Fashion People Agree—Adding This Elegant Hair Accessory Earns You Major Aura Points
When it comes to hair accessories, you can truly do no wrong. Don't believe me? Consider taking a trip to your nearest classic art gallery and counting the number of times you see a hair accessory (hair scarves, pins, bows, etc.) grace someone's head. In fact, throughout history, they've been revered as the perfect finishing touch to an outfit and as a quiet or bold expression of one's style, culture, and social tendencies.
But as someone who appreciates spotting commonalities across history in the fashion and beauty trends we've always been drawn, I'm also of the belief that the best hair accessories can serve both fashion and function. Head scarves happen to be the perfect mix of both. Below, I'm sharing a few of my favorite hair scarves across brands like Aritzia, H&M, Zara, and Eugenia Kim of all shapes, designs, and sizes that can be worn anyway you'd like, but look beyond elegant when they adorn your hair.
The Best Hair Scarves
Crafted using luxurious 100% silk twill, this Aritzia find is all anyone needs to take their style to the next level. Its unique design features a hand-rolled edge an exclusive flower print designed in-house. Of nine the printed scarves belonging to the brand's Core Collection and limited edition offerings, the Dark Night Navy toile print has captured my heart.
Product Details: 27.5 x 27.6 inches, silk twill
Are you loving Aritzia's Elite Silk Small Scarf but are craving a different size to get more use out of it? The same drapey scarf with subtle sheen is also comes in a small and medium (each with their own floral pattern offerings). This one pictured above is deliciously botanical and whimsical.
Product Details: 17.2 x 17.2 inches, silk twill
Leave it to Zara to come up with the versatile scarves that add extra "oomph" to any hairstyle. Offered in two mod-inspired designs and color palettes, their printed Plaid Scarf is the perfect affordable option for anyone looking to try adding scarves to their wardrobe without too much commitment. Plus, its pattern is versatile enough to wear anywhere.
Product Details: 27.6 x 27.6 inches, viscose
One of the very first scarves I got to wear in my hair was from H&M, and I still have it. While I'll always love its eye-catching neons (I was leaning hard into 2010 trends at the time), I've developed an appreciation for neutral designs with fun, retro-inspired patterns like this one.
Product Details: 31 x 31 inches, polyester
I'm on a mission to make more people away about the gorgeous accessory offerings by 8 Other Reasons; starting with their Abstract Scarf. Hand-crafted in Japan, this scarf features a playful checkerboard pattern on one side, and images of the human form, architecture, and nature on the other.
Product Details: 26 x 26 inches, polyester
This effortlessly cool scarf definitely has me questioning why I ever claimed to be a leopard print lover in the first place. Crafted from a satin blend, the zebra pattern featured on this scarf switches directions every few inches; creating the appearance of movement.
Product Details: 36 x 36 inches, satin
What's more classic than this design? I'm falling more and more in love with the blue and green color combo, and this Head Scarf is convincing me it may finally be time I start breaking away from my neutrals and play more with color (starting with adding it to my accessory collection ASAP).
Product Details: 35 x 35 inches, satin
While I'm sure it's up to debate if bandanas should be considered hair scarves, I'm of the staunch belief they definitely should be! This bandana, also a great find from 8 Other Reasons, features a white paisley pattern with delicate dots and florals against a pale peach background.
Product Details: 26.8 x 26.8 inches, satin
Dôen's known for their chic, floaty dresses, so I wasn't very surprised when I discovered they offer a line of equally elegant accessories like the Penny Bandana. Rendered from a 1950's archival print, the it features seaside imagery including a fisherman's rope, rolling waves, and a medley of sea creatures.
Product Details: 22 x 22 inches, silk twill
Love a paisley print? I do too. This 100% cotton paisley bandana features the the brand's signature pony at the bottom right corner a hand-rolled hem. It's simple, sophisticated, and has a touch of Western inspiration.
Product Details: 22 x 22 inches, cotton
This lightweight, satin hair scarf by Eugenia Kim comes in many colors and patterns, but this watercolor-inspired ivory, beige, and navy design caught my eye. Believe me when I say that this eye-catching headscarf will add the perfect artistic touch to any outfit.
Product Details: 21.5 x 23.5 inch head size and 22 inch in tail length, polyester
Don't worry—I also have a high fashion scarf pick for chilly weather. Sandro Shani's Wool Cashmere Collar Snood Scarf keeps things cozy with a blend of 93.7% wool and 7% cashmere. As the temperature drops, you'll be able to stay warm and stylish.
Product Details: 10 x 32 inches, wool and cashmere blend
Reminiscent of the barely there, printed scarves of decades past, Wolf & Badger's Checkerboard Twilly Scarf is as chic as it gets. To use the scarf as a hair accessory, braid your hair into two sections and tie the ends together to make sure it stays in place while you're out and about.
Product Details: 2 x 47 inches, silk twill
Leopard print will also be a neutral in my book, so I'm glad I discovered this hair scarf from the Eugenia Kim and Revolve collaboration. It's designed to fit over the head and has a tie to secure the scarf (i.e. a breeze or gust of wind won't stand a chance against it).
Product Details: 24 x 32 inches, polyester
Don't let the luxury price point scare you away from this elegant find! This silk head scarf by YSL is for keeps. Plus, it features the brand's signature emblem on a small, engraved metal plaque.
Product Details: no size provided, silk
Discover Other Timeless Hair Accessories
Maya Thomas is Who What Wear's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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