If you’re in the midst of planning a European summer holiday, you’ll want to fill your suitcase with a few tasteful items. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on Portofino’s picturesque harbourside or lounging on a beach in Corfu, you want to look your best doing it.
When you travel to Southern Europe, there’s something you’re bound to find - besides the glorious sunshine! - which is that the fashion looks effortless yet so well put together. And one of the ways to achieve this is through a stylish silk scarf.
Why silk earns its place in your suitcase
Before we get to styling, let’s talk practicality. A silk scarf is far more useful than it looks. Silk is naturally breathable, so it stays comfortable even in Mediterranean heat and record-breaking temperatures. Your silk scarf will shield the back of your neck from the midday sun, protect your hair from salt, wind and UV rays on a boat trip. And the best part is that it folds down to the size of a passport. One scarf can carry you from a morning at the market to dinner on the terrace, which is more than most things in your luggage can claim. Since they take up so little space, you can easily carry a few different summer silk scarves to create multiple looks.
Summer silk scarf styling for women - four holiday looks
The question we hear most often is not "how do I tie it?" but "will it suit me?" The honest answer is yes, provided you choose the right size and wear it the right way for you. Here are four looks that flatter, with notes on making each one your own.
1. The classic neckerchief
Fold a small silk square into a triangle, roll it loosely, and knot it at the side of your neck over a white linen shirt or a boat-neck top. This look suits almost everyone, but placement matters. If you have a shorter neck, tie the knot slightly lower and leave the ends a little longer, which lengthens rather than shortens the line. We recommend that when choosing a print, make sure it’s your best colour that goes near your face. It does the work of jewellery and adds an interesting element to an otherwise plain outfit.
2. The headscarf, done properly
This is the look people worry about most, and the fear is always the same: will I look like I am in costume? You won’t, as long as you keep everything else simple - the headscarf needs to shine for this look. Fold a larger square into a triangle, place it over your hair with the point at the back, and tie beneath your hair or around your chin. Worn with sunglasses and a plain dress or jeans, it reads as effortless and chic. If a full head scarf feels like too much, wrap a narrower scarf around a low bun or the base of a ponytail instead. It’s a softer entry to the same idea, and yes, it fits the European summer vibe beautifully.
3. Tied to your bag
If you’re new to silk, this is the simplest styling option. Knot a small scarf around the handle of a basket bag or leather tote and you have added colour and elegance without wearing it at all. It’s the lowest-commitment way to try a print you love, and it has a habit of becoming the detail people compliment first. Most women who begin here end up wearing the scarf around their neck by the end of the holiday!
4. The evening shoulder wrap
Southern European evenings turn cool faster than you expect. A large silk square, folded into a triangle and draped over the shoulders, is the most elegant answer to a breezy restaurant terrace. Drape it loosely rather than knotting it tightly, and let the ends fall naturally. In a deep jewel tone or a large-scale print, it becomes the centrepiece of a simple evening outfit.
The silk neckerchief for men: how to wear one without overthinking
A silk neckerchief for men is a statement piece. Along the Riviera and across the Spanish coast, it’s the norm for a well-dressed man to pair an elegant silk scarf with an open collar, and it has been for decades. The key is to wear it with intent and confidence.
The one knot you need
Fold a small silk square diagonally, roll it into a band, wrap it once around your neck and tie a single knot at the front or slightly off-centre. Tuck it inside an open collar so a hint of it shows. That’s the whole technique. Try not to fuss with it during the day - the slightly lived-in look is the whole point!
What to wear it with
Pair your silk scarf with a linen shirt, a plain polo, or a well-cut tee. Keep the rest of the outfit in muted tones and let the scarf be the pop of colour. Avoid pairing it with anything else that’s patterned, such as a loud printed shirt. Remember: less is more.
Read our blog on styling men’s neckerchiefs
Our tips to choose the right size, colour and print
● Size - small square (around 53cm) for neckerchiefs, bag ties and hair wraps; large
square (90cm+) for headscarves and shoulder wraps
● Colour - choose a shade that flatters your skin tone. Warm tones (coral, gold,
terracotta) suit warmer complexions, while cool tones (blues, lilacs, icy pastels) suit
cooler ones.
● Print - smaller-scale prints suit a petite frame, bolder prints suit a taller one
● The golden rule - one statement piece per outfit. If the scarf has a loud pattern,
make sure the rest of your outfit is subtle.
Your new favourite summer accessory
The best holiday accessories are the ones that work harder than they should. Browse our His & Hers collection, and find the scarf that will elevate your holiday outfits this summer.