It’s a fact: Accessories make the outfit—but jewelry, belts, hats, and sunglasses alone won’t cut it. Nowadays, it girlies are upgrading their looks with square satin scarves.
Bright colors and bold prints are particularly popular on TikTok, where the scarf-as-a-belt trend exploded last summer. That’s only one way to wear them though. We’ve shared a few outfit ideas below—but first, allow us to showcase some cute options you can use to create these looks.
Steve Madden Alyse Satin Square Scarf
Madewell Silk Bandana Scarf
Petit Moments Lolita Paisley Square Scarf
Lele Sadoughi Leopard Square Satin Scarf
Echo Tinned Fish Silk Bandana
Kate Spade New York
Dot Silk Scarf
Kurt Geiger London Butterflies Bandana
There are no rules around how to tie scarves this spring. In fact, the current take is all about personalization. While everyone else is busy dressing minimalist like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, you could be mixing a polka dot scarf with a striped set and a pop of color tote. Feeling inspired? Check out some of our favorite styling ideas for this trend.
As a Headscarf
Silk headscarves don’t just look chic, they help protect your hair. Similar to a silk pillowcase or bonnet, it’ll help keep your hair smooth and frizz-free. Looks like bad hair days caused by soggy spring weather have met their match.
Shanlin Silk Feel Polka-Dot Square Scarf
Mango Boxy Crewneck Sweater
Sojos Thick Aviator Sunglasses
Now 20% Off
Joe’s Jeans The Boyfriend Button Down
Now 60% Off
Good American Poplin Pull On Pants
Puma Speedcat Anodized Sneaker
On Your Waist
Last summer, TikTokers took to wearing satin scarves as belts—but the trendy styling tip was thoroughly roasted for its lack of size-inclusivity. PSA: Draping your scarf around one or two belt loops channels the same vibe.
Vanlinker Paisley Satin Scarf
H&M Linen Blend Blazer
H&M Linen Blend Wide Leg Pants
Adidas Taekwondo Mei Shoes
Ana Luisa Huggie Hoop Earrings
Around Your Neck
Don’t let TikTok fool you into thinking you can’t wear scarves as they were designed to be worn. Take a note from the street style outside Miu Miu’s latest runway show and juxtapose a Western-inspired bandana against office separates.
Petit Moments Bandana Print Square Scarf
Silky Collared Top
Now 40% Off
Everlane Buttersoft Trousers
Mango Faux Leather Chain Belt
Michael Kors Selina Heeled Bootie
Now 49% Off
Tied to a Bag
A colorful scarf can add some much-needed pizzazz to your go-to bags. The trick works particularly well for showing off novelty prints. Right now, I (and other trend forecasters) are obsessed with anything seafood- or picnic-themed.
Anne Klein Picnic Satin Square Scarf
Madewell Handwoven Leather Tote
Sam Edelman Davi Heeled Sandals
Appassal Rectangle Sunglasses
Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what’s worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.