The Best New Ways To Wear Scarves In The Summer
Summer styling usually means stripping away layers, but that can leave an outfit feeling a bit flat. A simple linen dress or a white tee and denim are practical, but they can lack punch. That’s where a summer scarf comes in. It’s the easiest way to add color, pattern, and texture to a lightweight outfit without adding heat.
In mild summer weather, I still love wearing a scarf at the neck. The key is choosing something light and tying it loosely, so it feels breezy rather than bundled.
When the heat really kicks in, I start moving scarves elsewhere, onto a bag, wrist, or hair. They still add color and pattern, just without making July feel more dramatic than it already is.
When the breeze returns, I bring them back to the neckline, but loosely. Think open drape, soft knot, or a small bandana tied with breathing room. The point is to add interest, not insulation.
I’m partnering with my pals Susan and Cindy today to share some tips for wearing scarves in the summer.
Here’s how to style them now to stay cool and look current.
Save Your Hair: The Jackie O Move
Wind and summer humidity are can be brutal on your hair. If you’re out on a breezy coast, on a boat, or just driving with the windows down, use a large silk square to keep your hair from being beaten to death by the wind.
Fold a large square scarf into a triangle, drape it over your head, and cross the ends under your chin to tie them securely at the back of your neck. It’s the ultimate Jackie O move. It’s incredibly practical because it keeps every hair perfectly in place, but it also looks instantly chic and intentional rather than messy. Add a pair of oversized sunglasses, and you’re good to go.
I also like to wrap the ends around the back to secure the scarf but keeps my neck from overheating. This is similar to a durag that’s gone in and out of popularity.
I don’t have enough hair for a ponytail, but if you do, and just want to get your hair up and off your neck on a sticky day, wrap a smaller silk square around the base of a low ponytail or a soft bun.
Dress Up Your Summer Bag
When it’s simply too hot to wear an extra layer of fabric, let your accessories do the heavy lifting. A canvas beach bag, purse, or any tote can start to look a bit repetitive by mid-summer.
The antidote can be as simple as folding a small square scarf diagonally until it’s long and stretchy, then tying it securely to the base of your bag’s handle. It adds an instant splash of color, and if you suddenly need it for your head, it’s very handy.
FUN BANDANAS
Wrap Your Wrist
If you want a pop of pattern but don’t want anything near your face, try a wrist wrap. Take a small silk twilly or a lightweight cotton bandana, fold it into a narrow band, and tie the ends together with a small knot. Then slip it onto your wrist, twist, and slip it over again until it’s snug.
It acts like a piece of textile jewelry. It stays secure, doesn’t trap body heat the way a heavy metal cuff can, and adds a fun splash of color to whatever you’re wearing.
Mine started out around my neck yesterday, and as the temperatures climbed, I slipped it over my head and wrapped it around my wrist.
Try a Small Bandana at the Neck
When the weather behaves, and it’s not a blistering day, a small cotton bandana is my absolute go-to for the neck. It gives you that touch of color and texture without any of the bulk.
The logic here is all about keeping it casual. A small cotton bandana, however, is inherently relaxed. Fold it into a narrow band, tie it loosely around your neck with a small knot, and let the ends sit slightly off-center.
I also like it tucked into the collar of a crisp white shirt. Because the cotton fabric is lightweight and breathable, it stays comfortable on temperate days and looks like an effortless finishing touch rather than a stiff statement.
Swap Your Belt for a Silk Scarf
I also love replacing my belt with a long, narrow scarf. Take a long, oblong scarf, or fold a large square into a bias band, and thread it through your belt loops. Tie it loosely at the side, letting the ends drape down. It introduces a pop of print and changes the whole vibe of a basic outfit.
If the scarf is short, I often thread it through just a few loops on the side and tie off-center.
Use a Large Lightweight Scarf as a Wrap
On those warm days when you want to wear a sleeveless top or dress but don’t want your arms completely bare, a large, lightweight scarf is the perfect solution. A structured jacket or heavy cardigan can feel suffocating in the heat, but a breezy wrap gives you just enough coverage without adding weight.
The trick here is choosing a fabric with movement. Look for an oversized cotton gauze, fine linen blend, or silk. Simply drape it loosely over your shoulders and let it hang open, or tie loosely in front. It provides a bit of sun protection during the day, shields you from aggressive restaurant air conditioning at night, and adds a beautiful, fluid layer to a simple dress.
Choose “Breezy” Fabrics
The biggest mistake I see with summer scarves is choosing the wrong weight. Heavy, stiff silk or dense synthetics will make you sweat. They trap heat, and frankly, they look like they belong in October.
For hot weather, look for cotton gauze, fine linen blends, modal, or very fluid habotai silk. You want something that moves with the breeze, changes shape easily, and feels practically weightless against your skin. If it doesn’t flutter when you walk, leave it in the closet until autumn. Eileen Fisher has some beauties, as does Quince, at a wonderful price.
A small scarf is an easy way to add color, pattern, or a bit of polish to a simple summer outfit. Wear it wherever it feels comfortable that day, and skip it when it doesn’t. That’s the whole trick.
Now let’s head over and check out what Cindy at Cindy Hattersley Design and Susan at une femme X Susan Blakey are doing with their summer scarves…I know it will be fabulous!
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I live in Texas, so layering and lots of heavy clothes don’t work, BUT A SCARF PERKS UP A DRAB OUTFIT!!!! Thanks so much for all your great ideas!!!!!!! Have a drawer full that I never use, but thanks to you now I will venture forth!!!
I’m a huge fan of scarves. I think it’s important to store them where you can see them so you remember to use them.
LOVE scarves! I jazz up my minimalist, neutral wardrobe with pops of color from scarves and pashminas. Super fun 🙂
Thank you for reminding me about incorporating scarves into my outfits. I have many and have not been wearing them. I enjoy vintage scarves and I’m pulling them out today!
Awesome
Wonderful ideas for scarfs. Can’t wait for it to cool down (I overheat easily). And, LOVE that hat! You look fab!
It was a fun find in the local bookstore:)
I am not a lover of scarves. but I do love the way you tie them to your handbag or on your belt loops.
I don’t have the technique on tying them around my neck. I
look like I am trying to hang myself. Way better with winter scarves.
I will keep trying because I have several that sit in the drawer.
I love scarves, but have rarely worn them this summer. Now that September is here, with cooler temperatures, I’ll start wearing them again. Love all the looks you’ve shown here. You make a fabulous pirate!
lol, thanks
Your tips are always helpful. Love the little pops of color – kind of like men’s pocket handkerchiefs. Would you post later in the fall on how to style a scarf for when it’s chilly or cold? I find that some sweaters and jackets don’t cover my neck — and my neck gets cold (esp. on walks or airplanes). Thanks!
Yes I will. I am working on a video
Love the tutorial on scarves. I have just ordered 3 new ones, now I have many many suggestions for their use. Thx Jennifer!
The scarf article is just what I needed, thank you. By the way, you just look so darn cute in every outfit that you’ve worn on your trip to the island. Thanks for sharing.
You’re so kind, thank you
thank you for all the ideas for scarfs. i have so many in my closet, need to start incorporating them into my outfits. yiu look so beautiful in your straw hat.
Thank you. Scarves are just so fun I love to experiment
I love the headscarf! Such a great look! And now I know how to do it! Perfect with the hoops!
I love your scarf ideas. Lately, some videos have shown up on my Facebook feed that show some incredible ways to tie scarves. I must try playing with my scarves!
Never knew there were so many ways to wear scarves. Thanks for all the great ideas
I love experimenting this way, Jennifer. Especially with the scarf through the belt loops!!
I never thought about twining it through the buttonholes of your jacket….that’s brilliant, and I’ll be copying that soon!!
XOOX
Jodie
How do you get so much volume under the pirate scarf, Do you put up your hair in a pony tail or something? Mine looks flat when I try this look. I love it by the way, You look great! I tie mine like Grace Jelly or Audrey Hepburn, putting it on diagonally and tying first under chin then bring around back and tie in knot behind neck. If that makes sense.
That does make sense and I am going to try it your way!There’s air under my scarf because it was really blowing like crazy
I am definitely a “scarfaholic”. I hope they never go out of style. Wait we don’t care what’s in style at our age! I cannot believe how good you look in your “pirate scarf”. Not very many can pull that off and look chic. You have shown us so many “outside the box” ways to style scarves. This was a fun post!
LOL, head scarves cover a multitude of sins too.
I love scarves and wear them daily when the weather cools so for me they are a fall/winter accessory. They add that pop of colour near my face to brighten.
I think your “pirate” scarf looks charming, 😀
The latter two ways to wear scarves have become favs, and a French ltie a staple since days in France but unles I need one for evenings summer here is a more streamlined look. Well, at least for me. Fewer pieces of Jewlery, layers and heavier fabric.
I love scarves and probably have one on my person every day … I guess I must have about 30+ in my closet, maybe more, in all sizes, colors, textures. In the summer they are perfect to keep my neck warm when the office air conditioning gets too chilly. I also enjoy how they add so much to an outfit (for very little work).
I really appreciate the various ways you wear them in today’s post.
Fun post today!!
I can never seem to get enough:)
I really enjoyed your ideas with scarves and the links also. I am a lover of scarves and dare not count how many I have because then I would have to admit how many I own! I love them all and just keep seeing more and more and,I must admit, buying some of them. I have got out of the way of wearing them,feeling a little scared of them after quite a long illness when I was just wearing very plain homey clothes. I feel inspired now and will try to use them again,thank you x
I’m glad you’re on the other side of that illness. Toss on a scarf and make yourself feel even better:)