How to wear a silk scarf casually
I’ve always been a believer in the power of accessories to make an outfit. Especially for those who prefer to dress simply, a few well-chosen accessories add visual interest and create an intentional, pulled-together look.
earrings (similar) | scarf (c/o)| sweater | ring | jeans | sneakers
(Here’s a similar sweater that’s more budget-friendly option.)
It’s been chilly and breezy lately, so I’ve been wearing a silk scarf most days, even just to walk the dog. 🐕 Yes, they keep my neck warm but scarves are also a great way to add color near the face. And some scarves, like this one, rise to the level of “wearable art.”
Just look at this gorgeous pattern and yummy colors! 😍 This “Neckmess” scarf (gifted) has colors from my Spring palette, but there are other colorways too.
And when we can travel again, think about packing a few scarves. They take up almost no room in the luggage, and can help create variety with a smaller travel wardrobe.
How to wear a silk scarf casually
Some people associate silk scarves with a more formal, classic style, but I think they can be incorporated into casual, relaxed looks as well, depending on how they’re tied.
Here’s one of my favorite ties for wearing a silk scarf casually. It’s easy and stays put. It also looks great under a jacket or collared shirt.
Do you wear scarves regularly? What’s your favorite style?
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My issue with silk scarves is keeping the knot in place. The scarf travels around my neck and I’m constantly fiddling with it. Suggestions??
In the 90’s I was obsessed with Hermes scarves and have quite a few. I was President of our Junior League then and was always in some type of suit with a scarf. It was my “uniform.” I went to Catholic grammar school and then on to the obligatory all girls Catholic high school. Then, I became a nurse at a time when you wore white from head to toe. My scarves were something I could put on, that third piece, that completed my look. Have to admit I haven’t worn them for a while but seeing your look is encouraging me to take them out. Though I’m not sure how they’ll look with sweatpants. LOL. I did purchase a J Crew blazer with black, white and pink and am looking for a scarf with some matching colors. Found this:https://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/salvatore-ferragamo-puppies-silk-scarf-prod229360212?ecid=NMCS__GooglePLA&utm_source=google_shopping&utm_source=google_shopping&adpos=&scid=scplpsku192460436&sc_intid=sku192460436&gclid=Cj0KCQiA1KiBBhCcARIsAPWqoSqpj-6v34nblnJBSVfQWyhlmO5W1aIYgnh3XEiEw6QhfS9r4Kof29oaAtJBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
and seeing I LOVE dogs may actually buy it!
So NOT in my budget, but j’adore THAT SCARF. 🙂
LOVE!!!! The Ferragamo website has the scarf in different colors and sizes.
Thanks for the tip!
I love a good silk scarf and I have quite a few. I wore one once and my husband asked me if I was planning on serving mini drinks on the plane. Now everytime I put on silk scarf I wonder if I look like an airline stewardess. I live in the Northeast and find that a good wool blend scarf can make me just a bit warmer. Also in the summer, when we were in offices, I would wear a cashmere silk scarf by Chan Luu to warm me up. And finally, I find a nice scarf can hid some neck chicken skin…
Hi Sue,
For some reason your links are not working for me. Has anyone else had this trouble?
I liked your scarf demo. I find in covid times, I am not making that much effort with dressing, especially in winter. Hopefully I will perk up in spring.
Hi jeanne, thanks for letting me know. When you say they’re “not working,” can you tell me which link and what happens when you click? Thanks! (And just FYI, Sue is OK too. 😉 )
Sorry! meant to type Susan
I love silk scarves around my neck in the winter—surprisingly warm and comfortable! I have always used them to jazz up my outfits. It is difficult to find reasonably priced ones, so when I run across one, I buy it! They make great gifts too.
Those scarves are over the top! Love the video because it’s short and to the point so the tying method can be copied easily.
When travelling, my go-to, always in my purse/knapsack rolled into a tennis ball size, is a navy batik 1.5m x 1m tissue thin silk shawl that is so versatile: a blanket on a plane, fancy cover-up over cocktail dress, worn under turtleneck as an extra “shirt” layer with jeans in the Canadian Arctic-you name it. Washes in a tiny sink & dries in 2 hours.
You are right, a scarf is a very good accessory. Thanks for the video. I am still fighting with scarves.
Greetje
Love the video – thanks! I really like your yellow scarf in your blog photo. Where is it from?
Hi Anne, thanks! That’s one of the bandanas from Madewell, here: https://bit.ly/3u1hbo9
Thank you for the helpful scarf tutorial! You are so right, what a lift it gives to a simple outfit, AND it really lights up your face!
I read somewhere once that crystal or lucite necklaces close to the face add light and color too.
Thanks for the video with a new option for wearing scarves. My neck is always cold, so I wear them quite a bit. But I grow tired of the usual simple tie, so this option for a longer scarf is really helpful.
I really appreciate the Chico’s link. I rarely think of Chico’s since their fit doesn’t work for me, but the navy scarf looks great. I’m always on the hunt for square tissue-weight cashmere scarves. If you come across any, a link would be great.
I used to wear silk scarves all the time in my twenties (and still have a few of them), but I got away from the practice over the years as they felt too fussy and/or hot. I’ve started wearing them again in place of wool scarves, which I can no longer stand against my skin. Love the style you’ve demonstrated here – going to try it when I walk my dog this afternoon! I invested in a few nice Italian made scarves from a little company called Elizabetta in recent years, and I’ve been snapping up inexpensive silk scarves since we all became shut-ins to wear over masks, etc. I’ve gotten several from J.Crew and Chico’s in recent months for less than (some MUCH less than) $30 on sale! And I’ve ordered some nice polyester versions and a few cotton bandannas as well. They are both great for days when I don’t want to worry about soiling a silk scarf with makeup or perspiration. And a cotton bandanna tied around a belt loop adds just a touch of color to a simple jeans and tee outfit and makes me feel more “finished.”
Thanks for the video. I like my scarves neat too. So many are oversized. As a petite person who is pretty much a classic style the big flowing scarves just don’t work for me. This way of tying is one I will add to my repertoire.
I just adore scarves and have several drawers full to prove it! Favourite are lightweight, long silk that obliging hide my ‘senior lady’ middle portion.
I’ve been putting my mask on to walk the dog. It’s a thing in our neighborhood to wear your mask on a walk, I”m not really sure whether it’s actually needed, but, like your scarf it also keeps my face warm. If the dog wants to stop and sniff another dog then I don’t have to drag them off immediately since I”m masked up.
I do wear bandana-sized scarves with my casual WFH attire. Nothing too big or silky. I’m totally off of jewelry and the bandana tied around my neck gives a bit more of a collar appearance.
The dog told me she thinks it’s quite attractive.
Enjoyed your video, esp. the idea to twist the bias-folded scarf. That is the step I was missing as I experimented with my scarves.
Are you wearing lipstick in this post, and if so, what brand and color? I’m looking for something natural looking with a tint of color, and whatever you’re wearing looks exactly right. Thanks!
Hi Laura, yes I’m wearing Chantecaille Lip Chic in “Sunrise.” Here’s a link: https://bit.ly/3lDi15z