We often hear that summer is one of the seasons with the fewest stylistic possibilities.
Of course, you can wear colors more easily than in winter. but, given the rising temperatures, we tend to stick to the same types of items: chinos, t-shirts, light shirts...
So, can we express our personality as much as we want? Very often, when we are "constrained" by clothes, it is precisely the accessories that will allow us to support this or that aspect of our outfit, to convey the desired influences . This could be jewelry, a bag, glasses... or a scarf.
I can already see some of you rolling your eyes:
Why are you telling us to add layers of fabric when we are already hot?
I know, it may seem unbelievable when you say it like that. However, these are summer scarves that I am talking about, and not big scarves. These are models made from materials that are suitable for the summer season, mainly used for their contribution in terms of style.
So, what are the main categories? How to wear them? Where to get them?
Come on, let's go.
Fortunately, wearing a scarf is not just for winter. That's what we're going to see together.
The essential prerequisite: a light material
Yes, we can't ignore that!
Unlike a jacket where the construction matters as much as the material, in the case of a scarf it makes up 99% of the final result.
If there are patterns, look at the accuracy of the print/weave but overall the quality of the scarf comes down to the quality of the material ...
1. The most affordable: jerseys
The jerseys are very pleasant, whether it is viscose (very light, very fluid, almost transparent, inexpensive… and not very durable) or cotton jersey (slightly thicker, less fluid, rougher to the touch).
J.Crew model in cotton jersey.
These are good models for a first approach. Their price is lower than that of their silk or linen counterparts, which makes them a relevant alternative for those who want to get into scarves .
2. Linen, a step above
A little higher in price, we find linen. The latter has many advantages:
- it is easy to maintain,
- its slightly rough texture easily provides relief,
- he is comfortable in several styles , whether we rely on elegant or roots influences.
However, be careful with the quality of the weaving. You can't cheat with linen, it shows right away!
Another clarification - especially not to overthink, I'm just saying it for information - the material can tend to crease easily (which will make the scarf less fluid).
Here is an Oliver Spencer model with nice color variations.
3. The noblest: cashmere and silk
Yes, you can absolutely wear a cashmere scarf in the summer!
Of course, we are far from the big thick envelope: it is on the weaving that everything will be played out. We are then talking about cashmere veil , much lighter and finer, presenting an incredible softness and clearly less warm than its winter counterpart.
Eric Bompard, a cashmere specialist, offers an interesting approach to his work "in voile".
Likewise, look at silk pieces. Worked in muslin for example, it brings a lot of lightness, which makes it particularly pleasant to wear. If you want to bring fluidity to your looks, you will be served!
Maison Sams scarf in silk muslin. Expect to pay €225.
This time, we are in a category where prices are quite high. Small additional note: if they are very beautiful, these materials are also very fragile.
If you're not very careful with your belongings, or you're the type to forget your scarf on a chair at a café terrace, it's better to focus on linen or jersey.
Logically, the higher up the range, the more original the materials are worked. Example with this Dries Van Noten macramé stole (fabric created using a special knotting technique).
Now, let's take a look at the different categories of summer scarves!
The bandana: the ally we don't think about enough
1. A bit of history...
Originally it was worn by Spanish peasants who took it with them on their Atlantic crossing. From there it was adopted by cowboys to protect themselves from the dust. It is also associated with the gang scene. , rock culture and the history of the gay community of the 70s.
In short, if there is one that is loaded with history, it is this one!
2. The bandana in a slew of styles
The takeaway from all this is that it works with a variety of styles , from elegantly influenced looks to much more casual outfits.
With dress pants and a simple t-shirt, the bandana emphasizes the casualness that emerges from the top of the outfit. It enhances a rather simple ensemble, while allowing you to easily add a touch of color.
In the same spirit, Luca prefers to simply tuck it into his tee rather than tie it, opting for a more spontaneous side.
More daringly, you can swap your tie for a bandana. This brings a form of unexpectedness, the look thus gains in originality. As here, a white shirt and a gray jacket are the best base to start: the neutrality of these two colors leaves you free as to the choice of the bandana.
Another alternative: fold the bandana into a strip that wraps around the neck (while hiding the knot). In this case, the accessory acts almost like a necklace. The style is more precious but can be successful if it is fully assumed. (Images Louis Vuitton)
In addition, workwear is one of the styles that lends itself best to wearing a bandana. Like here, you can play on the shades of blue and indigo of your denim pieces. Don't worry, the margin of error is very small!
Of course, a bandana will also go very well with a perfecto, and can even be embedded in your hair if you have the hair of a Mick Jagger. That being said, I invite you to be careful with this kind of "kit" association : if you do not embody these influences, it will be immediately obvious.
The chèche, scarf of great travelers
1. A piece created to protect against high heat
It is a long scarf, 2 to 8 m long, and about half as wide, almost always made of cotton or linen.
The chèche is part of the culture of the nomadic peoples of the Sahara. Its purpose is to protect from the wind and heat of the desert, which is why it is used to cover the head, neck and face.
As a little anecdote, some say that the Tuaregs never take off their scarf: in addition to protecting them, it also allows them to hide their emotions...
2. How to wear a scarf?
I know, it is difficult to wear the chèche in the Tuareg style other than on a camel. That being said, given this inseparable DNA of nomads, it is quite appropriate in slightly adventurous looks.
Likewise, this type of scarf naturally lends itself to an off-the-beaten-track aesthetic, particularly through original patterns and intense colors.
A beautiful shade of ochre that is enough to liven up an outfit. Here, both the shirt and the scarf are made of linen, the favorite material of adventurers. Right from the start, you give an adventurer side to your look.
As I was telling you, there are a plethora of scarves with a more "fanciful" bias, decorated with several patterns. This does not make them more difficult to wear, however!
Given the proportions of a scarf, it would be futile to try to discipline it. Wrap it around your neck and let it live , it is not the kind of millimeter-perfect accessory. No need to worry!
Another variation is to simply place it on the shoulders. The result is no less coherent, particularly due to the drape that is naturally created. This is typically the summer scarf to go for when you like to play with volumes. (Credits: Melodie Jeng / Getty Images)
The tube scarf, more original
1. The only scarf without panels...
Also called a snood , it was mainly under the leadership of Burberry that this type of scarf was popularized.
It is quite unusual, in the sense that it is a scarf that has no panels: it looks like a sort of pleated fabric tube that is put on over the head.
Polka dot silk version, Burberry.
2. Wearing a snood: do you just have to put it on?
The snood is not as easy to wear as it seems, let me explain.
Some models completely hide the neck and really go up to the face, and can therefore tend to flatten the silhouette. In this sense, I invite smaller sizes to be vigilant and to try the piece before purchase.
Otherwise, it acts like any other scarf that you wrap around.
Dark brands like Rick Owens or Damir Doma (the "Silent" line, for the model opposite) have a lot of fun with the snood. For them, it constitutes a rich field of experimentation, playing on drape, shape and volumes. This one, for example, is reminiscent of certain ecclesiastical collars.
More classic, Meilleur Ami offers pretty silk snoods. Personally, I prefer snoods worn with a jacket / overshirt left open. Worn directly on the t-shirt, I find that the rendering can be weird and the volumes unbalanced.
The scarf, from gentlemen to rebels
1. A category that is sometimes a bit of a catch-all
You will agree with me: we tend to call any accessory that wraps around the neck a scarf.
In this section specifically, I will use the word "scarf" to refer to a type of silk scarf that generally comes in two forms:
- the “preppy” scarf (approximately 0.25m x 1.20m),
- and the oversized printed scarf, with almost as much volume as a shawl.
Sublime model from the Faliero Sarti brand.
2. How to wear a scarf?
I won't dwell on the " oversized scarf" category, in the sense that it is ultimately worn like a shawl.
Wrap it around your neck or throw it casually over your shoulders, the main thing is to let it live.
In fact, an oversized scarf is worn like a shawl or any large stole, that is to say in a "natural" way. No particular code: quite the contrary, it's up to you!
So let's look at the second category, the "preppy scarf".
It is in elegant outfits that he will unleash his full potential - so far, so logical. Let's take a closer look...
First, you can wear it like an ascot (a kind of tie tied directly on the neck and not under the collar). We are on a refined imagery, with very marked sartorial influences.
Another option: simply slip your scarf under the two sides of your jacket. This is also a great trick to visually lengthen your figure, since it creates vertical lines. Of course, this would work just as well with a shirt instead of a t-shirt.
Same principle here, yet conveying a more than elegant rock side. This is also where the colors come in - deliberately dull for the occasion - helping to modulate the final aspect of a look. Let's not limit this practice to sartorialism alone.
I find this look relevant in the sense that it plays with the codes, especially through the shirt which is almost worn as a jacket. The scarf, very smart, is thus offbeat. It is not an association that one would spontaneously think of, yet it works.
Where to buy summer scarves and shawls?
- Asos , H&M and Zara : on small accessories like bandanas, no need to break your PEL. The quality is just ok but considering the price, if you like to change accessories regularly, these brands become relevant alternatives.
- COS , Uniqlo and Monoprix : nothing extraordinary, but a satisfactory quality/price ratio for pieces that do the job well.
- Atelier Particulier : an offer of lightweight scarves of excellent quality, at prices that remain very affordable. Expect to pay between €40 and €60.
- American Vintage : many monochrome stoles, from simple cotton to cashmere voile. The choice is very wide.
- John Smedley : English cotton weaving specialist, offering excellent value for money. The brand has even been "knighted" by the British crown.
- Glen Prince : roughly the same niche and prices as Smedley. However, it offers much looser scarves, almost like plaid, and many more patterns (even if not all of them are good to take).
- Eric Bompard : cashmere specialist, he offers some very beautiful cashmere voile models between €95 and €140.
- Drake's : a reference in silk scarves, perfect for your elegant looks.
- Faliero Sarti : prices ranging from €150 to €350, incredibly daring prints and knitwear.
- Hermès andLoro Piana , who need no introduction.
At the same time, think about rummaging through thrift stores if you have the opportunity: the choice is very wide and the prices are ultra affordable. Last tip for the road: look at the women's side! These ladies benefit from a much wider range and some models can be unisex.
And you, are you fans of the summer scarf? Which category do you prefer? How do you wear it? Tell us everything in the comments.
