf had worked its way into nearly every outfit: fashioned into a makeshift top, wrapped around my waist, or fastened in my ponytail. What started as an afterthought blossomed into an everyday uniform—no outfit was complete without it. Now, I actually look forward to those sweltering days (well, almost) because as it turns out, I didn’t need an entirely new wardrobe, I just needed a silk scarf to pull all of my outfits together.
Read on for the chicest ways to style a silk scarf this summer, plus the best ones to shop now.
How to style a silk scarf for summer
As a belt
Elevate your summer staples by tying a silk scarf around your waist. It’s an easy way to add texture and color to an otherwise simple look, and it provides just the right amount of intrigue to show others that you actually know what you’re doing when it comes to styling. My go-to? Fastening a more colorful silk scarf around the waist of my white jeans, complete with a white ribbed tank and a layered necklace stack.
As a hair accessory
Sometimes, the simplest styling hacks make the biggest difference. Case in point: tying a silk scarf around your ponytail. Tie it in a knot and let the ends hang loose for an effortless, feminine feel, or wrap it several times over for something a bit more subtle and refined. Style with a plain white tee or a casual dress for an easy yet effective approach to leveling up your next summer look.
As a makeshift top
A great top—especially one that feels seasonal and special—can come with a hefty price tag attached. So if my silk scarf can become its replacement? That’s a win I’ll happily accept. With endless tying techniques—from bandeau styles to halter variations—you’ll be fielding “Is that a new top?” questions all season long. Short on packing space? Consider this your chic, carry-on approved solution.
As a bag charm
In a perfect world, I’d have a new bag for every season, but in reality, I can only justify a few investment pieces a year. Last year, in a pre-vacation panic, I tied a silk scarf around the strap of an old black bag, and to my surprise, the bag felt instantly fresh and summer-ready. The added pop gave the bag a whole new look and temporarily cured my need for a seasonal refresh.
As a neck tie
Admittedly, the version of me who lived through 2016 was hesitant to revisit this styling trick. But in a pinch I reached for a silk scarf to pair with a white tank and remembered why white tanks are a summer staple in the first place. It’s a quick way to elevate a simple top and the perfect substitute for a necklace.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.