Despite our best attempts, we’re finally giving in to the lure of the skinny scarf.
In line with the increased demand for questionable early Noughties trends, skinny scarves are joining the likes of low-slung jeans, rugby shirts and diamanté in the realm of Gen Z-approved wardrobe must-haves.
The Nineties-born trend has always been a signifier of the It-girl. From Lindsay Lohan to Sarah Jessica Parker, the cast of Gilmore Girls and Hannah Montana, the skinny scarf was adorned by stars of the screen, resulting in style moments forever immortalised in the minds of Nineties babies across the globe.
It’s no secret that early Noughties trends aren’t held in the highest regard. After all, the skinny scarf is the very antithesis of practicality. Yet this hasn't stopped designers from snapping up the streamlined silhouette for their latest collections. After a lull in demand for the highly nostalgic accessory, they are back on the runways and, much to our delight, more useless than ever. Marc Jacobs was one of the first to do so, as was Chloe. So it's fair to say that High School Musical style has officially turned high fashion.
Roberto Cavalli, David Koma, Di Petsa, Kiko Kostadinov and other coveted houses have also championed the flimsy fashion statement during recent shows. Whether opting for a ragged knit appeal that conjures up images of oddball burn-outs (Mean Girls' Janice Ian springs to mind) or uber-chic slim silk scarves fashioned into classy cravats, the skinny scarf became a fun, commercial piece that made its mark.
Skinny scarves also slot neatly into the move for greater sartorial sustainability. TikTokers took to their iPhones en masse to film themselves knitting their own floss-like creations, an act of protest against the ongoing fast fashion debacle. ‘DIY skinny scarves’ and ‘how to style a skinny scarf’ became hot topics of online conversation, with many taking inspiration from Matilda Djerf’s viral black neck number.
So, it comes as little surprise that now-twenty-something-year-olds embraced the renaissance of the neckpiece. Kate Moss has officially passed the baton to cool-girl figures such as Mia Regan, Bella Hadid and Holly Humberstone. Lustrous silks, metallic threads, gothic stripes and kitsch crochet flood their dotingly monitored social feeds and have successfully filtered down onto the high street for all to enjoy.
Skinny scarves have dramatically evolved from the days of the skull-peppered Alexander McQueen rendition which gripped wannabe musicians of the 2010s and their glamour-grunge wardrobes. Now, we say it’s time to indulge in the fabulously silly trend which automatically establishes enviable style status.
Discover the best skinny scarves below and shop the nostalgic Noughties accessory adored by fashion's glitterati.
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Urban Outfitters Mermaid Knit Scarf
Considering the brand’s repertoire with Gen Z, it would almost be rude not to commend Urban Outfitters for its dedication to Y2K styles. This shimmering pale pink scarf is ideal for younger consumers wanting to perfect their pop princess circa 2006 look.
Buy now £28.00, Urban Outfitters
Rixo Alexa Scarf
Rixo carries the torch for elegant skinny scarves. Designed to be paired with lustrous evening gowns for cocktail dos or swanky soirees, Rixo’s scarf collection spans opulent gold metallic to timeless girlish polka dot prints.
Buy now £40.00, Rixo
Burberry Checked Silk-twill Scarf
The silk scarf is the closest fashion can get to an heirloom. Jewellery aside, silk scarves are timeless accessories that signify the utmost sartorial sophistication. Burberry’s neutrally-toned, checked silk-twill scarf can be draped elegantly over your shoulder wherever you go.
Buy now £170.00, Net-A-Porter
Acne Studios Stripe Scarf
Browsing Acne Studios? For scarves? Groundbreaking. You’d be hard-pressed not to come across a slew of Acne’s ubiquitous ombre scarves on a daily basis. Yet this slimmer suggestion is a playful take on the brand’s classic colour palette and adds a subtle pinch of pigment to any everyday outfit.
Buy now £160.00, SSENSE
Stradivarius Sparkly Thin Scarf
An affordable option for teens and tweens, this scarf is replete with twinkling sparkles that glimmer in the winter sun. It comes in cream, grey and black, making it a twee, transitional piece to establish your cool-girl status among peers.
Buy now £5.99, Stradivarius
Gucci Horsebit-print Silk-twill Scarf
Buy less and buy better with Gucci. An investment piece set to stand the test of time, the house’s silk scarf features a replant raspberry tone and the brand’s iconic Horsebit insignia dotted all over. Pass yours down for future generations to cherish.
Buy now £165.00, Matches
Weekday Hairy Slim Scarf
The phrase ‘essential’ is thrown around a lot, but in our humble opinion, a black scarf is just that. Weekday’s thin, knitted scarf is made from soft recycled polyester and is perfect for honing your Y2K-inspired wardrobe.
Buy now £24.00, Weekday
Marni Striped Mohair-blend Scarf
A fleeting glance at street style images during Fashion Week and you’ll spot a striped Marni scarf. The brand’s discontinued ombre designs offer a cool take on luxury, and this pink and pistachio piece is no different.
Buy now £261.00, Farfetch
Lost Pattern NYC La Rosa Silk Skinny Scarf
Serve up some gothic romance with a winter-ready silk scarf. Large, blood-red blooms gracefully sprawl across a midnight background crafted from sultry silk. Dark luminous beauty wrapped up in a streamlined, subtle accessory.
Buy now £46.00, Wolf and Badger
NA-KD Block Scarf
Available in Eton Mess-inspired tones of raspberry cream and colourblock monochromes, this eye-catching accessory is set to spark joy and envy in equal measure.
Buy now £19.95, NA-KD
