Looking for some style inspiration? The silk scarf is your go-to for any outfit. Having served many purposes throughout history, you’re bound to look your best wearing yours. Read on to find out about why you should never leave home without one.

A few things spring to mind when we think of silk scarves such as elegance, Hermès and Hollywood. In the modern world, the silk scarf was made fashionable by the likes of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, who influenced new ways of wearing the accessory.

Grace Kelly on the set of Mogambo in 1953 — Grace Kelly on the set of *Mogambo* in 1953

Designers like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci all followed suit to Hermès who was the first to introduce the silk scarf into fashion as a notable and necessary accessory back in 1937.

One thing for sure is that the silk scarf exudes style, class and glamour.

A Brief History

The first record of scarf-wearing was in 1350 BC, by one of the most beautiful women in history, Queen Nefertiti of Egypt. She is said to have worn a tightly woven scarf topped with a conical headdress.

Elizabeth Taylor holding a photo of the Nefertiti Bust

In China, dating as far back as 100BC, a scarf was used as a symbol of military rank with varying styles of fringing and embroidery.

The cravat or necktie is seen as far back as the Roman era, around 10 A.D, when soldiers and labourers wore a piece of linen fabric called a sudarium or ‘sweat cloth’, around their waist, neck or shoulder. This eventually became an accessory worn by men, not just by who participated in strenuous activities but who saw it as a fashionable addition to their attire, especially when made from silk.

By Royal Appointment

Much of fashion has been influenced by royalty and people of high class. Queen Victoria, who had a keen eye for design, is one who had a great influence on fashion. She did this by wearing luxurious graphic silk scarfs or cravats as she sat on the throne during her reign from 1837-1901. To differentiate nobility from the lower class, scarves were made using silk and cashmere.

The Influence of War

During the 1940s many women joined the workforce in aid of World War II. As a result, the hair scarf became a popular and fashionable way to tie back their hair, especially for those working in factories and with machinery.

A Lockheed employee working on the fuselage of a P-38 Lightning in California in 1944.

Hollywood Calling

During the golden age of Hollywood, glamour and luxury were key components once more to influence fashion. Grace Kelly famously wore a Hermès scarf as a sling when she broke her arm, instead of the gauze issued by her doctor.

Grace Kelly, the future Princess of Monaco wearing a silk scarf as a sling

Revolution

The 1960s and 70s encouraged the diversity of fashion and class. The practicality of the scarf was popularised by young men and women, rock-stars and hippies, wearing scarves around their heads, in what was seen as a rebellious act. Much of this trend was influenced by cultures from India and South-East Asia and it was this statement that cemented it as a fashion staple for anyone and everyone to wear.

Jimmy Hendrix, Janis Joplin & Brian Jones

Guess Who’s Back

With current fashion trends looking back to styles popular in the 80s and 90s, scarves once more are resurfacing. Over-sized blazers, chunky knits and even street styles are begging for colourful accents that only a scarf can give.

Never Leave Home Without Your Scarf

Scarves can serve many purposes, either as a fashionable statement, to show identity or merely for practicality. Whatever the reason for wearing a scarf is, chose one that makes you feel like you.

Never leave home without your scarf.

Sophia Loren colour-blocking a scarf on the set of 1979’s Firepower — Sophia Loren colour-blocking a scarf on the set of 1979’s *Firepower*

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How to Wear a Silk Scarf