Bandanas Are My Unexpected Summer Obsession

All the ways I’ve been styling them lately.

POSTED 06.07.26 15:46 BY JOSEPHINE ALLEN

I was planning what to wear to Bruno Mars' The Romantic tour, and one thing stood out among the sea of red cowl-neck tops and gold jewelry: bandanas. I was intrigued and came to realize it was because Bruno often wears bandanas as headbands when he performs. This got me thinking about all the ways you might style a bandana.

To start with the obvious: bandanas as headbands. I have a purple bandana that I grab every time I wear my favorite purple handbag because cohesion is key to good styling. It’s become one of those small details that makes an outfit feel more intentional, even if everything else is really simple.

I also started noticing how easily bandanas slip into outfits in a way that feels almost accidental. On days when I don’t want to think too much about my look, I’ll tie one around my hair and suddenly the whole outfit feels more put-together. It’s such an easy fix, but it changes the mood completely.

I think what I love most about bandanas is that they can come in virtually any pattern. The classic paisley design is perfect to wear as a headscarf, especially when I want something a bit more timeless. There’s something about it that feels almost nostalgic, like it could belong to any decade and still work.

On the other hand, one of my favorite ways to style one on a sunny day is as a top. I remember being a teen who was jealous of the girls with the confidence to rock this look, and it’s something I’m so glad I finally tried as an adult. It feels a bit more bold, a bit more intentional — like you’re committing to the outfit rather than just wearing it.

Every time I wear a bandana as a top, I feel ready for Coachella, even if I’m just going to get coffee.

More recently, I’ve also started experimenting with tying them onto bags or looping them through belt loops. It’s such a small detail, but it adds this playful layer to an outfit that would otherwise feel quite plain. I like that they don’t demand attention, but they still change the way everything looks.

There’s something quite fun about how one simple square of fabric can completely shift how I approach dressing. It’s not really about the bandana itself — it’s about how it makes me feel a little more experimental without stepping too far out of my comfort zone.

These days, I keep finding new ways to reach for them without really planning to. I think that’s when I know something has properly become part of my style.

Scroll through my Fizzypicks below for the bandanas and accessories inspiring my summer outfits.

Zara EMBROIDERED PRINTED BANDANA SCARF - Pink - Image 0

ZARA
Embroidered Printed Bandana Scarf
$25.90

Bandanas Are My Unexpected Summer Obsession

Unbox the freshest drops and more. Hit subscribe!