When did summer get so hot? Early June in the Northeast is already in the 90s! With everyone having longer hair than hippie America it is time to call in reinforcements: the handkerchief scarf. She’s versatile, she’s printed, she’s shiny, and most importantly she keeps hair from sticking to your neck. Thank you for your service.
The Nicole Richie: A thick headwrap is greater than a headband because not only is it more customizable, it’s also soft. Fold appropriately to fit your skull size. With the tie popping out the looks takes on a natural laidback feel, a la boho queen Richie. Or keep it pristine with tied ends tucked tightly underneath and bask in the “I love your headband compliments.” Technically you can tell people you made it yourself. I leave my hair cascading down the side of my face but for adventuring additional clips can be used to tuck any bangs or flyaways flapping in the wind. If you want to extend your wrap for full scalp coverage Alicia Keys is your muse. As far as your color selection, the higher contrast the headwrap has to your outfit the better. You want it to stand out and draw socially distant attention to your face. Think rainbow scarf against an all black outfit or lime green on orange. Wild. Summer. Fun.
The Connie Brinton: Tying a handkerchief loose around your neck in lieu of a necklace is very in right now. The thin neck scarf stems from part ascot, part infinity scarf proving, two wrongs can make a right. Bring this music fest and camping look to the streets by folding the handkerchief into a triangle and tying at the back of the neck. Tuck your tail (pointed part in the center) for more professional, polished settings. (Oh, how I miss creating a solid work ‘fit!) Here’s an example where your do-it-all-blazer will actually work against you. A neck scarf+anything with lapels will lead to people asking you: “When’s the next flight?” Wearing with scoop neck blouses and tanks... now that’s fresh.
The Victoria Beckham: A thin silk scarf threaded through belt loops is among my favorite ways to style such a piece. I love taking something functional like a belt, just made in your standard black and brown leathers to keep your pants up and making it a style statement. Yes, attempting this look, unfortunately, requires wearing pants or shorts with a belt loop. Beckham wears salmon chinos and an identical salmon and cream silk scarf that dangles to her knee. This summer I’ll be swapping British elegance for US sex appeal by wearing a long belted scarf with my grittiest cutoffs. This look won’t cancel the whole paperbag-self-tie-trend quite yet but, like, it should.
The J. Lo.: The classic get-my-hair-out-of-my-face style becomes deluxe with a two-tone printed floral scarf. To get that max chill surfer ponytail first pull half your hair up in a big salon style clip. You may have a lone survivor from the 2000s lurking around your bureau. Then roll your scarf to achieve max length and double knot at the nape of your neck. Release the clip so your hair is loose and breezy on top yet, secure in the scarf. I have very few hair tricks up my sleeve however, this was an instant favorite to add some body to my limp strands. When knotting don’t worry about making each side of the scarf even, that’s predictable. A stubby piece popping out to the side and the other hanging down the trellis that is your hair accents length and hair freedom. The cool thing: few celebrities have actually experimented with this style. J. Lo. mainly does tight DIY scrunchie buns made of silk fabric but, she’s such a hair, and skincare, and overall body icon, it felt wrong to exclude her.
The Katy Perry: For everyone who got behind the bow trend this December, here is the hot weather edition. The execution: think of knotting a scarf on your purse handle except your shirt is the purse. Slide a rolled scarf under a cami or tank so each end is poking out of the cami. Then double knot in the center of your chest. Pull the sides of your cami down to echo the shape of your ribs. With help from a friend, the same style can be used in the back to highlight the shoulder blades. Is it too early to start singing All I want For Christmas Is you? ‘Cause that’s how I feel about this DIY bow crop top.
Prints & Tips: Sometimes with an item so versatile and malleable people are intimidated to try. So here I am laying a few ground rules.
Bandanas and bandana printed scarves (even better, less firm) should be worn in hair only. They look super cute as a strand in a braid or a bun topper. Steer clear of pulling a Connie Brinton with a bandana however. A bandana loose around the neck either looks like you’re too hot to wear your mask or you’re a well groomed dog. Either way, not fashion statements.
To achieve the above styles, size matters. Hermes is the goddess of silk scarves weighing in at 90cmx90cm. When ordering online, these dimensions are your goal but, whatever you do, buy a square shaped scarf.
Don’t be afraid of any sites or stores that call it a “handkerchief.” A handkerchief is literally a hemmed fabric square AKA what you want.
Go shiny. A silk or similar synthetic make taking a hike high-end.
Be that 70s queen! Pair with blousy tops, cutoffs, and gold pendants.
I love it, you do creative things that don't cost a lot of money! Love your backgrounds!! You always give crisp, neat, fun ideas!!