“Scarf Belting” Is the Easy Styling Trick to Try This Summer

We’re wearing our scarves as belts these days. I didn’t make the rule, but I’m happy to follow it. When else might I have a chance to pull out a favorite patterned silk square while still staying comfy in my go-to T-shirt? We can’t all rock the Y2K headscarf trend, but this one feels doable.

Keep reading to learn everything there is to know about the scarf belting trend—it’s exactly what it sounds like!—and discover how to try it for yourself.

The Trend

This summer, silk scarf belting is taking over our Instagram feeds and outfit formulas.

There’s rarely a single person we can assign a trend to (save for glazed donut nails), but it’s worth mentioning that scarf belts are very Man Repeller, aka Leandra Medine Cohen. She was all about the look last summer, and—as is her way—fashionistas took note. This summer, Alexa Chung is carrying the torch alongside cuties like Lola Tung and all the cool girls on your Instagram feed.

How to Wear It

There are options when it comes to scarf belting. You can fold the scarf into a triangle and tie it to show off more of the pattern, or fold it into a skinnier, more belt-like shape and work it through your belt loops for a little function-over-form setup.

A large square scarf does the trick when folded if you want the drapey triangular look, but a long, rectangular scarf would also do the trick depending on how you style. It’s all about what’s comfortable for you. Part of the look is the ease factor, so figure it out your way and rock it.

If you need help with the rest of your ‘fit, scarf belting is the easiest way to upgrade your favorite T-shirt and a pair of jeans or shorts. Add some cute jelly shoes if you want to be really trendy.

And if that’s too hard? Zara is even selling a dress with a scarf pre-belted.

Shop the Trend

Now, about those scarves…

While I’m sure you have plenty of gorgeous big silk designer knockoff squares laying around from your grandmother (I do at least, but maybe I’m just lucky?), the resale market is killer should you need to stock up. One of my favorite past times is scouring the Gucci vintage scarf section on The RealReal for botanical prints (I want to frame them!!), so don’t look there… but here are some other great options.