A silk scarf is one of the hardest working wardrobe items — it can be a belt, top, bag strap...the options are endless. However, there's one way all the cool girls, from celebs to the street style set, have been wearing theirs this summer — and that's on their head.
Spotted on everyone from Emily Ratajkowski to Elle Fanning, the vintage headscarf look is a timeless classic for a reason. There's also been a recent bandana revival, thanks to the likes of Gracie Abrams and Pixie Geldof at Glastonbury, and Billie Eilish's 'Hit Me Hard And Soft' tour which has fans in their thousands copying her blue paisley bandana look.
While it's the perfect answer to a bad hair day, and to keep your hair off your face in the heat, there can be a number of things to consider when wearing a headscarf. How to make sure it doesn't slip off your head, ensure there isn't too much fabric flapping around, and what to style it with are all important questions we have the answers to. Read on for the ultimate guide...
Hair clips are your friend
Knotting your headscarf tightly is key — we'd recommend a double knot. However, don't be afraid to use a little help. If you're tying your scarf at the back of your head, a hair slide on either side of the knot will help to discreetly keep it in place. Alternatively, make like actress Zazie Beetz and add some decorative clips on top of the scarf to marry both security and style. It also helps if your hair isn't freshly washed, as this will keep the grips in place and stop the scarf from slipping backwards.
Tuck the fabric in...
If you're using a large scarf, you may have a lot of excess fabric. Once you've folded it into a triangle shape and tightly covered your head, tuck in the pointed edge and knot the sides on top of it. This will keep the overall scarf in place, and ensure you don't have too much fabric trailing down your back.
...or don't
Not to give conflicting advice, but if you're using a smaller scarf or bandana that doesn't reach the back of your neck, you won't be able to tuck it in. Embrace the cute triangle, handkerchief shape! This gingham one from Hunza G is a perfect example.
Everyone's clicking on...
Add a pop of colour...
A colourful headscarf is an easy way to add some interest to your outfit. Clash patterns, colours and textures — anything goes. You can fold the scarf to show off or conceal different parts of its design. Test out different ways in a mirror, or get a friend to be the eyes in the back of your head if you're unsure.
...or match to your outfit
Alternatively, colour match your headscarf to your outfit for a chic and sophisticated look. We're still thinking about Gracie Abrams head-to-toe wine red Glasto ensemble — major outfit goals.
Go old school
There's no denying a headscarf can add a touch of old Hollywood glamour. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, just like Jenna Ortega, and knot the scarf under your chin — wrap excess any fabric around your neck. Don't be afraid to use hair slides or pins to keep the style in place. Nobody wants a flyaway Bridget Jones moment.
Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.
Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.
