New Ways To Wear Summer Scarves

Are you a fan of scarves? They’re a bit harder to wear in warmer weather than cool, but they’re such game-changers for outfits, I find ways to make them work. I admit I’m a little bit obsessed with them because they’re such a versatile accessory. I brought 6 scarves on this trip, and it’s not enough! Cindy Hattersley and I are back for our Over 5o fashion edit and sharing all things scarves. Here are some new ways to wear summer scarves you may not have tried.

As always, you can click through the red highlighted text under each item for more info and to shop.

Woman in front of iron gate wearing denim jacket with scarf woven through button holes
WEARING –  DENIM JACKET  –  MIXED JERSEY TOP –  CABLE HOOP EARRINGS  –  SMALL SCARF on sale

A few weeks ago I shared a quick and easy way to jazz up a denim jacket with a small bandana. I simply folded a cotton bandana on the diagonal into a long strip then wove it through the buttonholes. I started at the center and worked toward the top and bottom but honestly, it doesn’t matter which direction you go because these small bandanas are thin enough to slide through easily to adjust. Then I tied a tiny half knot on the top and bottom to secure it.

midlife blogger wearing large sunhat, tee and showing a summer scarf tied at her neck
WEARING –  STRAW HAT from Chapters  –  similar HOOP EARRINGS  –  NECK SCARF  –  PIMA COTTON ESSENTIAL TEE  –  ROSEGOLD BRACELET

These Madewell cotton scarves are new favorites this summer. They come in tons of colors and patterns at a very affordable price. They’re great for so many purposes besides simply tying around your neck. They look great tied on the handle of your handbag or around your head.

blonde woman wearing pink cardigan, pibnk tanks and carrying a crossbody
WEARING –  WOVEN SHELL  –  similar CARDIGAN  –  SMALL SCARF  –  WHITE JEANS  –  CROSSBODY BAG

I also love to tie these little scarves through two side belt loops on my jeans to add a pop of color and pattern.

woman leaning against table wearing blue knit jacket, striped tee and madewell jeans
WEARING –  CABLE HOOP EARRINGS  –  KNIT BLAZER  on sale  –  STRIPED TEE  –  STRAIGHT JEANS  –  PLATFORM SNEAKERS  –  SHOULDER BAG  –  SILK PAISLEY SCARF on sale

I love to slip a larger square through all the belt loops of my jeans in place of a belt. Again, I lay the scarf flat, fold two opposite corners into the center and continue to fold until it’s a narrow strip, then thread through the loops.

Style Tip – Folding a square scarf on the diagonal is against the woven grain so they become stretchy.

over 50 woman showing front and back of blue and white head scarf wrap while standing on the coastline
WEARING –  SILK SCARF on sale  –  SIMPLE HOOP EARRINGS  –  SUNGLASSES  –  KNIT BLAZER on sale  –  NO-IRON WHITE SHIRT

We’ve had some blustery days along the coast this week, so I took the scarf from my belt loops and tied it over my hair to keep the wind from whipping it into a tangled mess. Windy conditions make hats a challenge to keep on. For this look, I folded a large square into a triangle, then placed the folded edge low across my forehead, holding the ends taut, I pulled the back over the scarf and knotted it at the nape of my neck. It has a definite pirate vibe which I love to enhance with hoop earrings:)

Talbots scarf on Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life

I also love to make a bolero-style wrap with my large scarf to cover my arms. Simply fold a large square in half, tie two tiny knots to connect the loose corners, and slip your arms through.

Square knot is corners of silk scarf

Are you wearing scarves during this transitional time?

Thanks for reading and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.

Be sure to head over and check out Cindy Hattersley Design and all the ways she wears scarves.

31 Comments

  1. Barbara Burr says:

    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!!!

    1. 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.

  2. Karen Trainor says:

    LOVE scarves! I jazz up my minimalist, neutral wardrobe with pops of color from scarves and pashminas. Super fun 🙂

  3. Lynne Johnson says:

    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!

  4. Wonderful ideas for scarfs. Can’t wait for it to cool down (I overheat easily). And, LOVE that hat! You look fab!

    1. It was a fun find in the local bookstore:)

  5. 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.

  6. Lorrie Orr says:

    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!

  7. 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!

    1. Yes I will. I am working on a video

  8. Love the tutorial on scarves. I have just ordered 3 new ones, now I have many many suggestions for their use. Thx Jennifer!

  9. 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.

    1. You’re so kind, thank you

  10. 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.

    1. Thank you. Scarves are just so fun I love to experiment

  11. Annie Diamond says:

    I love the headscarf! Such a great look! And now I know how to do it! Perfect with the hoops!

  12. 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!

  13. Never knew there were so many ways to wear scarves. Thanks for all the great ideas

  14. jodie filogomo says:

    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

  15. 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.

    1. 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

  16. 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!

    1. LOL, head scarves cover a multitude of sins too.

  17. 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, 😀

  18. Leslie Greaves Radloff says:

    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.

  19. beth byrd says:

    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!!

    1. I can never seem to get enough:)

  20. Gillian Hodgson says:

    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

    1. I’m glad you’re on the other side of that illness. Toss on a scarf and make yourself feel even better:)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *