A Touch of Silk

Despite the cold, in recent months many thick wool scarves have found their way to the back of the closet and have been replaced with a simple silk square. Although this charming trend may not be the most practical in upcoming winter months, our beloved knit accessories can’t compete with the versatility and parisian flare of silk scarves. As for the history of this dainty accessory, the French fashion house Hermès designed the first graphic silk scarf back in 1837. This was the same year that Europe and America’s fashion industry embraced scarves as a result of Queen Victoria’s preference for beautiful silk cravats with intricate prints—all to signify class ranking and high fashion sense. Thus came about the birth of the modern neck accessory. Now, the silk scarf is most often associated with French fashion or old hollywood glamour moguls such as Marilyn Monroe. But of course, it all comes down to how you style the accessory.

Silk scarves have increased in popularity in recent months due to the endless amount of ways they can be worn. The most popular way to incorporate the accessory into an outfit is around the neck. You can wear it side-tied for some Parisian flare, bandana-style for a pretty twist on the rustic festival essential, or tied in the front for a more striking alternative to a chunky necklace. Another favored way to style the silk scarf is in the hair. It can be worn over the head and wrapped around the neck to protect your locks from the wind and rain, tied up like a headband for a casual way to disguise messy hair, or around a hair tie for an extra pop of print and color. The Hollywood way to incorporate the scarf into your daily look is tying it around your purse handle or backpack strap. This can give a creative touch to a rather simple accessory, and can even showcase designer prints such as the Gucci logo or floral Dolce & Gabbana pattern that these luxury brands place on their versions of the silk scarf. However, if you don’t want to break the bank, shops like Anthropologie and Etsy have just as beautiful alternatives.

Lately we have been loving silk scarves for their ability to be worn as a top with highwaisted pants or skirts. Rihanna, among other celebrities and influencers, has been caught turning designer scarves into tube tops and other forms of this simple, DIY cropped shirt. And the most wonderful thing about this? The fact that no one else will be sporting the same unique style and print. Not only have the scarves themselves been worn as tops, but designers have already been incorporating silk scarf-esque pieces into their archives, such as Salvatore Ferragamo’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection. The print has undoubtedly taken off, and stores like TopShop and Zara have already been developing more affordable options. Whichever style you prefer to style this wearable work of art, this trend will undeniably have you saying je t’aime.