It’s a fact, accessories can make – or break – an outfit. But we're not just talking about jewellery, belts, hats, and sunglasses. Nowadays, fashion's most stylish It girlies are all upgrading their looks with square satin scarves.
Bright colours and bold prints are particularly popular on TikTok, where the scarf-as-a-belt hack exploded last summer. That’s only one way to wear yours, though. This summer, scarves are adorning every body part, item of clothing, and even other accessories. Yes, the bag charm trend has evolved from Labubus to a more chic, subtle adornment.
There are no rules around how to tie your scarf this season. In fact, the current take is all about personalisation. While everyone else is busy dressing minimalist like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, you could be pattern-clashing a polka dot scarf with a striped shirt and shorts coordinating set, or adding a pop of colour to your everyday tote.
Feeling inspired? Check out some of our favourite styling ideas for this summer's hottest accessory trend, the satin scarf.
As a headscarf
Silk headscarves don’t just look chic, they help protect your hair. Similar to a silk pillowcase or bonnet, it’ll help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. Looks like bad hair days caused by impromptu showers have met their match.
At your waist
Last summer, TikTokers took to wearing satin scarves as belts – but the trendy styling tip was thoroughly roasted for its lack of size-inclusivity. PSA: Draping your scarf around one or two belt loops to hang just across the front of your waist channels the same vibe. However you choose to get the look, know it is still on-trend and a big ‘yes’ from us.
Around your neck
Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking you can’t wear scarves as they were designed to be worn. Take a note from the street style outside Miu Miu’s latest runway show and juxtapose a paisley-print bandana against office separates.
Tied to a bag
A colourful scarf can add some much-needed pizzazz to your go-to bags. The trick works particularly well for showing off novelty prints. Right now, trend forecasters are obsessed with anything seafood- or picnic-themed.
The best satin scarves to shop
Now you've got plenty of inspiration to see you through the season ahead, allow us to showcase some cute satin scarf options you can shop now to create these looks. From the drool-worthy 100% silk designs from independent, dedicated accessories brands like London-based emerging label, Idle Kings, to purse-friendly high street picks that get the job done, all below:
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Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what's worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
