It might sound like hyperbole, but it’s true: the only accessory you need this summer is a big silk scarf.
Versatile and easy to pack, the little scrap of fabric packs a big punch, as seen at the spring 2026 collections. At Hermès, the brand’s signature printed styles were wrapped into harnesses to create sexy bralettes, or at Dries Van Noten, where it was knotted at the waist as a pareo. And it’s not solely limited to the runways, as fashion shopping platforms and social media creators have embraced the limitless potential of silk scarf styling.
Dries Van Noten Men’s Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear Collection at Paris Fashion Week
Giovanni Giannoni/WWD
Daydream, a fashion shopping platform that uses artificial intelligence, can confirm that silk scarves are on their users’ brains. “During the week of May 18 to 24, scarf searches spiked 249 percent week-over-week and the following week momentum continued, with searches climbing to 2,264, still up 85 percent week-over-week,” said Lisa Yamner, cofounder and chief brands officer at Daydream. To be more specific, they’re seeking particular answers. “As people plan travel, this piece becomes a versatile, packable accessory that works across contexts: poolside, sightseeing, or an evening out. They’re typing in very specific questions whether it’s ‘head wrap resort style’; or ‘scarf to tie around my waist while popping into a coffee shop from the beach’,” added Yammer.
Courtesy of Michelle Li.
Those queries don’t come as a surprise to Michelle Li, a content creator who was inspired to dedicate a Substack and corresponding Instagram post that featured unique ways to style the piece into her looks. “I love scarves for the patterns and was motivated to incorporate them into tops and headwraps as a way to add a lighter feel to my outfits,” she explained. From twisting a bright pink kerchief into a one-shoulder top to slinging another across her hips to create a slit up-to-there skirt, Li found pleasure in the trial-and-error process. “You really have to play with the scarves and try them on your body because what works in your mind might not work in real life,” she advised, adding that brooches were crucial to creating these ensembles. Another great tip? Using the midsection and not just the corners to fasten one across the body.
Should you want to get in on the trend, Yammer has noted that some of the most popular brands on Daydream resonating with users who want silk scarves include Maje, Co, and Zadig & Voltaire. As for Li, she’s a fan of finding vintage ones with interesting prints. Whatever route you choose, make it a scarf-filled summer and you can’t go wrong.
