Why Shawls Are My Most-Worn Accessory

Here’s how I build my winter outfits around them.

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collage of Alexis Badiyi wearing scarves
(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)

Every woman has a signature piece, the thing she’s known for wearing, the detail that makes her style feel unmistakably her own. For me, it’s a shawl.

Growing up, I watched the women in my family transform with elegance and joy the moment they adorned themselves with a scarf or shawl. It was the finishing touch that made an outfit feel complete. I can still see my grandmother’s face light up as her perfume-patinated Hermès silk scarf would cascade and envelop her in one swift drape.

Over the years, shawls became commemorative and celebratory—sentimental keepsakes woven into our family’s heirlooms. A Harley Badiyi woman is always seen with a shawl or scarf. I can’t remember a time when it didn’t serve as a symbol of sophistication and comfort for me.

I’ve slowly added to this collection, sourcing over years of travel, vintage hunting, and slow wardrobe building. I own a mix of cashmere, silk, and velvet scarves—some are heirlooms, others are modern pieces. I wear them draped over tailored separates, knotted at the waist, thrown over a slip dress, or layered with brooches. And I always have a scarf or two folded into my bag—just in case. They add warmth when I need it, polish when I don’t have time for a full outfit change, and a little sense of softness, romance, and home.

Below, I’m sharing some of my most-worn shawls and scarves at the moment, and the ways I style them, weaving together inspiration from my family and the runway.

The Silk Heirloom

Alexis Badiyi wearing silk scarves

(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)

This is one of my favorites from my grandmother’s Hermès scarves (Astrologie, Dies et Heures). Seen here draped over one shoulder and fastened with a silver clip. I’ve styled it with a Harris Tapper bonded suiting blazer in bone and Aflalo Lolana silk pants. There’s a dreamy vintage Hermès Nous Sommes Inséparables currently on Fashionphile.

The Pleated

Alexis Badiyi wearing a pleated scarves

(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)

This Issey Miyake Pleats Please Madame T is my closet’s most versatile item. While I’m wearing the gray version, it’s currently available in a delicious burgundy shade below.

It’s one of my favorite pieces to travel with, thanks to its signature non-wrinkling pleat. Here, I styled it on my way out for the evening, over a black silk trench with The Row suede heels, and my hair swept back in a tortoiseshell acetate hair comb.

The Wool

Alexis Badiyi wearing wool scarves

(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)

As this shawl’s designer, Emily Dawn Long, puts it, this is the catch-all garment, the perfect shawl to always have within arm’s reach. It adds a touch of warmth to any moment and is always an essential travel scarf, bringing comfort wherever you are. I wore it over a cream monochromatic look with Jamie Haller Kitty Point in Ponyhair Zebra.

The Chiffon

Alexis Badiyi wearing a chiffon scarf

(Image credit: Alexis Badiyi)

Here’s another staple in my day-to-day, fastened with a brooch over a long navy wool coat. I like to wear it this way so it can hang securely on my shoulder without falling, and can easily be gathered up and draped over my shoulder or hair as needed. This one is also perfect for summer, worn as a dress or a skirt.

Alexis Badiyi
Alexis Badiyi
Stylist and Creative Consultant

Alexis Badiyi is a stylist and creative consultant based in New York. She authors the popular Substack Repertoire and has worked with brands including Birkenstock, Missoni, Ralph Lauren, rag bone, and more.