Headscarves are such a common accessory, but I’ve never really been a headscarf kind of girl. I wanted to check it out and find different styles that might work with a headscarf and see how I could use them to spice up my wardrobe. I actually had a ton of headscarves that I got from my mom not too long ago, so I grabbed a couple and got to exploring. Keep reading to see the different styles I found. Spoiler alert: I love them all!
By Liana Hardy
Vamp Up Your Headscarf With These Easy Upcycle Techniques
4 materials
5 Minutes
Easy
Tools and materials:
- Headscarf
- Shoelaces
- Needle
- Thread
Headscarf styles
The classic triangle
The classic way to wear a headscarf is to fold it diagonally into a triangle and then to tie it around your head. I actually really liked this look, so I paired it with just a nice blazer over a plain t-shirt underneath, high-waisted jeans, and a cute bag.
How to style a headscarf
Triangle and jumpsuit
Another way to style the classic triangle look is with a cute jumpsuit and heels. It gives it an elegant-but-casual look that I’m really digging.
Modern headscarf styles
Bow in your hair
Tying the headscarf in a bow in your hair is another style that can work really well. This style is especially great if you have long, luscious locks, as the headscarf will blend in with the waves of your hair.
Modern headscarf styles
Wear it as a mask
It’s 2020 and that means face masks. If you forgot yours, your headscarf is the perfect alternative. Just fold it diagonally into a triangle and tie it around your head, covering your mouth and nose. Keep it tied on your bag to make sure you always have it with you—more on that soon.
Different headscarf styles
Wear it around your neck
You can also try wrapping it and tying it around your neck. This look is super chic and elegant, and pairs beautifully with a casual look. I’ve styled it with two nice blazers as well as high-waisted pants and short-shorts with a plain t-shirt underneath.
Various headscarf styles
Tie it on your bag
Remember what I said about having the scarf with you at all times? The last way I like to style my headscarf is by wrapping it and tying it around a handbag. It adds a bit of color and interest to the bag, which I really like.
Upcycle a headscarf
Wear it as a top
Headscarves don’t have to stay headscarves. Upcycling them is also a fantastic option. One way you can do this is by folding it diagonally into a triangle, putting it around your torso, and tying it off at the back. You’re left with a gorgeous rockstar look.
Headscarf upcycles
Tie it in the front
You can make your headscarf look super cute on you by folding it up in the back and tie it around your chest with a little bow at the front. It’s the perfect look for summer occasions or for going to the beach.
Headscarf upcycle ideas
Create a halter top
You can super easily upcycle your headscarf into an adorable halter top with nothing but a pair of shoelaces. Just fold the headscarf diagonally in half so that it forms a triangle. Then take the shoelaces and hand-sew them to the corner of the triangle. Tie the scarf around your back and the laces around your neck, and you’ll be rocking such a cute look.
How to upcycle a headscarf
Create an elegant halter
For this next upcycle you’ll just need some form of straps. They can be spaghetti straps, flat straps, lingerie straps, any style you like. Then you’re going to pick up two sides of the fabric and pin them to form a triangle shape. Now hand-sew the straps, and you have a cute and elegant halter top.
Scarf to top upcycle
Cross the straps
You can make this version by doing exactly the same thing you did in the previous one, but when you put it on cross the straps in the front before tying them around your neck. This style is elegant as well as chic.
Headscarf to top upcycle
Crossover top
To achieve this look, all you have to do is grab the two pointy ends of the scarf, fold it in half, and use those pointy ends as the halter part, tying it off at the back of the neck. This outfit is great for going out at night or for casual, summer occasions.
Style your headscarf
There you have it, guys! Seriously, who would have thought that a headscarf could be so versatile! With just a couple of headscarves, you could have 12 different styles, and they’re all so easy to make. Whether you use your headscarf as is, or you upcycle it to a cool new outfit, I want to see how you choose to rock the look! So definitely drop a pic in the comments!
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Comments
Join the conversation
I am 68 and I made these tops as a kid. The only difference is with the triangle top we would fold over the corner to make a channel to pass the tie through. I also made the tie wider so that it would fall down my back.
All fabulous ideas! I use them to dress up my plain hats and use costume jewelry broaches to attach to the scarf.