This summer’s most versatile accessory? A silk scarf

Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy wore theirs tied under the chin, usually with a pair of oversized sunglasses for added glamour. Kate Moss likes one draped louchely around her neck, while Olivia Palermo prefers hers tied in a flattering bow. Victoria Beckham, meanwhile, has often employed one as a 1970s-inspired belt.

There is, perhaps, no more versatile accessory than a silk scarf. Kendall Jenner knows this only too well: the model, and cover star of this month’s Vogue France, wore a striped foulard twice during her photoshoot for the magazine, both as a Jackie O-style hair accessory and as a beach sarong. Actress Julie Christie is also in on the trend; she was spotted in London last month, adding a pop of colour to her denim shirt with a skinny, red silk number tied loosely at the neck.

The simple silk scarf is both ageless and timeless, transcending generations and fashion tastes, making it a year-round essential for pretty much anyone. It comes into its own, however, during the summer months: a useful tool for adding texture and interest to neutral outfits, it can act as a thin extra layer on chilly evenings but is also light enough to fold into nothing in a carry-on suitcase.

‘A silk scarf, in a gorgeous print and fabric, can transform any outfit while adding a vintage-inspired sophistication,’ says Orlagh McCloskey, co-founder of Rixo, which sells several kerchiefs in the same playful prints as its iconic dresses. ‘The styling versatility and wearability of scarves is something I love. We design all our pieces to be investments you can dress up or down, depending on the occasion. This summer, our ‘Menno’ style has been really popular. We’ve seen it used as a scarf, looped it into a ponytail or worn as a top at a festival.’

Herein lies the real value of a silk scarf: just one extra piece can multiply the outfits you already own. Tie Liberty’s jaunty ‘Aquarius’ style into your hair or onto the handle of a plain tote bag, or go for something larger (like the joyfully patterned ‘Festa’ from Maison Flaneur) that will protect you from office air-conditioning, while doubling up as a sarong or strapless top on beach holidays. Rixo’s ‘Julien’ looks wonderful with a simple T-shirt, its tails hanging loose down the back; it can also be matched with several of the brand’s dresses, to create a higher neck or a belt.

‘I like a skinny scarf twisted around the top handle of a bag – it’s a great way to add a personal touch,’ says Leeanne Hundleby, co-founder of the royals’ favourite accessories brand, Strathberry. ‘I’ve also seen them tied around the wrist as a bracelet, which I think is a lovely idea.’ Made in Italy from 100 per cent silk, Strathberry’s scarves are as high quality as its bags and designed to be worn in myriad ways; the website even has a styling section to show off different tying techniques.

While the high street has plenty of options – try LK Bennett, Rouje and Whistles for chic choices under £100 – consider looking at high end designers, too. Hermès has always been famous for its silks, even if they are extortionate; many luxury brands, however, are making their own at more reasonable price points. Prada’s graphic green and orange number is the perfect partner to a white shirt, while Miu Miu’s navy polka dot iteration is classic, without slipping into Betty Boop territory.

Of course, there is no getting away from the silk scarf’s retro connotations, which is part of the charm of this trend – but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a modern spin on the look. Make like Christie and Moss by tying yours in a devil-may-care fashion, which will nix prim-and-proper vibes, and steer clear of any other vintage references in your outfit: pencil skirts, red lipstick and bouffant hair will appear dated.

Single colours tied overly precisely can make you look a little like a flight attendant, so go for patterns, says Hundleby, who recommends “pinks and oranges, which pair particularly well with summer outfits to add a burst of fun”. The burnt umber tones of this square scarf are shot through with dashes of blue, meaning it pairs well with light denim; it would also look superb slung over a baby blue swimming costume on the beach.

Don’t be afraid of clashing prints, either – McCloskey loves “a leopard scarf with a floral dress”, while stripes and spots are always happy fashion bedfellows. If you’re worried about looking twee, choose a graphic print over florals and keep the rest of your outfit relaxed: this watercolour print scarf from Cos, teamed with a black tank, cream denim and sandals, would be ideal for a weekend trip to the pub (and hasn’t even a whiff of Queen Elizabeth II about it).

The best way to style a silk scarf, however, is not to think about it too much. Throw it on to jazz up jeans and a linen shirt, or belt a kaftan with it on holiday; tie it onto your keyring, and use it to keep frizzy hair under control on humid days. There isn’t a wrong way to wear this genius accessory – which is exactly why it’s proved such an enduring wardrobe staple.

Our picks

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Printed twill, £190, Miu Miu; Erica, £99, LK Bennett 

Sahar Botanical, £90, Whistles 

Silk twill, £230, Prada 

Festa, £200, Maison Flaneur 

Julien, £65, Rixo 

Eddy, £85, Rouje