Scarves of all styles and colors are topping tanks and tees this summer. Long pashminas flow behind fast-walking New York professionals in black. Small, floral silk pieces tied neatly at the throat keep necks warm so the rest of the outfits can comfortably soak up rays. Cotton stoles hang open over short-sleeved tops.

Venus Williams wore a scarf over a black T-shirt at the recent launch of her fashion line, EleVen. She pointed out that the chunky, multicolored sash spun around her neck was the only non-EleVen item on her body.

"Certainly one of the tricks of dressing to look slimmer has always been using a scarf and calling attention up," says Karen Giberson, president of the Accessories Council. "But I don't think that's the main reason (for the scarves). I think it's just a fun trend right now."