A Ribbon Away: The Charm of the Silk Twilly
There’s a certain kind of beauty that lives in the smallest details, a layer of elevation to any outfit that makes you feel put together. A personal favourite of mine is the silk twilly. A smaller form of the silk scarf, the twilly has been my obsession for years and I want to talk about how they are not only fabulous but also incredibly versatile.
I grew up in a scarf loving family where silk scarves were passed down from generation to generation. Some of my fondest memories dressing up as a young girl include exploring my mum's closet and “borrowing” her twillies. You may notice that I have used quotation marks because I have never returned some, as they hold their long standing spots in my collection. Influenced by family’s habits, the most recent outcome of my twilly obsession has been a growing collection, which I add to in memory of special days and trips.
Some accessories elevate an outfit to look instantly editorial. A silk scarf or a twilly tied just so, a soft bow at the neck, a ribbon fluttering from a bag belongs to the glittering world of fashion. It’s where polish meets playfulness. For me, a twilly is an armour of confidence made out of silk. If I were to meet Anna Wintour, I’d feel way more confident with my emotional-support twilly.
In St Andrews, style is often defined by layers: coats, jumpers, and the rhythm of the wind. The North Sea is partially to blame, alongside the fashion forward approach. The silk scarf offers a moment of contrast, lightness within structure, softness against wool. Plus, it’s functional, with the pure material actually keeping you warm.
The charm of a scarf or twilly is its versatility: it can be classic or ironic, practical or purely decorative. It’s the sort of accessory that feels inherited yet personal, like something borrowed from your mother’s drawer but worn in your own way. Here are some ways to style, whether you’re channelling your inner Parisienne, your mum’s closet nostalgia, or simply your Monday morning self trying to look alive.
The Bag Knot
The simplest and perhaps most transformative detail. Loop a twilly around the handle of your everyday bag, whether it is a structured tote or a worn-in crossbody. Tie it neatly or leave the ends loose so they move with you. It adds personality in a way that feels subtle yet intentional. Hermès might have made it iconic, but the appeal lies in how adaptable it is.
The Bandana Moment
Fold a square scarf diagonally and tie it at the back of your neck. It is an easy change that shifts the entire mood of your outfit. The bandana belongs to bright mornings and coastal air, when sunglasses and sea salt blur slightly together. Worn with a white shirt, denim and gold hoops, it gives an effortless kind of ease. It is less about imitation and more about finding comfort in simplicity.
The Neckerchief (and Its Many Lives)
The neckerchief is small but deliberate. A bow softens, a double knot adds structure. The long, narrow kind, worn loose or tucked into a shirt, brings that quiet, confident look that never feels forced. Each variation changes the tone. Some feel nostalgic, others modern, but all share the same ability to make an outfit feel complete.
The Hair Ribbon
There is something timeless about silk in hair. Thread a twilly through a low ponytail or braid, and it transforms the simplest look into something graceful. Let it fall imperfectly. Silk looks best when it is not overdone. The result is easy and feminine, polished without trying.
The Wrist (or Ankle) Wrap
When jewellery feels predictable, a scarf brings something different. Wrapped around the wrist, it softens the lines of an outfit. Around the ankle, it adds quiet personality, catching your eye only when it moves. It is a detail that feels spontaneous, but never random.
A Ribbon Away
Silk scarves endure because they are never just accessories. They hold moments, scents, and stories. Each one carries a trace of memory, something to keep. In a world that moves quickly, the act of tying a piece of cloth around your neck or bag asks you to slow down and start noticing. Whether it is a vintage Hermès or a small find from your favourite vintage shop, a scarf becomes part of your rhythm, an everyday ritual that feels like care. Because sometimes, elegance really is just a ribbon away.
Photography by Zeynep Baser
