If You Don't Want to Look Dated in 2026, Tie a Scarf Around Your Waist Like *This,* Not *This*
The bandana look from 2025 is out.
Last spring, tying a silk bandana around your waist on top of jeans, skirts, and dresses became an overnight sensation. For the remainder of the season and well into summer, it was the IYKYK styling trick followed by New York City fashion people, including Alexa Chung and Jennifer Lawrence. But like most trends that appear out of thin air, this one slipped from the spotlight as quickly as it arrived. In 2026, I haven't seen a single silk bandana worn in this way—on someone's head, sure, but not around one's waist. What I have seen, though, is an updated, elevated version of this same belt-adjacent accessory.
This year, stylish women far prefer tying a long silk scarf, like a smoking or tuxedo scarf, around their waist, often on top of coats or jackets, but also with turtleneck sweaters and trousers for a less layered option. I've spotted this outfit formula in Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, with Kendall Jenner even wearing it in the latter location just a few weeks ago. She styled hers—a long, ivory scarf by Maison Magdalena, one of the brands responsible for this rising micro-trend—with a khaki car coat and white jeans for a day of driving around in her vintage Mercedes and shopping at Galerie Half on Melrose Avenue.
On Kendall Jenner: The Row trench coat, bag, shoes, and Burty Straight Leg ($1050); Maison Magdalena scarf
Most times this trend has been spotted, it's been with ivory-colored scarves similar to Jenner's, with a sold-out Toteme option being another popular version. Other stylish dressers have turned to cummerbunds to create a similar belt-like effect, with content creator and stylist Andrea Ricci even going as far as to design a viral cummerbund-scarf hybrid for her brand Atelier Jéa. For more standout options, brands like Dries Van Noten and Valentino are the way to go. That, or opting for vintage Yves Saint Laurent. Rich burgundies, golden yellows, and deep eggplant shades have also been spotted around the waists of well-dressed people in fashion cities around the world, with vintage Christian Dior and Gucci being among some of the favorites I've ID'd so far.
In any case, if you want to look in-the-know in 2026, ditch the silk bandanas, at least for belting purposes, and score a long, fringe scarf instead. Use it to cinch your trenches and dresses or just to add interest to a simple ensemble, like jeans and a T-shirt or a tissue-thin turtleneck and trousers. Trust me, it's the secret trick that will make your outfits appear interesting every time in 2026.
Keep scrolling to see how It girls are doing it.
How to Wear
Get the look: Black Turtleneck + Maxi skirt + Red silk fringe scarf + Heeled sandals
Get the look: Cream coat + Silk fringe scarf + Black shoes
Get the look: Black satin jacket + Black trousers + Silk fringe scarf + Kisslock bag + Pointed-toe loafers
Get the look: Black coat + Fringe scarf + Clutch + Trousers + Loafers
Shop the Trend
The texture on this scarf makes it feel perfect for spring accessorizing. I love the idea of pairing it with something silky to give the look a touch of earthy roughness.
Vintage Gucci? Say less.
Toteme is running this trend at the moment, with every new scarf it makes selling out.
The stripes will make any classic coat feel interesting when you tie this around your waist.
The knotted fringe is an instant value booster.
I saw this scarf at a presentation during New York Fashion Week and was in awe of the intricate details. It's a work of art.
An affordable pick that's sure to sell out.
These paillettes offer an interesting switch-up from fringe if you want your look to feel different (and even more fun).
A sophisticated pick that will always be of use in your wardrobe, whether you tie it around your waist with a pair of jeans or drape it over your shoulders with a black dress for a formal event.
No one does accessories quite like Dries Van Noten.
This one might be my favorite.
Going vintage is the best way to save on trends but still get elite quality.
This scarf can be worn in an endless number of ways.
I did, indeed, save the best for last: Christian Dior.
