How to nail this season’s scarf dressing without looking like a fortune teller

Scarf dressing is one of the few trends that hasn’t been repeated and reinvented over the past several seasons. It’s fresh, it’s new and because of that we’re not really sure what to do with it. On the AW18 catwalks it was defined by bold colours, gutsy prints and plenty of movement; silhouettes were almost shapeless.

Salvatore Ferragamo AW18

Richard Quinn AW18

But most women want a modicum of order to their outfits rather than a jumbled up jigsaw puzzle of pieces. So how to navigate scarf dressing without looking like you’re about to pull a crystal ball out from behind your back? With restraint is the answer. It’s one of those trends that on the runway requires a more-is-more attitude, but in reality needs a pared-back approach. Here are the pieces I would choose to channel the trend, and a few tips on how to style them.

This Scarf T-shirt from Topshop absolutely says scarf dressing without veering into fancy dress. It’s such a simple piece, but so effective. This T-shirt demonstrates beautifully how to take a tricky trend from fashion week and make it work for your own week. It’s an obvious partner for denim, but I’d probably wear it with a pair of boyish pants.

Printed scarf T-shirt, Boutique, €98 at topshop.com

The scarf-inspired print and bow detail of this top transforms it from a simple cami into an on-trend piece. In winter, try wearing it over a polo neck; it’s a great way of re-wearing summer pieces that you love and don’t want to let go of just yet. These gorgeous shades of gold and orange will work beautifully layered over autumn’s earthy palette of rust and brown.

Chain print top, €39.95 at Zara

Another way to dilute this trend for real life is to steer clear of vibrant scarf prints and opt for something a bit quieter. I love this shirt and skirt co-ord from bimbylola.com. Even though the print is being worn almost top to toe, it’s not overwhelming, not does it shout slave to fashion. I’d pair it with burgundy knee-high boots to add a bit of depth to the overall look.

Watercolour print shirt, €155; watercolour print midi skirt, €175; both at bimbylola.com