You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all designer bags and hyper-specific micro-trends in fashion It-girl circles – which, let’s be honest, it often is. But every now and then something comes along that proves that they are just like the rest of the world in their appetite for a simple and practical wardrobe multi-tasker, and this season’s silk scarf obsession is the perfect case in point.

Of course, this is by no means a “new” trend – after all, Hollywood starlets were knotting silk scarves over their blowdries back in the 1940s, meanwhile neckerchiefs have been a mainstay of menswear for over a century. But three things in life are certain: death, taxes and the fact that all fashion trends eventually come back around. The trick is understanding how to give an item a new lease of life for a new season – or a new century, in this case.

By fashion multi-tasker I mean an item of clothing you can pair with at least three other things in your wardrobe, but the humble silk scarf takes the concept to a whole new level. We’ve spotted the unassuming accessory being used in all manner of ways by fashion insiders recently, including, but not limited to: folded into a triangle and worn as a top; knotted onto a tote bag; looped around the neck; slipped over the hair as a bandana; tied across the hips (an Alexa Chung special); wrapped around handbag handles – the list goes on.

Particularly handy for your summer holiday packing list, countless brands offer their own take on the silk scarf. For a minimalist mood, consider the graphic lines of Toteme’s silk scarves, meanwhile Pucci is a classic for swirling, ’70s-inspired prints (ideal for the beach); then, of course, there are Hermès’s iconic equestrian prints and Burberry’s signature check, which is experiencing a renaissance right now and will complement your 2025 Bermuda shorts nicely.

Scroll down to see how the fashion crowd is styling their silk scarves this summer.

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