Headscarves: The retro trend everyone's talking about

Time of India

17-07-2025

'Headscarves can be a personality definer'
If there's one accessory you can continue to style until your warm beanies are out, it's the headscarf. Whether styling it with your regular denims and white tee or pairing your lehenga choli with a printed
bandana
just like
Alia Bhatt
wore at a friend's pre-wedding function, with a single knot, head scarves can add a quirky edge to your look.
Since the accessory is having a moment, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with these tips.
'Tie around your head, neck, or just put it over your shoulder'
Elaborating on bandana's versatility, celebrity stylist Naheed Driver, adding, 'For a beach outing, think a pair of fun aviators, a headscarf and a bikini under a crochet dress – it's a no-brainer. For a brunch, wear a tank top with a pair of barrel jeans and complete the look with a bandana. Experiment by tying it on as a top, tying it to your bag or using it as a belt for your dull office days.'
'It is impossible to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and not spot someone wearing one, either on the head, neck or around the waist' (Pics: @gucci)
Designer Pallavi Jaipur comments on the ongoing revival of the scarf trend, saying, 'Headscarves are an underrated accessory. It can be a personality definer.' Celebrity stylist Harshit Srivastava suggests that men can embrace the trend too. 'It is impossible to scroll through Instagram or Pinterest and not spot someone wearing one, either on the head, neck or around the waist.'
It is a no-fuss accessory to amp up any outfit. One can pair a classic polo tee and linen pants with a headscarf. A solid bandana can add a pop of colour to your basic khaki or pair of denim. Try hand-painted scarves or carrés in pastel and sorbet colours
Harshit Srivastava, celebrity stylist
Quirky ways to amp up your basic headscarf
Classic chic: Channel vintage glamour by styling a silk scarf loosely around your neck. Fold it into a triangle, wrap once around your neck, and either let the ends hang or tie a soft knot to the side. Pair it with a trench coat, button-down shirt, or a little black dress. Go for sleek monochromes or polka dots – think Audrey Hepburn charm.
Edgy & feminine: Add a fashion-forward edge with a scarf bracelet. Fold into a slim band, wrap around your wrist twice, tie a knot or small bow. Style it with cropped sleeves, add rings, or layered bangles for that boho vibe.
Cameron Diaz serves elegance in a still from My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) & Lily Collins adds a flirty Parisian twist with a blue, silk ponytail scarf
Effortless glam: Roll a printed scarf into a slim strip and tie it into a bow or knot on the bag handle. Vibrant prints, florals, or geometric contrasts work best. Upcycle old dupattas or saris into unique bag scarves for a personal twist.
Statement-making: Take a large square scarf (silk or satin), fold it into a triangle, wrap it around your torso and tie at the back or neck like a top. Pair it up with high-waisted trousers or skirts, sandals, and gold hoops. Madras checks, modern stripes, or bel patterns are good options — skip overly intricate florals or geometries.
Flirty & feminine: Bring colour and motion to your hairstyle. Tie a narrow scarf around a high ponytail, low bun, or braid it through your plait. Let the ends flutter. Add a straw hat or cap for a chic look. Mango or pomegranate prints lend a quirky, playful vibe.
– Inputs from designer Pallavi Jaipur