A silk scarf is the most versatile thing in a wardrobe, but only if you know a few ways to wear it. Learn these eight and a single silk scarf will earn its place many times over, at the neck, in your hair, on a bag and more.
1. The classic neck knot
Fold a square scarf corner to corner into a triangle, roll the long edge into a band, wrap it around your neck and tie a loose knot to one side. Simple, timeless, and it finishes a plain top instantly.
2. The Parisian loop
Fold the scarf in half lengthways, drape it around your neck so a loop hangs on one side, then thread the two loose ends through the loop and gently tighten. It looks considered and takes ten seconds.
3. The hair wrap
Roll the scarf into a band and tie it over a low bun, or wrap it across the crown with the knot on top for a retro finish. Silk is gentle on hair, which is a bonus for the hair-care crowd.
4. The bag tie (twilly style)
Loop a narrow twilly scarf or a folded silk square through a bag handle and tie a small bow so the ends trail. It is the quickest way to lift a plain bag.
5. The ponytail wrap
Tie your hair back, then knot a thin silk band around the base of the ponytail and let the tails fall. Elegant, and it hides a plain hair tie.
6. The shoulder drape
Leave a long scarf open and let it fall over one shoulder, or fold it once into a wide band across the shoulders like a light stole. Perfect over a sleeveless dress in over-air-conditioned malls and offices.
7. The wrist wrap
Fold the scarf thin and wrap it twice around your wrist, finishing with a small knot. A soft, colourful alternative to a bracelet.
8. The scarf-ring knot
Thread both ends of a folded scarf through a scarf ring and slide it up to sit neatly at the collarbone. The easiest polished finish there is, with no fiddly knot.
A few tips that make it look effortless
Roll the fabric tighter for grip and looser for a soft, relaxed shape. Keep the rest of the outfit simple so the scarf leads. And choose real silk, which holds a knot and catches light in a way polyester never will; if you are not sure how to tell, our guide on spotting a real silk scarf walks you through it.