The Big Guide to Scarf Styling

An ode to the endlessly wearable accessory

Essentially just a slinky little piece of fabric, a satin scarf is a true wardrobe hero. It’s useful, it’s beautiful, it’s versatile. It’s the one thing that you should always pack for a trip - it barely takes up any space, but can come in handy in a dozen different ways. Satin scarves have been a style mainstay for decades across all cultures and ages, giving us an endless array of inspiration to draw from. I’ve scoured the internet, from vintage images to modern day style stars, to bring you the best in how-to scarf styling through the eras.

This letter is being released in conjunction with a giant vintage scarf drop on my website. Over 30 new-to-you scarves just hit the St. Evens online shop, all under $45.

How the Cool Girls are Scarf-ing

As I’ve slowly collected pieces for my big scarf collection, I’ve been keeping an eye on how scarves are being worn by the people I admire online. Here are a few screenshots and saves of my favorite looks I’ve seen lately starring a well-worn satin scarf.

Jazmine Brown wore a striped scarf over a baseball cap at Copenhagen Fashion Week (Instagram: @thatcurlytop)

My TikTok mutual Kayla styling a scarf as a belt (TikTok: @kay_lita)

Subrina Heyink, my favorite writer here on Substack, tied a scarf to the strap of an asymmetrical top (Substack: are you wearing that? by Subrina Heyink)

Instagram friend Liv styled a scarf as a sash in a breastfeeding-friendly look! (Instagram: @sababa_vintage)

On Your Head

A mid-century classic, the satin scarf can instantly turn anyone into an incognito starlet. Add a pair of dark sunglasses and a dramatic lip color, and you’re ready to play spy, Riviera siren, or Amélie spying on Nino from a Parisian phone booth.

Amélie (2001)

This look also serves as a protective style if you’re going out in wind, rain, or snow. Some scarves are actually made to be water resistant/repellent for this exact purpose!

Mixing a scarf with a baseball cap adds an unexpected, sporty twist.

As a Bag

I love using furoshiki to incorporate a vintage scarf as part of a gift! The Japanese wrapping technique is used to carry things, and as a way to present informal gifts. It’s a great way to make a present feel even more special, without any of the waste of typical wrapping materials. Showing up to a dinner party with a bottle of wine is already chic, imagine showing up with it expertly wrapped in a beautiful vintage scarf!

Bookmark this one for your next housewarming invitiation!

When one of my best friends got married, I gifted her a beaded vintage evening bag for her wedding day. I presented the purse in a vintage silk scarf covered in birds, plants, and mushrooms. Her husband is a landscaper that has transformed her yard into an incredible garden, and her and I got mushroom tattoos together 5 or 6 years ago. The theme of the scarf felt like it perfectly encapsulated the occasion, with a little nod to our yearslong friendship.

Genny with her wedding purse, and in a photo from this summer styling the scarf as a top! Even better, she paired the scarf with a vintage skirt I found for her when I went vintage shopping in Ventura the last time I visited her.

Furoshiki can also serve as a smart little trick to make an on-the-fly evening bag when you’re traveling. It takes up way less space than packing another purse, and provides a more elevated look for a night out than the bulky shoulder bag or a tote you’re likely to have brought with you.

Two techniques for making a furoshiki style bag