The authentic and timeless world of Ralph Lauren
Spring 2026
RL/Women

The Art of the Scarf

The perennial accessory gets creative for spring and summer, wrapped around every which way.
By Shannon Adducci
In the sartorial treasure chest of life, the scarf is an accessory that tends to get better with age—in more ways than one. With the right print, fabrication, and craftsmanship, a scarf becomes collectible, a piece to keep always, through seasons, years, and decades. It also tends to add a level of sophistication that comes with maturity. Picture Audrey Hepburn, Eartha Kitt, or Grace Kelly in their head scarves—or the Milanese sciura, those elegant, aristocratic women of Italy’s fashion capital who stroll through the city streets on Sundays dressed in their very best: tailored suits, glamorous coats, big sunglasses, and, quite often, silk scarves tied in their hair or around their shoulders. For Ralph, a scarf has always been that little something extra, a layering tool to make an outfit look finished but also interesting, and personal. From the very first Ralph Lauren women’s show for Spring 1973, when patterned silk neck scarves mixed with pinstripes, to Spring 1990’s polka dots contrasted with bold sailing stripes, the accessory has always explored a happy juxtaposition—and still does. This season’s Polo scarves encourage personal style to follow the whims of the day. That could be out and about in the city, where the scarf can serve as equal parts style and protection from spring’s ever-changing weather. Or it could be the star accessory of a far-flung vacation, tied in the hair during windswept moments, or around the waist, over a pair of trousers, for a more adventurous take.
Nº 1
Over the hair
There are endless ways to wear a scarf on the head or in the hair, but a few key styles conjure the vintage glamour of seaside summer escapes. Folding a scarf into a triangle, placing it overhead, and tying at the bottom can channel either Jackie O (tied under the chin) or Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (at the nape of the neck). Tie it at the back of the head, entirely over the hair, pirate style, for a more bohemian look. Or, knot it up at the forehead, hair in or out of the scarf, for a vintage, turban-like ’do.
Nº 2
Around the waist
This season, there’s more focus on how a scarf can add flourish to the waist, as a sort of impromptu belt: A large handkerchief can be rolled thinly to follow the belt loops of a pair of jeans or trousers, while a longer scarf can be tied on the side of a dress with a knotted swoop. Or take the Tahitian-inspired pareo, tying it asymmetrically around a pair of trousers, giving even the most buttoned-up look a carefree vibe.
Nº 2
Around the waist
This season, there’s more focus on how a scarf can add flourish to the waist, as a sort of impromptu belt: A large handkerchief can be rolled thinly to follow the belt loops of a pair of jeans or trousers, while a longer scarf can be tied on the side of a dress with a knotted swoop. Or take the Tahitian-inspired pareo, tying it asymmetrically around a pair of trousers, giving even the most buttoned-up look a carefree vibe.
Nº 3
At the neck
The necktie is still having a moment, but this season there’s a little more room for experimentation. Take a point of view with the traditional menswear necktie by tucking it into the top of your pants. Or take a foulard, or non-menswear scarf, and wear it like a necktie, more loosely draped.
Nº 3
At the neck
The necktie is still having a moment, but this season there’s a little more room for experimentation. Take a point of view with the traditional menswear necktie by tucking it into the top of your pants. Or take a foulard, or non-menswear scarf, and wear it like a necktie, more loosely draped.
SHANNON ADDUCCI is a writer and fashion editor based in New York. Her work has appeared in Elle, GQ, Departures, Robb Report, WWD, and T: The New York Times Style Magazine.
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