When it comes to versatile, elegant accessories that add a polished look to any outfit, a scarf fits all the requirements. If you live in a place with frigid winters like I do (hello, fellow Midwesterners), then you’ve probably incorporated a wool scarf into your cold-weather looks for added warmth. But have you ever tried styling with a silk scarf before? Maybe you’ve never thought about wearing a scarf for fashion instead of function. Or maybe you’ve considered wearing it, but didn’t know how to go about purchasing one or styling it. Good news – I’m here to help! Keep reading for your full guide to women’s scarves: where to buy them, how to wear them, and how to style them for your chicest look yet.
The Low-Down on Silk
Before we dive right into our guide on how to purchase and wear silk scarves, we need to go back to the beginning and start with silk itself. If you’re considering investing in a quality silk scarf, then you’re going to need to know what you’re looking for when it comes to good construction and worthwhile materials.
What Exactly is Silk?
Silk is a natural, breathable fiber that was first produced in China during the Neolithic Period (probably somewhere around the 4th millennium BCE). Today, around 90% of the world’s silk is produced by silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves. You might have heard the term “mulberry silk” before – this is where that name comes from! The other most popular kind of silk is called “Tussah (alternatively spelled Tussar) silk” or “wild silk.” The difference with this variety is that the silk worms that produce this silk feed on oak leaves, rather than mulberry leaves. This type of silk is more resistant to friction, and so it’s more commonly used in furniture construction rather than fashion.
Silk Grades
As you might select a diamond based on its grade within the industry, the same goes for silk! Silk is graded with a combination of lettering and numbering systems. Raw silk is graded with letters A, B, or C – A is the highest quality. From there, A has a numbering system of 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, A. 6A is the top quality of silk on the market.
Hand-Rolled vs. Machine-Rolled Edges
Pay attention to whether a scarf is hand-rolled or machine-rolled. Machine-rolled edges typically come at a lower price point because they are more cost-effective and faster to produce. They usually have a more rigid edge that’s less refined. You can identify the stitches by how uniform and symmetrical they appear.
Meanwhile, hand-rolled scarves (pictured below) are usually sold at a higher price point because they are considered to be more durable and luxurious. When scarves are hand-rolled, the edges are carefully folded and sewn by hand, which creates a smooth, rolled appearance. This detail helps it to drape beautifully when you wear it.
Both finishing processes can produce quality scarves, so it really boils down to how much you’re looking to spend and just how luxurious you’re looking to go!
Where to Buy Quality Silk Scarves
Many retailers sell “silk scarves”, but how do you know what’s real, and what pieces are good quality? Below are a few retailers you might consider while you’re shopping for silk scarves.
Hermès
If you’re looking for the gold standard of silk scarves, look no further than Hermès. The French design house first started producing silk scarves in 1937, but has since become one of the pinnacle designers when it comes to finding a 100% silk scarf with a 6A grade.
However, the quality of Hermès silk scarves comes with a price tag to match (as it should). The good news, you can always turn to authenticated resellers if you’ve fallen in love with Hermès scarves but aren’t in the market to spend that much on a new piece. Secondhand retailers like The Real Real send products through an authentication process, which helps to weed out potentially fake pieces. I recommend you do your research on resellers and their authentication process whenever you’re thinking about purchasing secondhand.
In terms of other designers, the vast majority of luxury design houses offer hand-rolled silk scarves for a similar price point in the range of $200-$800. You might also consider Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, Dior, and Ferragamo to start your search.
the real real
Hermès Silk Scarf
the real real
Gucci Silk Floral Scarf
net-a-porter
Burberry Mulberry Silk Scarf
Mid-Range Sellers
If your budget for a silk scarf falls somewhere in between $50 and $100, there are a variety of mid-range designers that offer 100% silk, hand-rolled scarves. Brands like Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade are two such examples. You can also search specifically for “hand-rolled silk scarves” on Nordstrom for a range of results that you can then filter by price.
There are also brands based in other countries to consider! For instance, French brand Rouje offers 100% silk scarves for around the $100 range.
lauren ralph lauren
Polka Dot Square Silk Scarf
kate spade
Coastal Scene Silk Scarf
Other Options
If you’re just starting out your journey with silk scarves and want to go for a lower price point, try Etsy! There are independent sellers on there with a wide range of options for you, depending on what motifs, colors, and prices you’re looking at.
etsy
Silk Twill Scarf
How to Style Them
The great thing about a silk scarf? There are so many ways to style them! You’re sure to find a styling strategy that fits your personal aesthetic. Whether you use it as a chic accessory tied around your neck or the perfect pop of color around your bag handle, a silk scarf will be there to instantly add chic French polish to any outfit.
In the photo above, French actress Isabelle Huppert uses a silk scarf in place of a necklace paired with a classic trench coat, classic trousers, and a leather bag. Add a pop of red lip to get Isabelle’s effortlessly chic look. A silk scarf is a French girl must-have accessory for a reason! Although this outfit is full of neutral staples, the red scarf and lip add the perfect amount of French flair for a look that’s as stylish as it is polished.
scarf | trench coat | sweater | pants | loafers | bag
Beyond its ability to act as a chic substitute for your go-to necklace stack, a silk scarf can elevate other parts of your outfit, too. Tie a silk scarf around your plain hair tie for an easy way to upgrade your basic hairstyles when you’re in a rush. Or, swap out your leather belt for a silk scarf to highlight your waist with a bold color or pattern. Want to give your daily handbag a fresh feel? Tie a silk scarf around the handle to make it look like a custom piece that also ties into the colors of your outfit.
Your New Favorite Accessory
Now that you know a little bit more about silk scarves, it will be that much easier to shop for them (and style them). After all, knowledge is power! If you want to get the most bang for your buck, the information above will help you find the balance of quality and affordability that fits your budget and lifestyle. The great thing about silk scarves is that they don’t have to be expensive to give you an effortlessly chic look!
Ready more ideas about how to style your new scarf? Up Next: 9 Chic Ways to Wear a Scarf
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