An essential isn’t essential unless it’s versatile. It should pull its weight, appeal to any personality, and fit in seamlessly with various aesthetics. To put this theory to the test, we’ve asked three Vogue editors to style the same piece, each in their own way.

The silk printed scarf is having its moment—the spring/summer 2026 runways made the case, and our editors are fully convinced. From Kallmeyer’s oversized striped scarves to the ease of Dries Van Noten’s pareos, the message was clear: this isn’t just a throw-on accessory, it should be the focal point of your look. Go bold with saturated hues and graphic prints, or let a neutral tone do the quiet work. Either way, their versatility is endless. It’s the difference between wearing clothes and building a look. See how each editor styled theirs, below.