How To Wear A Scarf This Spring
If you take away one idea from this post, I hope that it’s that a scarf is a simple way to elevate your spring outfits. You don’t need a fancy knot with a cool French name. You don’t need to be especially dressed up to wear a scarf. This spring, we’re wearing scarves with everything from a basic jeans and t-shirt outfit to our favorite little black dress. Here’s how…
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The Bandana/Small Square Scarf
While we often associate a bandana with Western style, it actually originated in South Asia and was tied-dyed or block-printed on cotton or silk. And over the centuries, this small scarf has been used for protection, affiliation, identity, and, of course, as a fashion accessory. What I love about the bandana is that it’s an easy and affordable way to add color to your outfit. You can find a cotton or silk bandana for under $25.
How To Wear A Bandana/Small Square Scarf This Spring
- Fold your bandana or small scarf into a triangle, double-knot the ends, and slip it over your head. If it has a border, as most bandanas do, it creates a sharp focal point in your outfit.
- Tie it onto the strap of your tote bag with a simple knot or bow.
- Wear it as a headscarf with a dress and ballet flats.
Bandanas/Small Square Scarves For Spring
I’m wearing a silk Kate Spade scarf that I bought around ten years ago. This Elizabetta 20″ Silk Bandana is the closest I’ve found to the color and style of my scarf. LOFT also has a very affordable 25″ silk scarf in a lavender spring floral.
If you prefer cotton, the Sézane Gaston Scarf and Madewell Cotton Bandana are made in 100% organic cotton.
For a touch of whimsy, take a look at this 23″ Coach Handbag Print or this more affordable Echo Vintage Luggage Scarf.
Skinny Scarf / Twilly
The skinny scarf (or twilly, as Hermès named theirs) is a small, narrow scarf. What I love about the skinny scarf is that you can’t really overthink styling it. There’s just enough room for a double-knot.
How To Wear A Skinny Scarf This Spring
- Tie your twilly/ skinny scarf around your neck instead of wearing a necklace.
- Add it to a smaller handbag in place of a bag charm.
- Use it to dress up a low ponytail.
If you prefer a synthetic scarf, in a done-for-you style, you might like this Scarf Claw Clip.
Skinny Scarves For Spring
You’ll find skinny scarves at Echo, Nordstrom, and Coach Outlet for under $50.
Large Square Scarves
A couple of years ago, I bought this larger scarf in lightweight wool from Banana Republic. It’s not available now, but if you’re looking for an animal motif print, this blue Rainforest Journey silk scarf is quite stunning.
How To Wear A Large Square Scarf This Spring
- If you have a larger square scarf, the most current way to wear it is to fold it into a triangle and tie it around your waist on one side. Wear it over a dress, with tailored pants, or even with jeans.
- You can also fold your scarf into a belt. Start with a triangle, then fold several times, tucking the corner away so that you have a clean oblong shape. Tie your belt in the front over a dress, longer button-down shirt, or even a jacket.
- Or wear it around your neck bandana-style, but sweep the ends to the front to tie a knot there.
Sarah Flint makes a leather scarf belt that you can loop your scarf through to add structure and support. Add one of their 35″ x 35″ silk scarves for refined elegance.
Large Square Scarves For Spring
These scarves are 35″ or more. I find that 30″ is the ideal size for my 29″ waist.
The Scarf As Clothing
Diane Von Furstenberg has a beautiful collection of 35″ X 35″ silk scarves in bright colors, that you can fashion into a halter top. We’re also seeing scarves as dresses and skirts again, both on bare skin or over baselayers.
Scarf print clothing is back in style from the early 00s. I’m seeing scarf prints mostly in designer clothing like Veronica Beard, Reiss, and Farm Rio, but as we get into spring and summer, expect to see this trend in more affordable stores. We’ll also see the return to scarf hem (or handkerchief hem) dresses and skirts.
How will you wear your scarf this spring?
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I just started wearing scarves again and I love how versatile they are, I’m going to pair them with Tshirts more often, and love one tied around my bag handle. These are great tips!
Same, I haven’t worn them much over the past decade but the current styling – so casual and simple – works for me! xo Nipa