Give Your Wardrobe A Timeless Revamp
So, you’re ready to glam up your everyday look, but you don’t know where to start? Headscarves are the ultimate versatile and season-less accessory ready to give your everyday style a revamp. Follow along for my current top 10 favorite ways to tie your head scarf, and get ready to rejuvenate those old, tired outfits of yours, without feeling the urge buy a whole new wardrobe.
Are Square Scarves Even Still in Style?
While the square scarf (or silk scarf)'s popularity has fluctuated with time, it has never truly been out of style. In fact, as the popularity of vintage clothing has snowballed in recent years, scarf looks of all varieties have become more and more in demand. The 2020s especially have seen an incredible resurgence of the trend, most excitingly in the realm of street style fashion. RnB power couple and fashion icons Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, for instance, have been particularly stylish representation of the trend's contemporary interpretation (no surprise there).
We're living in a sort of style renaissance, no longer tightly constrained by the norms of what is "current", and free pull from every decade before us as inspiration, refining those styles into something new and exciting!
How to Wear a Square Scarf
With its limitless possibilities, this versatile piece of fabric can be worn in countless ways. To ease back on the overwhelm, I've narrowed the list down to my current 10 favorite styles.
While a long rectangular scarf would work for many of these looks, for the sake of continuity, I will be sharing instructions on tying a large 90cm square scarf only.
Follow along and get inspired for a style revitalization!
Waist Wrap
The is the perfect style for a classic beach look, but I'd dare you to take it further! The exceptionally fashionable have been taking the waist wrap to the streets, popping it over skirts/trousers as the cherry on top, taking their outfit game up a notch!
How to Tie:
Fold the square scarf flat so that it is diagonal, into a large triangle.
Simply wrap around the waist, tying at the hip.
Cross Body
Pretty much the waist wrap, but shimmed a bit higher up the body - this incredibly chic style is ideal for showcasing scarves with particularly eye catching motifs... cough, cough.
It's a simple tie, but no doubt a bold look, and one popular with the most stylish of style influencers on my social feeds!
How to Tie:
Fold scarf diagonally, into a large triangle.
Place folded edge over one shoulder, allowing the long pointed end to drape across.
Tie at opposite side of body at waist point.
Scarf Top
Early 2000 calling, and they want their scarf top back.
This is a style, I'll admit, that I was not so on board with in the moment (granted, my mother still dressed me at the height of its popularity). However, I'm completely up for a nostalgia trip, and I think this style aged well, especially when layered over another top!
As an added bonus, because the fit of the scarf top is completely adjustable, it's ideal for weight/cleavage size fluctuation - so embrace whatever season of life that your body is in, your scarf definitely does!
How to Tie:
Fold the scarf diagonally, into a large triangle.
Place folded edge above breasts and let long end drape over belly.
Keeping shoulders rolled back and posture straight, tie (or have somebody else tie) scarf tightly at back between(ish) shoulder blades.
1920s Turban
This roaring twenties interpretation of the turban is very much iconic. I find that this one pairs well with loose caftans, lacy night slips, and of course with flapper style dresses.
How to Tie:
If after a tucked hair look - first put hair in tight ponytail or bun, to be tucked up under turban.
Fold scarf in half, into a large triangle.
Place the folded edge at the back of the neck with the triangle’s top point draped over the head and face.
Take the two long ends and bring them to the front and tie them at the forehead.
Take these same two ends and tie them at the back of your head at the top of your neck.
Tuck the leftover tails of these back ends up underneath the back of the turban.
Finally, take the raining tails in the front and tuck them underneath the front tie to form a knot.
Headband
This simple style is an ideal way to add a pop of color to any casual look, or even better, to up your next 70s inspired ensemble to disco level cool. A style for the hippies and glam queens alike, let the loose headband take your look from bleh to BAM!
How to Tie:
Fold scarf in half, into a large triangle.
Continue to fold scarf until it is shaped into a long strip.
Place the center of strip where it is desired on top of the head.
Tie the two ends under any hair at the back of the neck.
Chic Nun
When I began styling this large bandana look, I expected a "laid back cool girl" appearance. I anticipated looking through the photos to see the spitting image of Gigi Hadid staring back at me. I did not expect to look like I belonged in a convent - needless to say I was thrilled with the outcome.
How to Tie:
First put hair in a low ponytail or bun.
Fold the scarf in half, into a large triangle.
Place the folded edge at (or just behind) your hairline.
Take the left and right edges and tie them at the back of the neck, careful to tie underneath any hear that might be in the way.
Loose Head Wrap
One of the more bohemian looks on the list, the Loose Head Wrap is ideal for casual fashion look.
How to Tie:
First put hair into a low ponytail or bun.
Fold scarf diagonally, into a large triangle.
Place middle of fold across forehead (positioning as far forward or back as you prefer).
Take the loose ends and tie them at the back of your neck under your hair. Personally, putting my hair into a ponytail first was helpful to achieve a tighter finished look.
Old Hollywood
Truly the epitome of our vintage silk scarf dreams, this 1940s styling headscarf style will take any look and bless it with a touch of old Hollywood glamour. This style pairs very well with fully retro inspired looks, but is equally the perfect twist to a modern fit.
How to Tie:
First put hair into a low ponytail or bun.
Fold scarf in half, into a large triangle.
Place the folded edge across your forehead like a hood.
Take the left and right ends and loosely tie them (no knot needed) under your neck.
Finally, take these same ends and tie them in the back at the neck, either loosely (like step 3) or into a single knot.
Over a Cap
One of my new favorites, pop on an old baseball cap before layering the Old Hollywood style scarf tie for a contemporary street style take on a classic.
How to Tie:
First put hair into a low ponytail or bun.
Place cap on head, per usual.
Fold scarf in half, into a large triangle.
Place the folded edge across your forehead like a hood.
Take the left and right ends and loosely tie them (no knot needed) under your neck.
Finally, take these same ends and tie them in the back at the neck, either loosely or into a single knot.
Babushka
The sort of look I image to be shading an Italian grandmother as she tends to her garden on a bright summers day, this look has most recently been reclaimed by the hip hop community for a somewhat ironic, and somehow incredibly fashion forward look.
How to Tie:
First place hair into a low ponytail or bun.
Fold diagonally to create a triangle.
Hold the scarf with the folded edge at the top. Place the center of the folded edge against your forehead, just above your hairline.
Bring the ends back to the front, one on each side of your head. You can choose to let the ends hang loose or cross them over each other again for added security.
Take the ends and tie a simple knot at the front, slightly to the side or center—whichever you prefer. Make sure the knot is tight enough to hold the scarf in place but not too tight for comfort.
Adjust and Style: Once the knot is secured, adjust the scarf to create the desired shape and coverage. You can leave the knot visible or tuck it under the scarf for a neater look.
Finishing Touch: To complete the babushka scarf style, you can gently pull down a bit of the fabric at the front to create a slight pouf or leave it flat against your forehead for a more streamlined appearance.
Lastly - Get Creative!
Don't let yourself become constrained by what you've seen here, go wild! There is no scarf style rule book, this accessory allows room for personalization and creativity. Feel free to experiment with different scarf sizes, patterns, and tying variations to achieve a look that reflects your unique style and personality.
Is Your Style Worth Sharing? Reach Out, and Let's Talk Fashion!
Have you come up with a particularly cool scarf ensemble? I'd love to see how you're styling! Tag me on your next square scarf fit post with @sydneyduncanco on social.