When the school year begins, the scarf replaces the tie

As the new season begins, the tie could well make way for a lighter and more relaxed accessory: the silk square.

Spotted this summer on open collars in Italy, the men’s scarf is gradually establishing itself as a new way to structure an elegant outfit without making it feel overly formal.

An accessory between elegance and ease

Lighter than a tie, the scarf is perfectly suited to the mild temperatures that often continue into the start of the season. Worn around the neck with an open shirt or beneath a slightly relaxed collar, it immediately adds a sophisticated touch to a suit.

Yet the trend itself is far from new. For more than a century, the silk square has featured across fashion, cinema and tailoring. What is changing today is the way it is worn: less formal, more effortless and inspired by the Italian concept of sprezzatura, an elegance that appears completely natural.

For Hockerty, the scarf is becoming an alternative to the tie for those who want to maintain a polished appearance without looking as though they have tried too hard.

hockerty foulard scarf homme men photo alessandro michelazzi kodd magazine medias mode fashion

hockerty foulard scarf homme men photo alessandro michelazzi kodd magazine medias mode fashion

How to wear the scarf this season

The silk square can be styled in several ways. It can be rolled and simply wrapped around the neck, tucked beneath an open shirt collar or tied loosely at the front. The aim remains the same: to maintain a natural and effortless appearance.

When it comes to colour combinations, Hockerty recommends choosing contrast rather than attempting a perfectly coordinated look. With a navy suit, ivory, gold, terracotta or burgundy tones can add depth. For a beige or stone suit, navy, forest green or cobalt can create a more expressive silhouette.

The fabric also matters. Silk twill, which has more structure than satin, allows the scarf to retain its shape more effectively.

A new way to wear the suit

This season, the men’s scarf reflects a broader evolution in formal dressing: less rigid, more personal and still elegant. A single accessory can transform a classic suit and give it a contemporary feel without necessarily relying on the traditional tie.

Photos Credits : Alessandro Michelazzi