How To Wear a Summer Scarf: 26 Chic and Creative Ways

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Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t wear your favorite neck warmer. A scarf is a versatile accessory that’s built to multitask and give you mileage.

Of course, it’s important to note that for warmer weather, you’re to avoid scarves crafted in chunky knits or heavy fabrics. A lightweight extra is most ideal for summer. Choose one that is cool to the skin and made of natural fiber like cotton, rayon, or linen.

If you want to fashion a silk scarf — no problem. Just make sure it’s made of real silk instead of pseudo silk fabrics (polyester). Once you have your summer scarves in order, maximize their potential by trying the following:

1. Hair Accessory

Use the scarf as a headband or hair tie to give your look a more feminine flavor. You can use a square scarf to achieve this style. Pick one that is small to medium in size.

Evamaria styles her funky black-and-white outfit with a ladylike twist by wearing a scarf as a headbandEvamaria of Lost In The Wardrobe (blog offline) styles her funky black-and-white outfit with a ladylike twist by wearing a scarf as a headband

2. Bag Candy

Not quite sure how to use your favorite extra for the day? Or perhaps you find that it’s too hot outside but you still want to take it out for a spin?

Nina Dobrev enjoys the streets of New York City in a super short jumper dressNina Dobrev enjoys the streets of New York City in a super short jumper dress on June 11, 2014

Then take a cue from Nina Dobrev and wear it as a bag candy. So easy, right?

Nina Dobrev's scarf-styled purseNina Dobrev’s scarf-styled purse

3. Lightweight Last-Layer

Just because it’s warm outside doesn’t mean you can’t wear the scarf the usual way. Lightweight pieces trimmed with interesting details make for the perfect last-layer. You can top the scarf over a simple but sexy tank to add polish.

Yuka Iwasaki dresses up her baby-doll top with a pompom-trimmed scarf in the same hue for that super cool laid-back summer lookYuka Iwasaki of Pretty In Leather dresses up her baby-doll top with a pompom-trimmed scarf in the same hue for that super cool laid-back summer look

For days when it’s cooler than usual, put a printed scarf over whatever outfit you’re wearing to add a pop of color to your look.

Maren Elizabeth of Bureau adds a pop of print to her summer ensemble by using a printed scarf that matches her jacketMaren Elizabeth of Bureau of Chic (blog offline) adds a pop of print to her summer ensemble by using a printed scarf that matches her jacket

4. Neck-Tie/Neckerchief

Use your scarf as a neckerchief or neck-tie to give your outfit a striking accent. This is best achieved using a beautifully printed small square scarf.

Sonya Esman coordinates her strappy sandals and keeps her look extra polished with a printed neckerchiefSonya Esman of Class Is Internal coordinates her strappy sandals and keeps her look extra polished with a printed neckerchief

Anna takes inspiration from the boy-scout knot for her scarf-styled outfitAnna of Oh My Blog takes inspiration from the boy-scout knot for her scarf-styled outfit

5. Wrap

Summer is a season for bikinis, tank tops, short shorts, and skimpy dresses. You can use your scarf to complement such pieces. Use it as a wrap to glam up your look, or tie the ends together and wear it like a kimono.

Jennifer Wang adds polish to her sexy micro-mini outfit by topping it with a pretty printed scarf in the same hueJennifer Wang of Sustainable Siren adds polish to her sexy micro-mini outfit by topping it with a pretty printed scarf in the same hue

6. Arm Party

It’s no secret that you can actually use the small square scarf as an arm party. This is also a great way to give your wrist a break from all those heavy bangles.

Denisia gives her skirt ensemble a refreshing twist with a scarf bracelet

Denisia gives her skirt ensemble a refreshing twist with a scarf braceletDenisia of Polishing Colors (blog offline) gives her skirt ensemble a refreshing twist with a “scarf bracelet”

7. Dress

This you can do using a large scarf. You can even create different necklines with your extra, such as strapless, halter, or one-shoulder. If you need tips on how to work up the scarf into a frock, let Elle Evans show you how!

Maria De la Cruz turns her scarf into a cute strapless dress that's perfect for the summer weatherMaria De la Cruz of Haute and Rebellious turns her scarf into a cute strapless dress that’s perfect for the summer weather

Felicia Eriksson wears her oversized scarf as a halter dress for a beach outingFelicia Eriksson from Sweden wears her oversized scarf as a halter dress for a beach outing

8. Sarong

You can also use your whispy throw as a sarong if you’re beach-bound. This is very similar to #5, only, very location specific.

Isabelle covers up her bikini with a sarong wrapIsabelle H. of Style With Isabelle (blog offline) covers up her bikini with a sarong wrap

If you want to try wearing your scarf as a skirt for, say, a party, you can also do that, but it will require a few other materials like a pin or brooch to hold it in place.

Miraclesuit Aloha Gardens Scarf PareoMiraclesuit Aloha Gardens Scarf Pareo, $64

Born Free Urban Zen ScarfBorn Free Urban Zen Scarf, $120

9. Top Or Vest

Don’t know what to wear or can’t find the perfect top to go with your jeans? Why not turn one of your scarves into a top instead?

Tamara spices up her all-white outfit with a belted scarf vestTamara of Tamara Chloe Style Clues spices up her all-white outfit with a belted scarf vest

Sandra wears her red scarf as halter top to the beachSandra of More Style Than Fashion wears her red scarf as halter top to the beach

10. Head Wrap

Another great way to fashion the scarf during summer is by using it as a headwrap. There are so many ways you can do this, you can even go for a retro rockabilly look.

Madeline keeps her look boho and funky with chunky sandals and a printed headwrapMadeline P. Jean Greige keeps her look boho and funky with chunky sandals and a printed headwrap

11. Lay Over Shoulders

Wear a sheer scarf like a simple shawl by laying it over your shoulders. Use a printed scarf in an earth tone, and top it over a dress printed in the same color family. Mix with lace-up boots, socks, and round-rimmed sunnies for a touch of retro.

Elle-May LeckenbOutfit inspiration from Elle-May Leckenby of STYLISHELLS (blog offline)

Vince Camuto Graphic WrapVince Camuto Graphic Wrap, $48

12. Hanging Halter

Great for wearing at the beach!

Outfit inspiration from Konstantina Tzagaraki of Serial KlotherOutfit inspiration from Konstantina Tzagaraki of Serial Klother (Blog Offline)

Use a rectangular scarf, fold it in half, then wrap the ends (of one side) behind your back to create the hanging halter effect. Too complicated for you? Then simply wrap the scarf loosely around your neck then spread a portion of the fabric over your chest to create the same effect.

Go with a tasseled piece that’s richly printed. Best worn over your bikini top and a pair of denim cutoffs. Don’t forget your sunnies!

Halogen Chevron Print Pompom ScarfHalogen Chevron Print Pompom Scarf, $38

13. Pseudo Vest

This is basically short for “throwing it over any outfit”. However, it works best on a look that is bohemian and Western-inspired. It is also best to use a shorter scarf (less than 60″ long) to achieve the “pseudo vest” look.

Layer the piece over a loose white top and some sexy denim cutoffs. Don’t forget to accessorize with a floppy hat, some cowboy boots, and a pair of uber-cool eyewear.

Outfit inspiration from KristineOutfit inspiration from Kristine G. of Heteroheroine

14. Sexy Bo Peep

A fresh take on cowgirl style with a hint of Little Bo Peep drama. Wear a denim shirt over high-waist black shorts and decorate the combo by tying a colorful silk square around your neck — not over your shirt’s collar, but under it like the way guys do neckties.

Outfit inspiration from Rachel-Marie IwanyszynOutfit inspiration from Rachel-Marie Iwanyszyn of Jag Lever

Complete the getup with a floppy hat and sleek ankle boots.

Jonathan Chinoiserie Horse Silk ScarfJonathan Chinoiserie Horse Silk Scarf, $98

15. Cowboy

Wear it like the cowboys do, only, with a hint of edge. Use your favorite white (or gray) t-shirt with a short black leather skirt, then work a bandana into a triangle and tie the ends behind your neck. Cap off the mix with a pair of authentic Converse Chucks to give it a laid-back feel.

Outfit inspiration from MargaritaOutfit inspiration from Margarita of Deadly In Love

16. Skinny (Reverse) Bandana

Not quite an Axl Rose just yet (we will get to that one later), but we think this one’s a great look to try this summer, especially if you enjoy wearing black.

Use your silk square or bandana with a long black maxi and a denim jacket. Wear it skinny and slim around your head, and make sure the knot is done at the side of your forehead instead of behind the head.

Outfit inspiration from Sophie of Moda VitaeOutfit inspiration from Sophie of Moda Vitae (Blog Offline)

Infuse a laid-back vibe by pairing the mix with one of summer’s top stories — the leather slides. Of course, don’t forget your eyewear.

P.S. Best to use a small square or skinny scarf for this look.

Kenzo Scribble Letter Silk ScarfKenzo Scribble Letter Silk Scarf, $290

17. Like Axl Rose

Wear your scarf the Axl-Rose way, which is short for saying, wear it like a thick bandana with the scarf covering the majority of your forehead.

Outfit inspiration from Vita of Vita Dinamita (blog offline)Outfit inspiration from Vita of Vita Dinamita (blog offline)

Now don’t go overboard by styling it like a rock star. Instead, piece it together with a laid-back outfit consisting of a white tank top, some loose trousers, and a pair of flat summer sandals. You can top it all off with a leather jacket and some aviators to keep the edgy flavor going.

African Sun ScarfAfrican Sun Scarf, $78

18. A Rosette On Your Head

Not quite the skinny bandana nor the Axl Rose, but it’s a head wrap that will give your look a different flavor.

Don’t worry, this one is easy to do. Once you’ve knotted the scarf around your head, just twist the ends, wrap them around the knot you made, then tuck the twisted ends under the knot in order to create the rosette effect.

In order to offset the very feminine detail, wear the piece with simple separates such as black skinny jeans, a white blazer, and a yellow top; then cap off the mix with edgy booties and blue-lense sunnies.

Outfit inspiration from Elen EllisOutfit inspiration from Elen Ellis of Elen Ellis

19. Summer Cap

Another great way to sport the summer scarf is by using it as a “cap” with one of the season’s top trends — the overalls. Simply work your square scarf into a triangle by folding it in half diagonally.

Starting from the bottom, wrap the scarf around your head with the ends facing upward. Tie the two opposite ends into a knot, then tuck the center end under it. Cap off the mix with a pair of loafers or sneakers and you’re all set!

Outfit inspiration from Ashley Baluyut of Milk TeethsOutfit inspiration from Ashley Baluyut of Milk Teeths (blog offline)

20. The Tower

We’d like to call it the tower, but you can name this style however you like. This is perfect for dressier outfits and will work best using a large silk square. You basically need to wrap the scarf close to the neck, tie it into a knot, then let the ends hang.

The tower actually has a slimming effect, so it’s great if you want to look slimmer. Wear it with wide-leg trousers and a cami or blouse, then top the mix with a blazer or jacket. Don’t forget to wear high heels and sunnies.

Outfit inspiration from HanaOutfit inspiration from Hana of The Czech Chicks

21. Retro Hair Accessory

Taygan is a blogger from Australia who is very much into retro fashion. Here, she has put together a look that is totally amazing. We say that because we’re completely awed by the way she worked up that scarf into a hair accessory. How did she do that?!

Check out Taygan’s blog, Dear Mr. Rabbit, to see more of her retro style.

Retro fashion blogger Taygan wears a chic hair scarfRetro fashion blogger Taygan wears a chic hair scarf

22. Colorful Silk Scarf

One look at Kelly and you know she’s living a fashionable life. Here, we see her brightening up a classic look with a colorful silk scarf.

Kelly Larkin is an American fashion blogger and the founder of Kelly in the CityKelly Larkin is an American fashion blogger and the founder of Kelly in the City

It’s amazing what a scarf can do, no? To check out more of Kelly’s preppy-chic style, check out her site, Kelly in the City.

Kelly brightens up a classic look with a colorful silk scarf from Julia of Lemon StripesKelly brightens up a classic look with a colorful silk scarf from Julia of Lemon Stripes

23. White Crochet Caftan

An of Haute Pink Pretty is first and foremost, a shoe lover. If you check out her shoe closet, you will literally drool.

But of course, she isn’t here today because of her shoe collection. Isn’t it obvious? We’re crushing on her crochet caftan! It’s so perfectly perfect for summer, don’t you think?

An shows how to wear a white crochet caftan in summerAn shows how to wear a white crochet caftan in summer

24. Scarf as Belt

Did you know that you can also use a scarf as a belt? It’s another neat way to jazz up a simple look, just like what Khin of Crazy Wasabii did below. You can even mix up prints to kick it up a notch (i.e. printed scarf + printed dress).

Khin wears her printed scarf as a belt with a gorgeous summer dressKhin wears her printed scarf as a belt with a gorgeous summer dress

25. Feather-Trimmed Hat

Do you know what we like about this look from Chelsea Dennis of Chelsea Den?

Chelsea's scarf is very attractive and the hat looks comfy and cuteChelsea’s scarf is very attractive and the hat looks comfy and cute

It’s the perfect mix of Western meets classic. We love how she paired immaculate pieces (scarf and top) with ornate ones, like the feather-trimmed hat and the patterned bag. Do you like her style?

Chelsea styled her scarf with a feather-trimmed hatChelsea styled her scarf with a feather-trimmed hat

26. Stunning Cuyana Cape

Who she is: Tina Phan is also an attorney aside from being a blogger. Her fashion blog Phashionable is filled with looks you’ll want to copy. With her impeccable fashion sense, we’re guessing she probably wins all of her cases in the courtroom.

Why we love her look: We’re huge suckers for easy and refined dressing, and this look from Tina is just that. We like it for the simplicity and the effortlessly elegant appeal.

A simple but sexy LBD paired with sandals, then dressed up with a beautiful Cuyana cape for drama — it’s a no-fuss combination but offers major impact.

Tina styled a sexy LBD with sandals and a beautiful Cuyana capeTina styled a sexy LBD with sandals and a beautiful Cuyana cape

Credit: TNYF / WENN

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