Listen up, Katy Perry! The printed silk scarf's comeback is one for the books. I first spotted one on Leandra Medine last year. She tied it around her waist over a pair of pants. Since then, I've seen many iterations, and the one consistency across the looks is an emphasis on the silk scarf as an ornamental object of experimentation. Long gone are the days when silk scarves were simply tied around the neck or worn as headscarves to protect Aqua Net ed tresses. (Although, that is still one way to do it.) Today, they're a means to enliven tried-and-true outfit formulas.
Despite its history, a silk scarf always feels a little unexpected, like you're taking full ownership of a look. Whether you opt for one in bold colors or keep it more subdued, the nontraditional ways we're seeing printed silk scarves styled below (around the waist over a wool coat?) are nothing short of transformative. Prepare to take notes!
Here's a perfect example of how a printed silk scarf can change the tone of an entire outfit. The look is still excellent without it, but the scarf infuses a sense of whimsy and play it would otherwise be lacking.
If you're headed somewhere warm this winter, consider wearing your printed silk scarf as a top. Here's a wonderful tutorial on how to tie it.
Now this is how you wear a silk scarf in 2026. If you have a wool wrap coat at home, you might even consider using a scarf to fasten it instead of the belt it comes with.
Your LBD gets a whole new life when you tie a printed silk scarf over it. For those who want to try the trend but can't get behind bright prints, a navy-blue paisley scarf like the one seen here is a good place to start.
