Here in Australia, we might have been shivered through the last few months in tracksuits, but that hasn't stopped our sartorial senses from detecting a burgeoning trend on the opposite side of the world. Chances are, you've noticed it too: From runways to European summer holiday wardrobes, silk scarves have emerged as fashion's new favourite accessory. And now, as we prepare to peel back the layers and step into spring, there's never been a better time to investigate.

Long a mainstay in wardrobes from Old Hollywood to the French Riviera, the scarf has never really gone out of style. But recently, it’s found new life not on only on necks, but at waists, hips, and hairlines. On the Spring Summer 2026 runways, designers tapped into the scarf’s infinite styling potential. Most recently, Michael Rider's debut for Celine was something of an ode to the silk scarf where it appeared en masse around model's necks and shoulders. At Jacquemus, scarves were unfussy in crisp white and sky blue, and knotted like bandanas over models' heads. At Julian Klausner's debut menswear show for Dries Van Noten, the trend proved genderless, with longer, vibrant styles looped around waists and worn over pants. And again at Hermes, male models took to the runway with smaller, skinnier styles knotted at the neck.

Of course, it's no longer just runways where the trend is gaining traction. The internet let out a collective sigh of admiration when Alexa Chung was spotted jazzing up a simple white-tee-and-jeans combo with the addition of a Gucci scarf, tied around her waist in something akin to a skirt-belt hybrid. Lola Tung later translated the trend for Gen Z, stepping out with a silk scarf by Coach worn low on her hips, over loose-fitting trousers and a simple tank top. Similarly, Gracie Abrams inspired a legion of bandana-wearing fans when she co-signed the trend at Glastonbury.

If you have big, scarf-shaped dreams for your summer wardrobe, we've got you covered. From pareos to silk styles, here are 12 worthy additions to your scarf rotation.

HERMÈS Plantes Officinales triangle

TOTEME Printed silk crepe de chine scarf

CHLOÉ Paisley-print silk-twill scarf

MARNI Red & White Pop Fields Scarf

MIU MIU Printed Poplin Scarf

POLO RALPH LAUREN Big Pony Cotton Scarf

DISSH Percy Bitter Choc Silk Scarf Top

OROTON Marine Fish Print Scarf

Bimba y Lola Palm Tree scarf

LONGCHAMP French Bandana Silk scarf 50

COMME SI The Silk Scarf

LOUIS VUITTON LV Bandana Square 55

DRIES VAN NOTEN Silk Scarf