Although their history stretches back much further, silk scarves first rose to fashion prominence when they became popular in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, when both men and women wore them.
They were often worn as fashionable accessories or as a way to protect the neck from the cold. In the 20th century, silk scarves became more associated with women’s fashion and were worn as a way to add color, pattern, and texture to an outfit.
Today, silk scarves continue to be a popular accessory for both men and women, and are available in a wide range of styles and colors.
So, if you’re looking for some of the most fashionable vintage silk scarves to add to your wardrobe, then look no further, as we’ve found 10 of the best silk scarves that you need in your life!
One of the most recognizable names in designer clothing, Gucci has been producing gorgeous silk scarves for a good portion of its 100-year history, which means that when it comes to trying to find the perfect fashionable vintage silk scarf for your wardrobe, Gucci is going to have plenty of options for you to choose from.
Arguably one of the most iconic silk scarves of all time, the “Flora” silk scarf, was created by Gucci for the late Princess Grace Kelly, and was designed by Accornero de Testa.
The floral designs found on this scarf have helped to inspire much of the designs found on Gucci’s clothing since!
As you’ll see throughout this list, some of the most prominent makers of many of the vintage silk scarves we admire today were based in Europe, and Chanel is yet another fashion house that has produced countless amounts of silk scarfs throughout its rich history, which is no surprise when you consider how popular these scarfs were in countries like France!
With so many silk scarfs being produced by Chanel, it means that the choices when it comes to finding a gorgeous vintage silk scarf are endless, just make sure that you authenticate the scarf before you decide to buy it, as these scarfs were faked quite often.
Arguably one of the most famous producers of silk scarves of all time, Hermés first began producing silk scarves in the 1930s, when it was becoming increasingly popular for women to wear silk scarves as a fashion accessory.
The company’s first silk scarf, called the “Jungle Love” scarf, was designed by Robert Dumas and featured a colorful jungle scene with exotic animals. This scarf became very popular and set the stage for the development of many other iconic Hermès scarves.
Today, if you’re looking to buy a vintage Hermés silk scarf, then it can set you back a lot of money, so just make sure it’s legitimate before you buy it!
Much like many of the other European fashion houses on this list, Dior’s silk scarves are sought after for their unique and gorgeous designs and their high-quality production.
One of the best things about Dior scarfs is their attention to detail. The company uses only the finest silk materials, and each scarf is carefully crafted by skilled artisans.
Dior’s silk scarves are often adorned with intricate patterns and designs, and the company has collaborated with a number of artists over the years to create unique and limited-edition scarf collections.
Finding vintage silk scarves from Dior is somewhat easier than most other designer brands thanks to their popularity, so they’re a great choice!
Whilst many of the most popular silk scarves came out of Europe, this isn’t to say that there aren’t any amazing vintage silk scarves from America!
Vera Neumann was an American artist and designer known for her colorful, abstract silk scarves and other textiles. She founded the company Vera, Inc. in the 1940s, and her designs became popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
Neumann’s silk scarfs are known for their bold, colorful patterns and use of bright, vibrant colors. She often drew inspiration from nature, and many of her scarf designs feature floral or animal designs, as well as abstract motifs.
These scarfs are popular amongst vintage collectors, and they’ll make for an excellent addition to your wardrobe too!
Another European fashion house known for its incredible silk scarfs is Versace, an Italian fashion house founded by Gianni Versace in 1978. The company is known for its luxurious and high-quality products, including silk scarves.
Some of the company’s most iconic scarf designs include the Medusa head, which is inspired by Greek mythology, and the Baroque print, which features an intricate, ornate pattern.
Versace’s vintage silk scarves make for an excellent addition to your wardrobe, and are sure to bring some stylish flair to your outfits!
If you’re looking to really elevate your wardrobe with some vintage designer silk scarves, then opting for a vintage Louis Vuitton silk scarf is an excellent way to do so, although you might want to prepare to your bank account because with these scarfs being as beautiful as they are, it means that they don’t come cheap!
Some of the company’s most iconic scarf designs include the Monogram print, which features the company’s iconic logo, and the Damier pattern, which features a geometric, checkerboard-like design.
Although Cartier is predominantly a luxury jewelry and watch company. In addition to its jewelry and watches, the company also produces a range of luxury accessories, including silk scarves.
Cartier’s silk scarves are known for their sophisticated and elegant designs. The company has produced a wide range of silk scarves over the years, each featuring a unique pattern or theme.
Some of the company’s most iconic scarf designs include the Panthere print, which features the company’s iconic panther logo, and the Love print, which features the word “Love” written in various languages.
Finding vintage Cartier silk scarves may take some time, but with the scarfs being so gorgeous, they’re definitely worth the hunt!
If you’re looking for a vintage designer silk scarf that won’t break the bank, but will still exude all of the same flair and class as some of the more expensive designer options on this list, then opting for a Valentino silk scarf is definitely worth it!
With a variety of prints available, including floral and baroque prints, there are lots of different scarfs to choose from, which is excellent if you’re unsure of what style and print are going to suit you and your wardrobe best.
So, for some of the most beautiful silk scarves to add to your wardrobe, check out Valentino!
Although their wool and cashmere scarfs are the more popular items, Burberry, the British fashion company that was founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, also produces silk scarves too.
One of the company’s most iconic scarf designs include the Nova check, which features the company’s signature check pattern, and this design is especially popular amongst vintage collectors.
There are other designs available too, and with most of Burberry’s silk scarfs coming in neutral colors, it means that they are likely to work with numerous different outfits!
How To Style A Vintage Silk Scarf
There are many ways to style a vintage silk scarf, and the specific method you choose will depend on the shape, size, and pattern of the scarf, as well as your personal style and the occasion. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Necktie: Fold the scarf in half diagonally to create a triangle, and then drape it around your neck so that the point of the triangle falls at the front. Tie the ends in a knot or a bow.
Headband: Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, and then tie it around your head so that the ends hang down. This is a simple and stylish way to keep your hair out of your face.
Belt: Tie the scarf around your waist to add a pop of color to a plain outfit.
Bag accessory: Tie the scarf around the handle of your bag to add a touch of vintage charm.
Hair accessory: Tie the scarf around a ponytail or bun to add some interest to your hairstyle.
Remember to experiment and have fun with your vintage silk scarf. The key is to find a way to wear it that feels comfortable and confident.
Final Words
We hope this list of some of the most fashionable vintage silk scarves has been helpful to you.
Whether you wanted to learn more about some of the most prominent producers of silk scarves, or wanted some potential style inspiration, we’re sure that you’ll fall in love with the intricacy of the designs.
So, what are you waiting for? Get searching for your new vintage silk scarf now!
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
