The New, Chic Way to Tie Your Scarf (That Might Surprise You!)

You already love it and have it in your closet… so why not wear it in a whole new way? I’m talking about a scarf.

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or flipping through your favorite fashion magazines lately, you’ve probably noticed scarves being styled in a fresh new way… as a belt! This “scarf belt” trend is one we can all get behind because it’s chic, flattering, and—best of all—simple.

This little styling trick instantly defines your waist, elevates even the most basic outfit, and adds that high-impact detail that makes you look like a fashion girl, even if you don’t feel like one.

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new way to wear your scarf

The best thing about this trend is how chic and simple it truly is. With just one quick fold and a knot, you can turn a scarf into a waist-defining belt that elevates even the most basic outfit. It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this before?” style tricks that makes a huge impact with very little effort.

Here’s how to do it:

1) Fold your scarf into a triangle.
2) Wrap it around your waist and tie it in a small knot (tuck the tails in or leave them out).
3) Style it with high-waisted jeans, trousers or a dress for instant polish.

Now, let’s talk scarves.

The scarf I’m wearing in these photos was a big investment piece—I completely fell in love with the print and the versatile black-and-brown color mix. But here’s the best part: you don’t need to splurge to get this look! Chances are, you already have a scarf in your closet that will work beautifully.

The only rule? Make sure it’s large enough—a square scarf that’s at least 34 inches is perfect. I’ll share a few of my favorites below if you want to add one to your collection.

Why This Trend Works

Defines your waist. Even if you’re wearing looser or boxier pieces, this pulls everything together. Midi or maxi dress with no shape? Scarf belt to the rescue.

Adds visual interest. A pop of pattern or color against denim or a neutral outfit makes your look instantly more interesting.

Feels fresh. Scarves around the neck are classic of course, but around the waist? So 2025. 😉 And it’s fun to step out and try something new every once in a while.

Wear Neutral Base

The key to making the scarf-as-a-belt trend work is starting with a simple, flattering base. In the photos, I’m wearing a black ribbed off-shoulder top from Joe’s Jeans. It’s fitted, streamlined, and the perfect blank canvas that lets the scarf shine. A slim top like this also balances the volume and detail at the waist, keeping the overall outfit chic and polished.

I paired the top with modern, neutral wide-leg jeans—similar to the best-selling Scottie style I fell in love with last fall. They’re soft, have just the right amount of stretch, and are lightweight enough to wear now and straight into fall. The high rise gives the scarf its stage, while the comfort factor makes them perfect for everything from working at home to running errands.

For shoes, I went with a simple black bootie—my go-to style with wide-leg jeans. The pointed toe peeks out just enough to elongate the legs while adding a touch of elegance. (If you’ve ever struggled with what shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans, make sure to check out this post next.)

This combination—a basic black top, neutral wide-leg jeans, and sleek pointed-toe booties—creates the ideal foundation, allowing the scarf to truly stand out as the statement piece.

accessorizing the look

The scarf is definitely the star here, but the right accessories will keep your outfit feeling polished, modern, and intentional. Here’s exactly how I’d accessorize this outfit!

Modern Sunglasses

The chic Ray-Ban sunnies that I’m wearing here are my new favorites. And that is saying something! My sunglasses collection is…let’s just say, full. So the fact that I love this new pair so much, surprised me in the best way! They’re a modern shape, the lens color brightens the world, yet still tames the sun, and they’re super lightweight and easy to wear. 

Classic Handbag

A sleek, black handbag with simple lines balances the scarf’s color and pattern beautifully. It’s the kind of bag you can carry on repeat and it will always look chic. If your scarf has brown tones like mine, you can also try a chocolate brown bag. 

Bangles Are Back

Yes, they are! And I’m here for it. Layering bangles or bracelets is such a fun way to add personality to your outfit. A bold stack on your wrist adds just the right amount of drama without taking away from the scarf. I layered 3 bracelets together that were part of different sets, and a sleek gold bracelet on the other wrist and it felt just right.

style should be fun

This scarf-around-the-waist trick is proof that trying something new—no matter how small—can completely change the energy of your outfit. You don’t have to adopt every trend that comes up, but experimenting with one unexpected styling choice can spark creativity and bring fresh excitement to your wardrobe.

So pull out those scarves you’ve been holding onto, give this look a try, and see where it takes you. Sometimes, the smallest tweaks make the biggest difference.

✨ Want to see even more scarf options? I rounded up some of my favorites for you in this LTK post.