How to Wear a Polka Dot or White Silk Scarf

A polka dot silk scarf is one of the easiest ways to add a little vintage charm to a plain outfit, and a white silk scarf is the most versatile scarf you can own. This guide covers how to wear a polka dot scarf and a white scarf, what a white silk scarf means, and how to choose and care for one.

How to wear a polka dot silk scarf

Polka dots are a classic print: small, evenly spaced spots on a plain ground. On a small silk square they read as playful but polished. Five easy ways to wear one:

• Neckerchief: fold a 53 × 53 cm square into a triangle, roll it from the long edge into a band and tie it at the side of the neck. Lovely with a crew-neck jumper, a white shirt or a Breton top.
• Headband: roll the scarf into a band, place it under your hair at the nape and knot it on top or at the side.
• Ponytail tie: wrap a rolled scarf around a ponytail or bun and finish with a bow, letting the dotted ends hang.
• Bag scarf: knot it around the handle of a handbag for a pop of print that you can swap with your outfit.
• Wrist wrap: fold it narrow and wrap it twice around the wrist like a cuff.

The green and white polka dot mulberry silk square scarf is a good example: a 53 × 53 cm, 12 momme mulberry silk square that is small enough for all of these looks and folds away into a handbag.

How to wear a white scarf

A white or cream scarf brightens the face and goes with almost everything, from navy and black to camel and denim. A few rules help:

• Use it to lift dark colours. A white or ivory scarf against a black or navy coat is a classic, crisp contrast.
• Go tonal with neutrals. Cream with beige, camel or grey looks soft and expensive.
• Keep it close to the face. A loose knot at the neck or a simple drape shows off the colour best.
• Choose ivory or cream if pure white feels stark. It is kinder to most skin tones.

For a longer white-toned silk scarf, the Golden Bloom cream and gold mulberry silk scarf (55 × 175 cm) can be draped, knotted or worn over the shoulders in the evening.

What does a white silk scarf mean?

In many cultures white is associated with purity, new beginnings and celebration, which is why white silk scarves are popular for weddings, christenings and graduations. In Tibetan and Mongolian tradition a white silk scarf, the khata, is offered as a sign of respect and goodwill when greeting guests. In Western fashion a white silk scarf has long been a mark of elegance, from the classic white opera scarf worn with evening dress to the silk square tied at the neck of a crisp shirt. Giving a white or cream silk scarf is usually read as a gesture of respect, warmth and good wishes. Read more in our article on the symbolic meaning of a scarf gift.

Polka dot scarves: why they never date

Polka dots became popular in the 19th century and have returned in almost every decade since, from 1950s dresses to today's catwalks. A dotted silk scarf works because the print is regular and understated, so it pairs easily with stripes, florals or plain clothes. Small dots look neat and classic; larger dots look bolder and more playful.

How to choose a silk scarf

• Size: a 53 × 53 cm square for the neck, hair and bag; a 55 × 175 cm long scarf for draping and evening.
• Silk type: mulberry silk is smooth, soft and has a gentle sheen.
• Weight: momme measures silk weight. Around 12 momme is light and fluid, good for knotting.
• Print and colour: pick something that goes with at least three things you already own.
• Finish: look for neat, even hems.

For a multicoloured square, the designer silk square scarf in blue, red and green is another 53 × 53 cm option.

How to care for a silk scarf

Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, do not wring, and dry flat away from direct sunlight. Iron on a low silk setting while slightly damp, or use a cool iron through a cloth. Our guide on how to wash a silk scarf covers it step by step.

Questions and answers

How do you wear a polka dot silk scarf?

Roll a small square into a band and tie it at the side of the neck, around a ponytail or as a headband, or knot it on a bag handle.

What does a white silk scarf mean?

White is associated with purity, new beginnings and respect. In Tibetan tradition a white silk scarf is offered as a greeting of goodwill, and in fashion it signals classic elegance.

How do you wear a white scarf without looking washed out?

Choose ivory or cream rather than bright white, and wear it against a darker coat or top so the contrast frames your face.

What goes with a polka dot scarf?

Plain shirts, knitwear, denim and stripes. Pick up one colour from the dots in your outfit for an easy match.

Are silk scarves in fashion?

Yes. Silk squares and long silk scarves have stayed popular for decades and are a staple of classic, polished dressing.

Shop silk scarves

Browse all women's silk scarves for polka dot squares and long mulberry silk scarves, or see our full range of women's scarves. Our guide to wearing a silk square scarf has more tying ideas.

Orders are normally dispatched within 24 hours, with free UK delivery, 60-day free returns and a lifetime manufacturer's warranty.