Copenhagen Fashion Week Gives Us Cues On How to Wear Silk Scarves Like a Pro

Scandinavian summer is scarf-clad, heavy!

Image: Copenhagen Fashion Week

The silk scarf was the new IT piece spotted at Copenhagen Fashion Week, seen in countless iterations, from bandanas to statement-making sarongs. Once the epitome of old Hollywood glamour (immortalised by icons like Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly), the classic silk scarves are now enjoying a modern renaissance. 

The scarf tied around the neck is too la dolce vita for many fashion aficionados. The new scarf energy is shifting towards a more downtown edge, drawing inspiration from eccentric muses like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and the unconventional style of Little Edie in Grey Gardens. Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have become the unofficial modern purveyors of the look during the 2025 Euro Summer aesthetics, donning printed scarves as headpieces. Hailey’s leopard print scarf, layered over a Fila baseball cap at Coachella, was an offbeat twist on the granny headscarf. 

This Scandinavian summer, scarves are getting a fresh spin—ditching tradition for street-style flair. They’re being teamed with boxy tailoring, layered over trousers and shorts, even worn low on the hips. Here’s how you can ace this season’s most coveted looks. 

Silk scarf-woven plaits 

The Scandinavian spirit of maximalism has brought a ubiquitous scarf style this season. Out of which scarf braiding trend, which is deeply boho in nature, came to the forefront through the Baum und Pferdgarten’s show.  Elegant silk scarves are being plaited to create a modish twist on a classic braid.

As a belt 

Using the scarf as a belt is an edgy twist on classic scarf styling. This trend of tying a scarf around the waist, almost like a sarong layered over shorts, denim, or a maxi skirt, is making statement looks from the streets of Newyork to the Nordics this summer. Celebrities like Alexa Chung, Kendall Jenner, Lola Tung, Jennifer Lawrence, and many more are hopping on to this microtrend.

As an impromptu top 

Looking for a new top? Wrap the scarf around your neck to make it a beach-ready halter neck top. Pair it with cropped trousers or a flowy skirt to channel that easy-breezy, oceanfront aesthetic. You can also wear it as a bandeu with an oversized jacket or blazer for a quirky yet lowkey street style look. 

Around your neck

A neckerchief is the coolest way to Jane Birkin-ify your square scarf. She often wore them with a knot or loosely draped around her neck to give a relaxed and undone style. For a touch of old money chic,  wrap it around your neck like a shawl or a cravat. Opt for a coquette bow if it's a smaller piece of fabric. Keep the knot at the side for a Parisian flair. 

As a Bandana 

This screams Carrie Bradshaw from the Sex and the City series. It’s another popular way to style the silk scarf for that effortlessly cool-girl vibe. The bandana gives off a laid-back, chic aura that is both retro and modern nonchalance in one go. It's one of the easiest ways to cover yourself from the sun or to elevate your look when you have a bad hair day. 

Tied to your  bag 

Shift the focus to your accessories! Choose a smaller patterned scarf to tie to the straps of your bag. It's an effortless way to add a pop of colour or texture to a minimal tote bag. Either let the ends trail for a boho look or wrap it entirely around the strap for a more polished and luxe feel. 

As a head scarf

Worn knotted neatly under the chin or draped loosely over the shoulders, often in bright florals or heritage prints, is nothing less than chic. When paired with oversized sunglasses and a trench coat, this style evokes retro Hollywood charm, reminiscent of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. Another variation of this style, the babushka style, recently received a modern revival popularised by Hailey Bieber.