How to Wear a Headscarf, According to Your Instagram Faves

Proven by yours truly, a beautiful scarf can be worn as a top, a bag, and more. But if the Spring 2019 runways are any indication, scarves are heading north. Classic Versace prints were tied around the head like a pirate, Kate Spade New York premiered vintage-inspired bandanas that are destined to be worn while zipping around Malibu in a convertible, and more designers introduced the scarf as a headstrong trend. And people have taken notice.

And by people, I mean the Influencers with a capital “I” who are embracing the style. From Something Navy’s Arielle Charnas to Caroline Daur who boasts 1.2 million followers, all your faves are clogging our feeds with headscarves, and we want in. See seven ways they’re all tied up in the look, below.

1. The Bow Tie

If you’re an entry level scarf wearer, try this easy look. Reach for a long, skinny silk scarf and wrap it around a low ponytail. Pro tip: slip the scarf through an elastic hair tie, do up your pony securing the scarf at the center back, then wrap your scarf into bow at the top.

2. Bandana Tie

This one throws it back to an aughties style icon: Lizzie McGuire. The middle school heroine was rarely seen without a tie-dye bandana, nor will you be from here on out. Choose an oversized silk square in a chic print, fold it diagonally in half, and tie it over your hair tucking the center corner inside.

3. Modest, Yet Modern Wraps

If modest fashion informs your style, look to Humaira Waza. She styled hijabs for ELLE.com, and has a YouTube channel that is constantly reinventing the look. Her tutorials give step-by-step instructions for headscarf wearers at every skill level.

4. The Under Chin

This easy look is ideal for going on a leisurely drive. But you don’t have to own a vintage Cadillac to wear this look daily. Fold an oversized square scarf in half, place it loosely over your head like Vanessa Hong, then knot it under your chin. Now all you need are black sunglasses and you’re Old Hollywood, baby.

5. The Oversized Bow

Instead of using a silk scarf, try a larger, knit rectangle for this look. Wrap it around your head, then tie a large bow in the front. Like Nneka Julia, we suggest using a bright, solid scarf instead of a printed one. A saturated hue helps define the bow’s shape.

6. The Pony Wrap

This look feels plucked off the runway, plus our resident street style photographer Tyler Joe spotted it on the streets of Paris. Use a short, thin, scarf and wrap it down your entire pony tail for a high-fashion hairstyle that isn’t contrived.

7. The Twist and Tie

We’ve been eyeing Sammi Jefcoate’s love for headscarves for a while, so we were ecstatic when she gave a quick IG tutorial on how to copy her signature look. Notice how she pulls out a few face-framing layers of hair to fall below her scarf. It adds a soft, feminine touch to the look.