Scarves Are the Unexpected Star of Menswear Trends Right Now

For decades, the classic necktie has been a staple of menswear, symbolizing professionalism, sophistication, and tradition. But in 2025, a modern alternative is taking center stage. Enter the scarf, including the scarf as a tie, which brings a dapper and stylish edge to conventional suiting staple.

For a fresher way to style your neck, forgo the Windsor knot and take a cue from Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which showcases printed silk scarves tied jauntily over suiting. The once-rigid world of men’s suiting is clearly embracing a more fluid and personalized approach. Beyond the runway, this trend quickly gained traction on the red carpet during the 2025 award season.

At the 2025 Golden Globes, Colman Domingo, a perennial best-dressed guest, elevated his custom Valentino ensemble with a chic silk tie knotted over a polka-dot dress shirt—a nod to classic styling with a touch of modernity. Drew Starkey, too, embraced the trend at the SAG Awards, pairing a double-breasted navy blazer and beige suit pants with a polka-dot bandeau scarf, eschewing the expected Windsor knot for something far more contemporary.

Omar Apollo took it a step further at the 2025 Oscars, where he sported a Valentino polka-dot shirt and a striped fringe scarf tie, merging playfulness with polish. His look was completed with a short black netted veil, adding an avant-garde contrast to his braided hair and goatee. The result? A perfect balance of ruggedness and flamboyance, proving that the scarf tie is as versatile as it is stylish.

While the menswear staple's fading may come as a surprise to some, it’s been seeing a resurgence as a must-have accessory in womenswear. The office siren aesthetic has already dominated women’s fashion, and it seems the men are catching up—bringing with them a fresh take on elegance, blending classic tailoring with subtle eccentricity.

This evolution in neckwear reflects a broader shift in menswear—one that embraces individuality, androgyny, and a break from rigid dress codes. Whether knotted loosely over a crisp shirt or tucked effortlessly into a tailored blazer, the scarf, including as a tie, is poised to be 2025’s defining suiting accessory. To refresh your wardrobe, consider swapping out the standard tie for this softer, more expressive alternative.