7 Australian creatives show us how to style a silk scarf
IMAGE VIA @NATTTYBEE/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
The unassuming wardrobe hero.
In the era of the sarong renaissance, it seems we’ve all started rummaging through our wardrobes for stylish swathes of fabric. It doesn’t stop at the sarong, either – the humble silk scarf is making its rightful comeback.
The multi-use outfit staple we didn’t know we needed, a silk scarf functions as a top, skirt, hair accessory, protective style and handbag charm, seemingly all at the same time. Doesn’t she get tired?
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For research purposes (this is a serious matter), I dusted off my own silk scarf and experimented with its many different sartorial uses. To my surprise, it actually worked as a top, even on my D-cup boobs. And after talking to seven Australian creatives about their take on the silk scarf, I’m sold. This is your sign.
Tory Price, stylist
I’m majorly obsessed with blue at the moment and that’s what inspired this fit. I love mixing prints and really just want to feel sexy when I step out the door – cue the silk scarves! My headscarf is vintage Oroton and I’ve had it 15 years; mainly to cover up bad hair days. I wrapped a long scarf from the op shop to make a top, which is a tribute to my complete love of everything tie-dye! These pants are the perfect ‘more is more’ moment – I’m always ‘more is more’!
Felicity Brand, fashion consultant, stylist and head of buying at Mode Sportif
A silk scarf has honestly been my go-to piece this summer; I love the variety in how they can be styled. A favourite of mine is this Maggie Marilyn ‘body scarf’, which I’ve worn as a halter dress, sarong and top – ideal for days that start off at the beach but end up at a bar.
Tamera Francis, model, writer and content creator
It’s a fine line between stylish and pirate/fashion blogger on holiday in the Caribbean when you’re styling a silk scarf as a hair accessory. Whether my hair is fresh out of the shower or a few days (weeks) in between washes, I use a silk scarf as a chic way to disguise my oily roots.
If your luscious locks are like mine and prefer the finer things in life 100 per cent silk is the way to go. This doesn’t have to be vintage Hermes (although if anyone wants to hook a girl up, please let me know), there are vegan alternatives that will do the job and look dayum good at the same time.
My go-to is what I call ‘the pirate’ (as pictured). If I can manage to master the art of a few effortless styles with my silk scarf, you can too. If you get stuck there are endless tutorials on ‘how to style a silk scarf’ online – they’ll likely school you much better than I can.
Not only this, but for us curly hair girls styling our hair in a silk scarf minimises the frizz and acts as a physical barrier to the sun’s brutal UV rays; which can wreak havoc on our hair just like they do our skin.
Joely Malcolm, content creator
I’ve always been a huge fan of silk scarves. I’ve worn them as bandeau tops, bag wraps – even skirts if they were big enough! My favourite way to style them at the moment is as a hair scarf. Not only is it a way to keep all my hair out of my face on windy days, but it makes me feel like an old Hollywood siren sitting in a convertible.
The swirled print scarf shown here is from a secondhand store, which is where I always pick mine up from. Don’t sleep on the accessories section when you’re op shopping!
Kara Otter, founder of Karameleon, Karameleon Vintage and So Familia store
All my scarfs are vintage… surprise, surprise! They’re also always a fun colour/print to complement my outfit. I love a scarf for days I really need my hair out of my face and when it’s not washed. The tropical ones give me a real ‘2000s JLo Versace vibe’ moment, which I clearly live for! We usually have a fresh collection of them at my store, So Familia.
Nat Buchanan, model
BRUH. A silk scarf can and will save the day. It’s rescued boring fits, preserved my protective styles, become an emergency top and hidden more bad hair days than I can count. They just add spice – period. The scarf I’m loving at the moment is from Marimekko.
The neutral colours and print seem to elevate everything which as a lazy dresser, I’m here for. I love wearing my scarves as bandanas. I don’t know why but I just feel like ‘Vacay Nat’ comes out and suddenly I’m fun and adventurous and having margies on a school night. I also love that I can position my curls as bangs with a scarf and they stay there. Little wins.
Laura-Mae Will, DJ, co-founder of Lucky Tooth Gems and fashion student
For me, the silk scarf is a must as an add-on accessory or protective piece for my curly hair! Inspired by A$AP Rocky and his Gucci scarf staple moment, I wear a faux Louis Vuitton scarf I thrifted while working at a vintage store in London.
It’s a super versatile piece and has quickly become one of my favourite ways to dress up my outfits. Perfect for a night out dancing, a festival, or styling day-to-day streetwear.
To find your own multi-use silk scarf, head here.
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