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by Sana Bun

5 Contemporary Ways To Style Silk Scarfs

9 Sept 2024

Silk scarves: the accessory your grandma swears by, but trust me, they are way cooler than they might seem. Forget the old-school neck wrap — with a bit of draping, these little squares can transform into just about anything. In this column, I have rounded up a few fun ways to style them. Because honestly, who says scarves have to be, you know... boring?

I think the best part about silk scarfs, shawls, foulards and twillies is that they bring a burst of creativity into your fashion routine. This simple piece of fabric sparks your imagination, turning you into a designer who constantly seeks new ways to reinvent the silky canvas. 

Forget its original assignment and think of other purposes it can serve. For instance, swap it for your regular belt and wear it with jeans or trench coats, or simply tie it around your waist to refresh your look with an unexpected acсent detail. 

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Instagram: @leandramcohen, @nettiweber, @katetabakova

Looking for something more functional? Turn your silk scarf into a chic hobo bag. Tie opposite ends together to create handles, and voilà — your sophisticated accessory is ready! For added structure, place a soft fabric box, basket, or handbag organiser inside. 

If your scarf is big enough, it can become a piece of clothing like a top. With a little effort, you can transform it into a bandeau, halter neck, or a variety of other styles. Dive into fashion archives and scroll through social media for inspiration. Google tutorials, or just trust the process and improvise. Don’t forget to raid your jewelry box and use necklaces, bracelets, and rings as bindings to elevate your look.

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Instagram: @petra_max, @jennymwalton, @leandramcohen

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Courtesy of Hermes

Got a larger silk shawl? Make a stunning dress! Don’t be shy to experiment by tying multiple scarfs together — embrace perfect mismatch! 

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Instagtam: @jennymwalton, @katetabakova

That giant foulard can also make a fantastic skirt but don’t settle for a simple beach wrap look. Instead of tying it around your waist or hips, bring the two ends together and secure them with a knot or special ring to create a clean, sleek silhouette. Think of unconventional styling: layer your silks up, put multiple pieces into one skirt and wear it over leggings, masculine pants or jeans. 

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