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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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).
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
COS Cotton Car Coat
ÉTERNE Ribbed Stretch-Jersey Tank
Lilysilk Geometric Print Silk Scarf
J.Crew New Soleil Pant in Linen
A.EMERY Kinto Leather Flip Flops
Scarves are also an unexpected way to add texture to your outfit, whether you opt for a silk scarf or one with embroidered details.
Shop the look:
Open Edit Rib Cardigan
A Bronze Age Celeste Scarf
Cotton On Lola Low Rise Suiting Pant
Strathberry Drawstring Soft Napa Leather Drawstring Bucket Bag
Madewell Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt