How to Style a Scarf Around Your Waist, Per Celebs

It’s easy to get into a summer dressing rut. It’s too hot, so you’d basically rather wear nothing than something, but obviously, that’s not possible. So, it’s only normal to gravitate toward the same few staples (read: breezy dresses, flowy linen pants, simple tank tops). And, that’s totally okay—outfit repeating is cool, and simple outfits are a blank canvas that can remain, well, blank, or be spiced up to your liking. And if you’re in need of some inspiration for the latter, I have an easy, flattering, one second solution for you. (Sounds like a dream, right?)

The no-brainer style hack I’m talking about? Tying a scarf around your waist. Yes, it’s simple, and yes, it’s a high-impact move that’s going to dress up your simple base pieces in mere seconds. In fact, fashion girls like Alexa Chung, 41, and celebrities like Lola Tung, 22, Kylie Jenner, 27, and Jennifer Lawrence, 34, have all embraced the scarf-around-the-waist trend. But, aside from adding a pop of color (or print!) to your outfit, the hack is also sneakily flattering, as it snatches the waist and covers up any areas of concern (if there are any at all, of course). 

So, shop some silk scarves to wear around your waist, below, as well as key pieces with which to style them with, like linen pants, simple summer dress, and a classic jeans-and-tee combo.

5 Silk Scarves to Level-Up Summer Outfits

Linen Pants + Simple Tank Top

This is the only outfit combo I’ve been wearing. Linen pants are chic and comfy, because they allow for ample airflow and the material is lightweight. I typically pair them with a fitted cami to keep it simple, but I’m now going to be layering on a scarf around the waist in lieu of a belt. 

Lilysilk Mid-Century Pattern Silk Scarf

Nordstrom Rib Scoop Neck Cotton Tank

Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Ankle Lantern Pants

Summer Dress + Sandals

I reach for a summer dress and easygoing sandals when I just don’t know what to wear—and recently, this feeling has come up all the more often as the humidity skyrockets to tropical levels of discomfort. But, a simple white dress, like this one from Banana Republic Factory, is the perfect base with which to style your silk scarf. 

Nordstrom Stripe Square Silk Scarf

Banana Republic Factory Tank Mixed Media Midi Dress

Reformation Lake Flat Sandal

Jeans + T-Shirt

While there are many ways you’ve probably dressed up classic blue jeans and a white tee, I invite you to skip those next time and instead, wrap a silky, patterned scarf around your waist to really amp up the casual-cool ‘fit. The silkiness of the scarf juxtaposes the hard-edge denim perfectly, while a crisp white tee remains undistracting but elegant. 

Madewell Oversized Silk Bandana

Theory 2 Nebulous Organic Cotton Tiny Tee

Pistola Lana High-Waist Wide-Leg Jeans