Summer is here, and that means it is time to buckle down on the summer style and LOOK hot without BEING hot. Let’s be honest, style is a lot easier in the spring and summer when you don’t have to worry about extreme temperatures. Winter style is covered up by big coats, while the summer style is simply about trying not to overheat on the street. So, when you think of your summer style, a scarf is the last thing on your list. Unless, of course, you can allow me to convince you that the summer scarf needs to make a splash here in the US. Light, delicate, and sophisticated, the summer scarf is already huge overseas, but it is time we American men adopt this look to elevate our summer looks. Here to help with the summer scarf style guide is my friend over at Orlebar Brown, Trevor Hardy.
Summer is a time for dressing down. Open collars, an extra button undone, breezy linen shirts. When the moment calls for something a little special – an epic lunch or an evening that could go anywhere – a gentlemanly scarf is the perfect accessory. It adds a dash of sophistication or a touch of mischief. – Trevor Hardy – CMO, Orlebar Brown
What is a summer scarf?
Obviously, I am not talking about pulling down your giant cashmere or wool scarves you packed away the moment Spring Training started. Those would absolutely suffocate you in the summer. They also might scare others from you on the subway, thinking you are a legitimate psychopath. No, what I am talking about is something lighter. Silk, thin cotton, or linen scarves are meant to be more of an aesthetic than a functional piece. These will sit on your neck lightly and still breathe. One function they may serve, though, is that they can protect the collar of your white shirts when the sweating begins. Bonus!
“A summer scarf is an entirely different animal than a winter one – less functional, more fabulous,” says Hardy. “Orlebar Brown scarves are made of silk or linen, printed in Italy. An indulgent accessory that lifts any outfit and every mood. Versatile, they can be tied tightly around the neck or worn loosely underneath a shirt, very slightly peeking out like a good secret.”
Tips for wearing a scarf in the summer
Ok, now that that is out of the way, let us get on with how you can wear them. Outside of the most obvious way of wearing it over the shirt as I have above, there are two main ways that I wear these dashing accessories when the weather is weathering on the hot side. There are more intricate ways of doing this (there always are), but these are the two easiest ways to make this look yours this summer. Grab a nuetral colored scarf as a base and start building out with these two easy approaches.
The drape
I am a sucker for a good suit look. So while I will have both of these looks under suits, they work just as well under polos, button-ups, or even tees. The drape is the easiest, simply pop it over your neck, but under the collar of your shirt. For the suit, it should run down the lapel and add a pop of color, almost looking like you’re wearing a vest.
Under the button-up and the polo, the ends draping under the hem at the bottom add some depth to the look without adding weight.
The tie
Now for the tie method. There are a few different ways to approach this look: The first is to tie it like your necktie, a four-in-hand knot, or a windsor to create an even and put-together look. The other way is my personal favorite, like double-knotting your shoestrings. It creates a more casual and uneven knot, perfect for over a casual summer suit look or the added accessory of a polo or button-up. If you want to add a level of sophistication to your ultra-casual looks, this is the way to go.
Sometimes it can feel like it is more difficult to dress well in the hot weather. Your only concern is to stay cool and collected. The best way is to simply add an extra, light item. Sometimes it can be a hat, sometimes it can be a necklace or bracelet, but this summer you should go all out and adopt the summer scarf.
