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INSPIRATION AND ADVICE

HOW TO STYLE A HEADSCARF

By Lizzie Griffin, 20 July 2026

Elsa Hosk Wearing a Headscarf, Jacket and Capri Pants | ASOS

Picture: Getty

Hot take: a simple scarf accessory will transform any look. We first saw headscarves making a comeback on the SS25 runways from the likes of Gucci and Prada, and the trend has shown no signs of slowing down a year on. Whether it’s florals, polka dots or abstract prints, seeing the It-girls styling them across London and Paris only affirms it – headscarves are the accessory of the year.


 

Elsa Hosk styles her headscarf effortlessly into a makeshift pony.

HOW TO WEAR A HEADSCARF

The beauty of a patterned scarf lies in its versatility. You don’t have to just wear it as a bandana, you can rewrite the rulebook and turn it into pretty much anything, whether that’s a necktie, top, belt, beach cover-up or bag accessory. Here’s how you can get creative with yours.

#1: WEAR IT AS A BANDANA

Model wearing olive bandana | ASOS

ASOS DESIGN scarf in chartreuse, £16
Model wearing white bandana | ASOS

JJXX lace headscarf in white, £12
Bad hair day? No problem. The most obvious way to wear a headscarf is as a bandana – a great hack to control frizz on a humid day. The way to wear it is by folding it into a triangle, tying it behind your head or at the nape of your neck, and pulling a few locks of hair to the front to frame your face. This style screams 70s summer. A crochet version would only amplify the boho aesthetic we’re all loving this season. And the best thing about a bold scarf? It’s the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your outfit, providing the perfect balance when paired with simple summer dresses.

#2: WEAR IT AS A HEADSCARF

Model wearing headscarf | ASOS

My Accessories Cream and black polka dot neck tie in cream, £10

 

Still figuring out how to wear a scarf on your head, fashionably? It doesn’t take much to make a statement. Folding it into a triangle and loosely knotting it under your chin will evoke the old-money style of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn – elevated yet effortless. Want some styling tips for your headscarf looks? Add oversized sunglasses to add a little drama, put a cap on before layering over your scarf to move your vibe into East London It-girl territory, or make sure your patterns clash for an unexpected style combo.

#3: WEAR IT AS A NECKERCHIEF

Headscarf worn around the neck | ASOS

My Accessories Cream and brown polka dot belt bandana in brown, £12

If you thought headscarves were exclusive to one body part – you’d be sorely mistaken. Next up: neckties. You’ve got options here – fold it up and tie it with a little bow for a refined finish or let it hang like a mini shawl and wear it with a festival ‘fit. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Proof that a simple accessory can give any outfit an instant upgrade.

#4: WEAR IT AS A BELT

Model wearing waist scarf | ASOS

ASOS DESIGN medium headscarf with polka dots in buttermilk and chocolate, £14


Everyone has their go-to jeans or a staple skirt they wear to death, but here’s an easy way to breathe new life into an old staple: knot your scarf around your waist. Whether it’s a neutral colour or a bold pattern, an added scarf belt can make your most-loved item feel fresh for the new season. Is there anything a scarf can’t do?

#5: WEAR IT AS A TOP OR SKIRT

Model wearing scarf as a skirt | ASOS

Topshop satin knotted tie side skirt in scarf print, £34
Model wearing scarf as a top | ASOS

Picture: ASOS

Pull&Bear Satin polka dot scarf in pink, £12.99

Thought we’d exhausted all scarf avenues? Think again. A large enough scarf can take you from ponytail-tie to scarf top in no time. Plus, it can even wrap around your waist as a beach cover-up or sarong skirt. Pair your makeshift top or skirt with even more accessories like bangles, sandals and a signature fragrance, and you’re good to go. If you were still on the fence, let this be your reason to tie the knot.

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