The revival of the skinny scarf

Taylor Borde

Spring runways were fleeting with reminiscences of the seventies, bringing back bell-bottom jeans, vivacious floral patterns and every variation of suede. The skinny scarf, a favorite between David Bowie and Kate Moss alike, is making a comeback, causing women to keep their chunky scarves in storage.

Miuccia Prada, CEO and head designer for Prada, is the mastermind behind this revolution. A year ago, Prada’s FW14 collection featured skinny silk scarves around every model’s neck; Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Tommy Hilfiger followed suit at their SS15 outings. The trend has trickled through the blogosphere where a following picked up, and down to the consumers a year later.

This trend is possibly the best thing for our wardrobes this season. Although it isn’t the warmest option, it does have other, more stylish benefits. A silk scarf is the most effortless way to make an outfit pop. You can forget the staple necklace and flashy earrings. A simple silk or printed chiffon version adds interest to anything from a classic button down to a flowy dress for a relaxed fall day. Mix up your go-to business casual look by adding a sleek black scarf; keeping it professional, while earning major style points.

The easiest way to style this accessory is the single wrap—wrap it around your neck, letting the two ends hang down in front. Pairing this method with a blazer makes the scarf looks more like a choker necklace for an edgier look. Another huge trend is the pussycat bow. To copy this style tie a large, loose bow and let it hang. Some blouses come with an attached scarf already, making it one less step. Many street style stars opt for the “toss over your shoulder” approach, achieving that effortless cool we all try to mirror. To keep the scarf in place, secure it with a pin or brooch. You can also tie it at the side to rid any risk that it will come undone.

A patterned scarf is a great idea to break up solid colors or to add flavor to a plain shirt. A solid colored scarf can become a wardrobe staple in a neutral color, or a focal point in a bold shade.

To get in on the trend, shop at ASOS, Free People, Topshop, Zara or make your own with a long ribbon.