Am I the only one who will see a summer scarf display in store and get swept away into buying one, then never using it? Sometimes I just can’t pass up the selection of beautifully patterned, printed, colored and textured scarves that seem like a good idea at the time. I have no problem wearing plenty of thick woolen and knitted scarves in colder months, but can’t seem to remember that scarves can be worn in the summer too!
This summer however, I am committed to wearing more of the vast summer scarf collection. There are so many creative ways to style them that instantly elevate something simple, so here are my four favorite ways to wear summer scarves that I've been loving!
1. Headband or Wrap
I particularly love using scarves as hair accessories, especially when I don’t feel like doing much to my hair. It gives a messy bun or ponytail the illusion that you put thought and effort into your hairstyle, but was really the simplest and cutest cover up! Whether you want to use it as a headband with the ends draping over your shoulder, tied up in a cute knot or fastening a ponytail, there’s a lot of ways to use your favorite summer scarf as a hair accessory.
(This scarf is from a little French Boutique in Williamsburg, Virginia. Here is a similar one from one of my favorite stores!)
If you’re looking for more inspiration, head over to my Beauty Pinterest board!
2. Purse Charm
I overlook this way to use a summer scarf far too often. This simple addition to a cute woven bag or small cross-body is the perfect way to add subtle detail to your purse. This easy addition to an accessory is so interchangeable and multifunctional! And if you need a quick hair tie in a pinch, you already have a fashionable one at the ready.
Also, I absolutely LOVE this rattan purse! It is handmade in Bali, supports the Balinese artists that crafted it and is a great summer bag.
3. Draped Around Your Neck
I know, duh right? But there is just something timeless about simply draping a scarf around your neck and leaving it at that. Sometimes the simplest accessories add the most detail to an outfit, and this way of styling a summer scarf definitely will! My favorite way to use this scarf method is by going white-on-white with jeans and a cute top, then adding a lightly patterned scarf to add finesse.
4. As a Bandeau Top
I admit, this is a method I’m a little less comfortable with because it shows more skin than the average crop top. However, I think it’s perfect for a vacation or beachy outfit! I’ve been inspired by so many pins on Pinterest of ladies wearing a scarf as a bandeau top, paired with high waisted trousers or shorts. How summery and effortless is that!
I am a small-busted lady so I can easily assemble this top, however despite that I would highly recommend purchasing an adhesive bra to give the bandeau more structure (the one linked is a favorite I’ve used that can be purchased at Target). Especially if it’s a silk scarf that may slide around, having a bra to stick to will help avoid an unintentional Janette Jackson moment! Here is the tutorial I watched on creating a scarf top.
While there are many other ways to style scarves for summer outfits, these four are my favorite. I will always be an advocate for versatile style, and a summer scarf is just that! I love how this accessory adds feminine detail and classiness to an entire outfit, elevating a simple ensemble in more ways than one. I am committing to wearing my linen scarves much more often this year.
Let me know if you have more fun ways to style your favorite scarves by commenting here or in my Instagram post!
Photos by Tyler Rhoads Photography and my husband.
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