How to wear a silk head scarf: The trending way to wrap up

Not only on-trend, a silk scarf helps protect your hair, too.

If you’re a bit sick of the continual throwbacks in fashion, look away now.

The only relief is that the referencing being done this time, doesn’t recall the 70, 90s or 00s. Though there are plenty of other current trends that do: Hello platforms and loafers

That’s because wrapping up with a silk scarf is proving to be the old-Hollywood chic style to adorn yourself with right now.

Those in the know are tying one on (ideally with chic sunnies, too) around their head in the manner of icons like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly in their heyday. Queen Elizabeth was also awfully fond of the look while outdoors at Balmoral.

The latest inspiration is coming from street-style, but especially A-listers like Beyonce, Sabrina Carpenter, Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner who have been adopting the retro look on their summer jaunts.

Of course, there is an incredibly useful point to the style that may have been lost in the trend hype. Like those actresses who often wore the scarf during a convertible ride or boat trip, the silk scarf protects hair from tangling and snagging in the wind.

Silk is known to be incredibly gentle to delicate strands. It reduces friction, preventing breakage and split ends and helps hair retain its natural oils and moisture which is why it is used in scrunchies and silk pillowcases.

So how to style it? The simplest way to tie one, is to fold the scarf in half in a triangle. Then, place it atop your head with the point facing the the rear and tie under your chin. It can also be knotted elegantly at the back of the head, either under long hair, or on top.

Another hip way to wear? Over the top of a baseball cap. It’s a look Karen Walker is currently endorsing, as the label has just released a limited edition of silk scarves to mark a new exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

Three silk scarves feature artworks by artists included in the new Show Modern Women: Flight of Time  The exhibition celebrates the key role women artists have played in the development of modern art in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Of course, on your head is not the only way to wear it. For more inspiration, scarf experts Hermès have a number of videos on ways to knot and wear a scarf, including cowboy-style around the neck, or wrapping a ponytail.

Another option? Adding to the handles of a handbag, joining the jumble of bag charms that have also made a welcome return.