7 ways to wear a scarf this spring

How do you style your scarf? If the answer to this question is “I fling it round my neck, of course” — or even, “What scarf? It’s packed away with the rest of my winter woollies” — then clearly you’ve not been paying enough attention to the fashion pack, who have officially declared this spring silk scarf season. 

What’s more, simply knotting it under your neck is definitely passé. Instead, scarves fashioned into belts, wrapped around your ponytail or even adorning ankles are among the ways to showcase your 2019 nous. So here’s a guide to the trend to help you wrap your mind around it first. 

1. The scarf coat

Cult New York export Nanushka’s trench coat/dressing robe/silk scarf hybrid may sound like a confusing prospect but it is in fact a beautifully simple summer outerwear solution. Long, lightweight and reassuringly wafty, the paisley-print pattern is mirrored on matching wrist and waist tie detailing, offering a nod to the scarf trend without being overly fussy on the accessories. 

£737, nanushka.com

2. The scarf scrunchie

If you’re into the silk-scarf-in-lieu-of-a-hair-tie look, you’re probably also acutely aware of the faff involved in attempting to stop a slippy scrap of fabric from sliding straight off your ponytail mere moments after you’ve artfully tied it. Enter the scarf scrunchie. Burberry’s high-end version comes in myriad monogram and archive prints and features an elasticated closure to secure safely around a chignon. Alternatively, Free People has scarf scrunchies in every style imaginable from velvet to vintage print (from £10, freepeople.com) which are ideal for blinging up your braid.

£190, burberry.com

3. The scarf bag

Leather is so last season. May we suggest toting your stuff around in a silken sack instead? Nanushka is among the trailblazers of this trend, with its roomy Inda scarf bag, crafted from crème, lilac or rosebud-pink satin (from £256, nanushka.com) and finished with vegan leather straps, offering the ideal day-to-evening transition tote for those who don’t like to travel light. Mango’s cleverly constructed incarnation, knotted entirely out of bright floral or classic paisley fabric, is also a steal. 

£35.99, mango.com

4. The scarf shoes

How do you make the perfect sensibly heeled summer sandal even better this season? Add a scarf ankle tie, of course. J Crew’s options come in black suede with a pink floral ribbon or in metallic gold with navy polka-dot fabric. 

What’s more, the scarf can be tied in different ways — try it as a statement bow or snaking up the ankle and knotted at the top — or it can  be removed entirely and added back on the minute you step out of the office. 

£199, jcrew.com

5. The scarf dress

Measuring an impressive 145cm square, the blanket-sized proportions 

of Essentiel Antwerp’s hot pink and leopard-print scarf make it a generous neck swaddler and pareo wrap dress in one. Though we would advise waiting for much warmer climes — or better yet, a beach — before attempting the latter. 

£110, essentiel-antwerp.com

6. The scarf top

The early Nineties hangover that is the handkerchief top is back, courtesy of slip-dress enthusiasts Realisation Par. This limited-edition wild 

cherry print silk scarf square is designed to be tied around the torso 

as a bandeau top, Coachella-style, but would look just as good draped around the strap of your handbag when not masquerading as a top. 

£53, realisationpar.com

7. The scarf belt

The street-style set’s latest hack — lifted from the wardrobes of the French, naturally — is to string a scarf around your waist and call it a belt. Though it won’t help as far as hoicking up your baggy boyfriend jeans are concerned, it is V V chic. Helpfully, these city shorts from Topshop come with a scarf belt already attached. 

£34, topshop.com