Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t wear your favorite neck warmer. A scarf is a versatile accessory built to multitask and give you mileage.
Of course, it’s important to note that for warmer weather, you’re to avoid scarves crafted in chunky knits or heavy fabrics. A lightweight extra is ideal for summer. Choose one that is cool to the skin and made of natural fiber like cotton, rayon, or linen.
If you want to fashion a silk scarf — no problem. Make sure it’s made of real silk instead of pseudo silk fabrics (polyester). Once you have your summer scarves in order, maximize their potential by trying the following:
1. Style Your Scarf as a Chic Hair Accessory
Use the scarf as a headband or hair tie to give your look a more feminine flavor. You can use a square scarf to achieve this style. Pick one that is small to medium in size.
Evamaria of Lost In The Wardrobe (blog offline) styles her funky black-and-white outfit with a ladylike twist by wearing a scarf as a headband
2. Transform Your Scarf into a Trendy Bag Accessory
Not quite sure how to use your favorite extra for the day? Or perhaps you find it too hot outside, but you still want to take it out for a spin?
Nina Dobrev, chic and playful, explores New York City in a trendy jumper dress (Credit: TNYF / WENN)
Then, take a cue from Nina Dobrev and wear it as a bag of candy. So easy, right?
Nina Dobrev’s unique and fashionable scarf-adorned purse (Credit: TNYF / WENN)
3. Scarf as a Lightweight Layering Piece
Just because it’s warm outside doesn’t mean you can’t wear the scarf the usual way. Lightweight pieces trimmed with interesting details make for the perfect last layer. You can top the scarf over a simple but sexy tank to add polish.
Yuka Iwasaki of Pretty In Leather dresses up her baby-doll top with a pompom-trimmed scarf in the same hue for that super cool, laid-back summer look
For days when it’s cooler than usual, put a printed scarf over whatever outfit you’re wearing to add a pop of color to your look.
Maren Elizabeth of Bureau of Chic (blog offline) adds a pop of print to her summer ensemble by using a printed scarf that matches her jacket
4. Elevate Your Outfit with a Scarf Neck-Tie or Neckerchief
Use your scarf as a neckerchief or neck tie to give your outfit a striking accent. This is best achieved using a beautifully printed small square scarf.
Sonya Esman of Class Is Internal (blog offline) coordinates her strappy sandals and keeps her look extra polished with a printed neckerchief
Anna of Oh My Blog (blog offline) takes inspiration from the Boy scout knot for her scarf-styled outfit
5. Use Your Scarf as a Versatile Wrap
Summer is a season for bikinis, tank tops, short shorts, and skimpy dresses. You can use your scarf to complement such pieces. Use it as a wrap to glam up your look, or tie the ends together and wear it like a kimono.
Jennifer Wang of Sustainable Siren adds polish to her sexy micro-mini outfit by topping it with a pretty printed scarf in the same hue
6. Scarf as a Unique Arm Accessory
It’s no secret that you can actually use the small square scarf as an arm party. This is also a great way to give your wrist a break from all those heavy bangles.
Denisia of Polishing Colors (blog offline) gives her skirt ensemble a refreshing twist with a “scarf bracelet”
7. Creative Scarf-to-Dress Transformation
This you can do using a large scarf. You can even create different necklines with your extra, such as strapless, halter, or one-shoulder. If you need tips on how to work up the scarf into a dress, let Elle Evans show you how!
Maria De la Cruz of Haute and Rebellious turns her scarf into a cute strapless dress that’s perfect for the summer weather
Felicia Eriksson from Sweden wears her oversized scarf as a halter dress for a beach outing
8. Beach-Ready: Scarf as a Stylish Sarong
If you’re beach-bound, you can also use your whispy throw as a sarong. This is very similar to #5, but it is very location-specific.
Isabelle H. of Style With Isabelle (blog offline) stylishly uses a sarong wrap to cover her bikini for a chic beach look
If you want to try wearing your scarf as a skirt for, say, a party, you can also do that, but it will require a few other materials, like a pin or brooch, to hold it in place.
Miraclesuit Aloha Gardens Scarf Pareo, $64
Born Free Urban Zen Scarf, $120
9. Convert Your Scarf into a Top or Vest
Don’t know what to wear or can’t find the perfect top to go with your jeans? Why not turn one of your scarves into a top instead?
Tamara of Tamara Chloe Style Clues adds flair to her pristine all-white outfit with an innovatively styled scarf vest
Sandra of More Style Than Fashion (blog offline) wears her red scarf as a halter top to the beach
10. Scarf Head Wrap for a Boho-Chic Look
Another great way to fashion the scarf during summer is using it as a headwrap. There are so many ways you can do this, and you can even go for a retro rockabilly look.
Madeline P. Jean Greige (blog offline) keeps her look boho and funky with chunky sandals and a printed headwrap
11. Drape Your Scarf Elegantly Over the Shoulders
Wear a sheer scarf like a simple shawl by laying it over your shoulders. Use a printed scarf in an earth tone and top it over a dress printed in the same color family. Mix with lace-up boots, socks, and round-rimmed sunnies for a retro touch.
Elle-May Leckenby from STYLISHELLS (blog offline) presents a fashion-forward outfit inspiration
Vince Camuto Graphic Wrap, $48
12. Beach-Chic Hanging Halter Scarf Style
Great for wearing at the beach!
Fashionable beachwear inspiration by Konstantina Tzagaraki from Serial Klother (blog offline)
Use a rectangular scarf, fold it in half, then wrap the ends (of one side) behind your back to create the hanging halter effect. Too complicated for you? Then, simply wrap the scarf loosely around your neck and spread a portion of the fabric over your chest to create the same effect.
Go with a tasseled piece that’s richly printed. It is best worn over your bikini top and denim cutoffs. Don’t forget your sunnies!
Halogen Chevron Print Pompom Scarf, $38
13. Bohemian Flair with a Pseudo Vest Scarf
This is short for “throwing it over any outfit.” However, it works best on a look that is bohemian and Western-inspired. It is also best to use a shorter scarf (less than 60″ long) to achieve the “pseudo vest” look.
Layer the piece over a loose white top and some sexy denim cutoffs. Don’t forget to accessorize with a floppy hat, cowboy boots, and a pair of uber-cool eyewear.
Kristine G. from Heteroheroine showcases a trendy, bohemian-inspired outfit
14. The Modern Sexy Bo Peep Scarf Style
It’s a fresh take on cowgirl style with a hint of Little Bo Peep drama. Wear a denim shirt over high-waist black shorts and decorate the combo by tying a colorful silk square around your neck — not over your shirt’s collar, but under it like guys do neckties.
Rachel-Marie Iwanyszyn from Jag Lever exemplifies stylish, modern cowgirl fashion
Complete the outfit with a floppy hat and sleek ankle boots.
Jonathan Chinoiserie Horse Silk Scarf, $98
15. Scarf in a Classic Cowboy Twist
Wear it like the cowboys do, only, with a hint of edge. Use your favorite white (or gray) t-shirt with a short black leather skirt, then work a bandana into a triangle and tie the ends behind your neck. Cap off the mix with authentic Converse Chucks to give it a laid-back feel.
Margarita from Deadly In Love presents an edgy, cowboy-inspired summer outfit
16. Skinny Bandana for a Sleek Summer Look
Not quite an Axl Rose just yet (we will get to that one later), but we think this one’s a great look to try this summer, especially if you enjoy wearing black.
Use your silk square or bandana with a long black maxi and a denim jacket. Wear it skinny and slim around your head, and ensure the knot is done at the side of your forehead instead of behind the head.
Sophie from Moda Vitae (blog offline) showcases a stylish bandana-inspired summer look
Infuse a laid-back vibe by pairing the mix with one of summer’s top stories — the leather slides. Of course, don’t forget your eyewear.
P.S. Best to use a small square or skinny scarf for this look.
Kenzo Scribble Letter Silk Scarf, $290
17. Rocker Vibe: The Axl Rose Scarf Style
Wear your scarf the Axl-Rose way, which is short for saying wear it like a thick bandana with the scarf covering most of your forehead.
Vita from Vita Dinamita (blog offline) demonstrates a rock-chic scarf styling
Please don’t go overboard by styling it like a rock star. Instead, piece it together with a laid-back outfit consisting of a white tank top, loose trousers, and a pair of flat summer sandals. You can top it off with a leather jacket and some aviators to keep the edgy flavor going.
African Sun Scarf, $78
18. Feminine Rosette Head Wrap with a Scarf
It’s not the pretty skinny bandana nor the Axl Rose, but it’s a head wrap that will give your look a different flavor.
Don’t worry, this one is easy to do. Once you’ve knotted the scarf around your head, twist the ends, wrap them around the knot you made, then tuck the twisted ends under the knot to create the rosette effect.
To offset the feminine detail, wear the piece with simple separates such as black skinny jeans, a white blazer, and a yellow top, then cap off the mix with edgy booties and blue-lense sunnies.
Elen Ellis from Elen Ellis (blog offline) elegantly pairs a rosette head wrap with a modern outfit
19. Scarf as a Trendy Summer Head Cap
Another great way to sport the summer scarf is by using it as a “cap” with one of the season’s top trends — the overalls. Simply work your square scarf into a triangle by folding it in half diagonally.
Starting from the bottom, wrap the scarf around your head with the ends facing upward. Tie the two opposite ends into a knot, then tuck the center end under it. Cap off the mix with loafers or sneakers, and you’re all set!
Ashley Baluyut from Milk Teeths (blog offline) displays an inventive summer cap scarf style
20. The Tower: A Scarf Style Statement
We want to call it the tower, but you can name this style however you like. This is perfect for dressier outfits and will work best using a large silk square. It would be best to wrap the scarf close to the neck, tie it into a knot, then let the ends hang.
The tower has a slimming effect, so it’s great if you want to look slimmer. Wear it with wide-leg trousers and a cami or blouse, then top the mix with a blazer or jacket. Don’t forget to wear high heels and sunnies.
Hana from The Czech Chicks (blog offline) showcases a sophisticated, scarf-enhanced ensemble
21. Retro Elegance with a Scarf Hair Accessory
Taygan is a blogger from Australia who is very much into retro fashion. Here, she has put together a totally amazing look. We say that because we’re completely awed by how she made that scarf into a hair accessory. How did she do that?!
Check out Taygan’s Dear Mr. Rabbit blog to see more of her retro style.
Taygan, a retro fashion blogger, exudes elegance with a vintage-style hair scarf
22. Brighten Your Outfit with a Colorful Silk Scarf
One look at Kelly; you know she’s living a fashionable life. Here, we see her brightening a classic look with a colorful silk scarf.
Kelly Larkin is an American fashion blogger and the founder of Kelly in the City
It’s amazing what a scarf can do, no? To check out more of Kelly’s preppy-chic style, check out her site, Kelly in the City.
Kelly adds a splash of color to a timeless ensemble with a vibrant silk scarf by Julia of Lemon Stripes
23. Summer Elegance: The White Crochet Caftan
An of Haute Pink Pretty is, first and foremost, a shoe lover. If you check out her shoe closet, you will literally drool.
But of course, she isn’t here today because of her shoe collection. Isn’t it obvious? We’re crushing on her crochet caftan! It’s so perfectly perfect for summer.
An demonstrates the elegance of a white crochet caftan for summer style
24. Reinvent Your Look: Scarf as a Fashionable Belt
Did you know that you can also use a scarf as a belt? It’s another neat way to jazz up a simple look, like what Khin of Crazy Wasabii did below. You can even mix up prints to kick it up a notch (i.e., printed scarf + printed dress).
Khin creatively accessorizes a stunning summer dress with a printed scarf as a belt
25. Feather-Trimmed Hat Paired With a Scarf
Do you know what we like about this look from Chelsea Dennis of Chelsea Den?
Chelsea pairs a striking scarf with a cozy, stylish feather-trimmed hat
It’s the perfect mix of Western meets classic. We love how she paired immaculate pieces (scarf and top) with ornate ones, like the feather-trimmed hat and the patterned bag. Do you like her style?
Chelsea expertly combines her attractive scarf with a chic feather-trimmed hat
26. The Stunning Cuyana Cape: A Scarf-Inspired Look
Who she is: Tina Phan is also an attorney, aside from being a blogger. Her fashion blog Phashionable is filled with looks you’ll want to copy. With her impeccable fashion sense, we’re guessing she probably wins all of her cases in the courtroom.
Why we love her look: We’re huge suckers for easy and refined dressing, and this look from Tina is just that. We like it for its simplicity and effortlessly elegant appeal.
A simple but sexy LBD paired with sandals then dressed up with a beautiful Cuyana cape for drama — it’s a no-fuss combination but offers major impact.
Tina elegantly matches a sleek LBD with sandals and a stunning Cuyana cape