A few weeks ago I wrote about my everyday uniform—a blazer, high-waisted jeans, and a striped t-shirt. Well, if I was to expand that uniform to weekend shopping, meeting friends at a brewery, or anything that calls for a more casual look, it would 100% mean that I’m wearing a t-shirt and silk scarf.
There’s no better accessory to have in your wardrobe than a silk scarf. You’ll find me adding a silk scarf to almost anything I wear, from a dress to a lace top, but my favorite way to wear it is with a plain old t-shirt.
HOW TO DRESS UP A T-SHIRT WITH A SILK SCARF
A t-shirt and jeans is such a timeless, American look. It’s effortless. It’s easy. But, the trick to elevating it from “I rolled out of bed” to “How is she always so pulled together?!” is adding the right accessories—and the right accessory is almost always a silk scarf.
Whether you’re wearing a plain white t-shirt or a nautical-inspired striped tee, you can’t beat the pop of color and sophistication that you get from a tailored silk scarf. They’re a wardrobe addition that is as quintessentially classic on a 20-year-old as a 90-year-old.
Literally, all you need to do is wear a well-made t-shirt, jeans that fit your bum, and throw on a silk scarf—instantly chic.
OUTFIT: Madewell Striped Tee / Paige Hoxton Jeans / Silk Scarf {similar} / Jack Rogers Gold Sandals
WHAT TO DO WITH A SILK SCARF
So, what do you do with this endlessly stylish accessory? For me, it depends on the mood, the jewelry, and the particular t-shirt I’m wearing. If I’m wearing my antique pocket watch necklace as I am in these photos, then I’ll simply lay the scarf out on the bed or on the floor and fold it in from both sides until I have a long sash. Throw it around my shoulders and I’m good to go.
If my top could benefit from a bold punch of something around the neck, then I’ll repeat the steps above, but then tie a knot in the middle, fluff it a little, and tie the ends behind my neck.
Not feeling the scarf at the moment? Generally, my scarf will migrate from my person to tied around my bag and back again a few times throughout the day.
Sometimes, if I’m wearing a crewneck plain tee, I’ll simply fold the scarf in half in a large triangle and then tie the ends behind my neck—leaving a sort of bandana look in the front. And, if I’m feeling super chic and just a bit French, I’ll tie the scarf close to my neck and either tuck the ends in or leave them loose.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO FIND SILK SCARVES
When it comes to silk scarves, you can spend a little or a lot—of course, you can also find real silk and not so much. It all depends on what you’re looking for. This particular silk scarf is from J. McLaughlin, which is a great resource for real silk scarves that don’t cost a bundle. Plus, I’m absolutely loving the shades of blue in this scarf in their current collection (this one isn’t silk, but it’s at a lower price point).
I’m sure you’re all familiar with Tuckernuck’s amazing Pommander Palace collection of faux silk scarves. They’re giant 51.8″ squares that are amazingly versatile. And, at $48, they’re an incredible deal. Here are all the scarves in their current collection:
Looking for an even better deal than $48? Well, it should be no surprise that one of my other favorite places to find silk scarves is vintage and antique stores.
HOW DO YOU WEAR YOUR SILK SCARVES?
Now we all know that I wear my silk scarves all the time, with every outfit. But, how do you wear them? Are you all about saving them for special occasions? Or are they the perfect finishing touch on a daily basis? Have you mastered the art of wearing one around your hair? If so, I need your secrets.
