Though scarves may be most commonly associated with fall and winter fashions, silk scarves have slowly but surely crept their way up to trend territory for summer. Surprisingly versatile and cool enough (both literally and figuratively) to wear throughout the warm-weather months, it’s the chic accessory you didn’t know your summer wardrobe was missing.

Tied around your head? To your bag? Around your waist? We’re unpacking five fashionable ways to wear a silk scarf (or more affordable alternatives) this season, inspired by celebrity trendsetters like Hailey Bieber, Alexa Chung and Sofia Richie Grainge.

Instagram.com/DanixMichelle

From Audrey Hepburn to Sophia Loren, vintage glamour icons of yesteryear tied silk headscarves over their perfectly coiffed manes for a laidback look that simultaneously oozed elegance. While that classic manner of wearing a scarf around your head still remains trendy, the It girls of our day (think: Rihanna and Hailey Bieber) have refreshed the style by tying the accessory overtop a casual baseball cap. The more head toppers, the merrier.

Anthropologie Bright Icon Hair Scarves Set of 2,

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If your scarf styling has been limited to wearing this versatile accessory on your body, here’s your sign to try tying a silk scarf to your favourite purse instead. Whether it’s secured in a knot and left free-flowing or braided around the strap of a handbag to add a bit of texture, the possibilities are endless with this accessorizing trick adopted from the ’90s.

Ralph Lauren Landscape Print Square Scarf,

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Instagram.com/AlexaChung

Take a page out of Alexa Chung and Kylie Jenner‘s fashion book by knotting an oversized silk scarf around your waist. Yes, on top of your go-to summer trousers. Making the case for beachwear as everyday wear with its sarong-like appeal, why wear a belt when you can tie a hip-hugging scarf around your mid-section to make a style statement?

Prada Printed Silk Twill Scarf,

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Anyone old enough to style themselves (or to read a magazine) in the early 2000s can probably recall the scarf top trend of the era—and it’s making its rounds again in 2025. While several Y2K style mavens like Beyoncé opted to use bandanas as their top of choice, switch up the look with a patterned scarf that can be tied in a knot over your chest, or secured in the back to give the accessory a triangular silhouette in the front.

Zara Printed Scarf with Cotton,

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Instagram.com/SofiaGrainge

Perhaps the most sophisticated way to flaunt a silk scarf? Knotted around your neck à la the French necktie. As seen on recent runway presentations from Céline to Zimmermann, this chic trend is one we bet will transition seamlessly from summer to fall. For further styling inspiration, look to well-dressed stars like Sofia Richie Grainge, who’ve perfected the look.

Simons Dotted Satiny Scarf,

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