Summer Staple: Silk Scarves

Suave and sassy, scarves are making their strong comeback this season. Originally popularized within European culture, Americans have found a way to reincarnate this elegant accessory into their wardrobes and even as an outfit staple.

The first widely recorded evidence of a scarf dates back to 350 BC when Egyptian Queen Nefertiti wore a woven scarf with her headdress. Fast forward to 1937 when the Parisian Luxury House, Hermès, introduced the first true designer silk scarf. Made from the silk of 250 mulberry moth cocoons and taking more than 18 months to complete, this European company instilled the delicate and intricately detailed accessory as a staple within fashion’s worldwide culture. As soon as Queen Elizabeth and Audrey Hepburn began wearing Hermès scarves, these silk pieces were an immediate hit.

For Spring/Summer 2018, brands like Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs, and Versace utilized moody archival prints as they crafted these ornate items into tops and skirts. Naturally, within the next year, this trend has entered more mainstream stores, prompting the scarves surge of success within the past few months. 

As maximalism continues to thrive on the runway environment, bold and sophisticated prints keep fashion’s unceasing fixation on the past flourish. This iconic accessory also compliments the western wear theme first seen publicly adorned on influencers at Coachella. 

To wear these picturesque patterns, you can style your silk scarf in your hair, as a belt, as a top, around your neck, as a skirt, or on a handbag. No matter where you place this stylistic piece of history, you will look fierce and as classy as Jackie Kennedy when she iconically wore silk scarves in the 50s and 60s.

@maddylemone

Be sure to try this season’s fad trend and tag us with your outfit pic @TheEdgeMag!