The silk scarves in Area’s fall 2026 collection were inspired by ones Aburn found while hunting through vintage shops around the world.

Not long ago, the idea of a silk scarf brought to mind the musty smell of mothballs in a grandmother’s drawer—something both treasured and out of date. Sure, there were echoes of Grace Kelly’s Riviera elegance still tied to its history, but for many of us, our main reference came from The White Lotus, where Jennifer Coolidge’s scarf made people think of Peppa Pig, not Monica Vitti.

A scarf detail from a fall 2026 Chanel couture look.
Photo: Courtesy of Sam Sussman.

Then the runways stepped in. At Celine, Michael Rider is determined to bring the accessory back. His first show, around June 2025, took place under a huge silk scarf “tent,” and now, four collections in, the American in Paris has shown twill scarves wrapped around necks, tucked into blazers, and draped off shoulders.

Inspired by the silk T-shirts worn as turbans at Sarah Burton’s fall 2026 Givenchy, I’ve started tying a silk scarf kerchief-style on days when my hair has too much dry shampoo. I also enjoy wearing the occasional sarong or a lightly stitched top, channeling the tropical-office vibe Julian Klausner has created at Dries Van Noten—Manhattan is an island, after all. And with everyone from Alexa Chung to Jennifer Lawrence sporting folded foulards as cummerbunds, it seems I’m not alone.

Area creative director Nicholas Aburn can never say no to a good vintage scarf—the louder the print, the better.
The silk scarves in Area’s fall 2026 collection were inspired by ones Aburn found while hunting through vintage shops around the world.

Is this all just a longing for old-school glamour—or is there more to it? Area’s Nicholas Aburn has a hunch. “I think there’s a collectible quality to scarves, which is really desirable,” he says as we browse a wall of scarves at the Stella Dallas vintage store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Also: “Scarves invite personalization.” So much so that Aburn drew from vintage pieces to create his own silk-scarf party dresses for Area’s fall collection. Whether you tie it like a halter or a tube top, there’s something thrilling about being barely dressed in the finest fabric you can find.

Isaac Mizrahi’s polka-dot-scarf accent in 1990.
Photographed by Tiziano Magni, Vogue, February 1990.

Aburn himself favors what he calls a “Stefano Pilati,” which brings to mind the former Saint Laurent creative director’s style of tucking a scarf into a T-shirt. He picks up a greenish-brown paisley foulard and starts fiddling with it to get that perfect lived-in wrinkle before snapping, tucking, and tying it into that exact Pilati twist. For me, he chooses a geometric pastel piece in the style of classic Hermès, where Nadège Vanhée has recently wrapped kerchiefs around gold chain-link necklaces.

“That really hits the spot,” he says, checking the results. “You can do so many different things. It can be that tailored menswear vibe one day, and Palm Beach the next.”

Details from Hermès spring 2026 ready-to-wear.
Photo: Armando Grillo / Gorunway.com

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the resurgence of the silk scarf ranging from beginner to advanced

General Trend Questions

Q Why are silk scarves suddenly trendy again
A Its a mix of nostalgia and versatility Fashion cycles bring back classics but social media has also popularized old money and quiet luxury aesthetics where silk scarves are a staple accessory They add a pop of color and polish to any outfit without looking tryhard

Q Is the silk scarf trend just for older women
A Not at all The trend has been adopted by all ages Younger generations are styling them in fresh modern wayslike wearing them as halter tops tying them to handbags or using them as headbandswhich makes the look feel youthful and current

Q Is this just a passing fad or is it here to stay
A While the specific styling might be a trend the silk scarf itself is a timeless wardrobe staple Its been popular for decades so its more of a revival than a shortlived fad The classic ways to wear it will always be in style

Styling Practical Questions

Q I have a silk scarf but I dont know how to tie it Whats the easiest way to wear it
A The easiest and most classic way is the neckerchief Fold the scarf diagonally into a triangle roll it into a strip wrap it around your neck and tie a simple knot at the front or side It instantly elevates a plain tshirt or blouse

Q What are some modern ways to wear a silk scarf besides around the neck
A There are tons of options
As a hair accessory Tie it in a ponytail use it as a headband or wrap it around a bun
On your bag Tie the ends around the handle of a handbag for a chic personalized touch
As a top For a bold look fold it into a triangle and tie the ends behind your back