The Offbeat Styling Trick That Makes T-Shirts and Tanks Look So Elegant

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When I have little brainpower in the morning, the first thing I reach for is always a T-shirt (or tank top) with trousers or jeans. Don’t get me wrong—I love a good understated outfit, but the instinct is starting to feel stale, so I’ve been searching for fresh outfit inspiration to inject some new energy into my spring rotation. And I’m finding that the more I look for ways to elevate a simple tee or tank, the more I come face to face with one trendy styling trick, in particular: wearing a scarf as a belt. The best-dressed women in my feed are all using a scarf, be it silk and printed or cotton and plain, to inject some interest into their spring outfits, and I think it makes even the most basic pieces look far more elegant and chic.

Seeing as spring is when tees and tanks begin to peak, I wouldn’t be surprised if you also found yourself searching for cool new ways to wear yours. I love this styling idea because it’s a little offbeat and quirky, but still utterly chic, and best of all, you probably already own all of the fixings to recreate the formula with. Ahead, I pulled together a few of my favorite examples of how fashion people and I are testing out the scarf-as-a-belt trick.

In short, tanks and tees have never looked better thanks to these fun scarf moments everyone is dabbling in. See all the ways to wear the outfit trend here.

Use a printed scarf to break up a neutral or monochrome outfit. This black-and-white style adds so much interest to an otherwise simple outfit of a white tee and cream trousers.

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H&M Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Hermès Le Philateliste Du Faubourg Scarf 90

ZARA Satin Pajama Pants

Abercrombie & fitch Mesh Balletic Flats

Paloma Wool Navy Mabel Necklace

I love the way the dark brown scarf coordinates with the brown sandals here to pull it all together.

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ZARA Polka Dot Print Scarf

LEVI’S XL Straight

Everlane The Day Fisherman Sandal

Heaven Mayhem Pebble Necklace

A striped scarf is the perfect warm-weather addition to a simple tank-and-trousers moment.

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Nordstrom Everyday Cotton Rib Tank

Vince Sowing Silk Scarf

Reformation Diego Mid Rise Baggy Utility Jeans

Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

Mansur Gavriel Mini Everyday Bag

ben-amun Set of Two Gloria Bangles

You don’t have to use a square-shaped scarf. Try a long style, especially one with a fringed finish, for a touch of something more special.

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ZARA ZW Collection Gathered Sleeveless Top

VALENTINO GARAVANI Fringed Printed Silk-Twill Scarf

HIGH SPORT Jules Stretch-Cotton Straight-Leg Pants

Saint Laurent Jaspe Sandal

The trend also pairs flawlessly with beaded and stone jewelry (another big trend for summer 2025).

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J.Crew Vintage Jersey Classic-Fit Crewneck T-Shirt

Mango Bicolour Printed Scarf

Favorite Daughter The Shortie Favorite Pants

Tootsie Jewelry Black Bead Choker

When it comes to wearing a scarf as a belt, the move is to tie it around your waist so the scarf sits diagonally across your hips with the longer end on one side.

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