This summer, we're throwing it way back — and no, we don't mean to the ‘80s or the ’90s. We're traveling back to the ‘50s thanks to one hot item that our favorite celebrities and influencers have deemed to be the accessory of the season: the scarf. And when we say scarf, we’re not talking about the oversized, long scarf you can wrap around and around your neck in the cooler months — we're talking about the classic silky square-shaped scarf, typically worn around your head like a glamorous classic movie star.
A silk or cotton scarf was a mainstay for major movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor, who tied them around their heads to protect their hairstyles and to sneak under the radar as much as was possible for stars of their caliber. Today, we've seen the scarf resurgence on stars like Hailey Bieber, who wore a leopard print scarf over a baseball cap at Coachella; Sabrina Carpenter, who went full starlet glam for her “Please Please Please" video in a blue scarf and dress combo with cat-eye sunglasses; and Rihanna, who loves tying a printed Hermès silk scarf around her hair for a day out.
The trend isn't just for celebrities trying to hide from the paparazzi, either; it's also gone viral on TikTok, with a plethora of tutorial videos to get that “I'm a movie star on my yacht” look with your favorite scarf du jour, as well as fun, clever ways to turn the humble scarf into a standout accessory.
Pro tip: Opt for a larger scarf, like a 70" or 90", for more styling potential. Smaller scarves work for some of the styling ideas below, but you'll get the most glamorous vibe with a larger style. You can spend Hermès prices if you want, but your local thrift or vintage store is probably packed with more affordable options, as are stores like H&M and Zara — and probably your grandma's closet!
Below, check out a few of our favorite ways to wear silk scarves for summer 2024.
1. On your head
You can do this a few different ways, depending on your desired end look. The easiest way is to fold the scarf in half in a triangle shape, then place it atop your head and tie it under your chin. For a more retro, Italian-inspired “tomato girl” or movie star style, wrap the scarf around your shoulders, tie it, and then pull it over your head, as seen in this easy tutorial below:
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2. Over a hat
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The scarf-and-baseball-cap combo has been a popular one for spring and summer 2024. Just see Mrs. Bieber above for proof. It's a fun, more modern way to style the classic scarf; simply tie it under your chin and go! Have fun mixing colors and patterns, and don't stress about everything looking perfect. This is supposed to be casual!
3. Bandana-style
Another popular way to wear a silk scarf is bandana-style, pulled across your forehead and tied either underneath your hair or at the crown of your head. This is a great way to cover up a bad hair day or to protect your style from frizz.
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4. Tied to your bag
Bag accessories are back, and what's more classic and chic than a patterned scarf tied to the strap of your favorite purse or wrapped around it for a textured look? A smaller size works best here, so you're not drowning in fabric.
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5. As a top
If you've got an extra large scarf on hand, fold it into a triangular shape and wear it as a Y2K-inspired tube top or halter.
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6. Around your neck
Wear a larger size scarf around your neck like a cravat, or tie a smaller one in a sweet, coquettish bow. You've got a lot of options here, so play around to see what you like best. A silk scarf can also be worn around your neck and shoulders like a shawl, which feels very “old money” chic.
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7. As a belt
Fold your scarf super thin and tie it around the waist of a dress, or thread it through your belt loops for a little pop of color or pattern. Is there anything a scarf can't do?
8. Tied around a section of your hair
When in doubt, tie it around. No matter if you are rocking a simple pony or a more elevated updo, tying a thin silk scarf around one or multiple pieces of your 'do can fully transform your look, giving it an extra dose of chicness with minimal effort.
