Styling scarves as belts is hottest trend to follow – shop our favourites

While many reach for a belt simply to keep their trousers in place and avoid an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction, for others, it's a chance to add depth and layering to their sartorial agenda. Even the simplest outfit can be elevated with a belt – whether skinny or chunky, studded, classic leather, or finished with an eye-catching buckle, a simple cinching is sure to add a statement. But this season, belts have emerged on the fashion frontlines in an unexpected form. Once draped around our necks, now wrapped at the waist – enter the scarf belt.

While belts aren’t typically associated with beachside escapes, this effortless styling trick takes its roots from the classic sarong. Our favourite summer cover-ups have been reimagined into everyday outfits – bringing unexpected volume and texture to the silhouette, resulting in a versatile look that's ready to carry us seamlessly into the autumn season. 

Resurrected from the Aughts, silk scarves are now being tied at the hip and casually draped around the waist to echo the look of an asymmetrical overskirt. This playful trend is making its way from the sand to the sidewalk to offer a quirky new layering hack.

The skirt-meets-belt hybrid is styled much like a pareo – folded in half and knotted at the waist – but this time, it’s being layered over jeans, trousers, and dresses. Scarf-belting not only defines the waist but also injects a bold touch through a pop of colour. It’s a clever accessory that lets you play with texture and print – think sequinned embellishments or statement leopard designs – all while staying lighter, softer, and more smooth than a traditional belt.

© Getty Images

Scarf belts have quickly become a favourite among A-list clientele – think Alexa Chung's oversized Gucci scarf tied at her hip over tailored trousers and a baby tee or Jennifer Lawrence's vintage Hermès scarf wrapped over low-rise linen trousers and a cherry red top. 

The versatility of a silk scarf is nothing new. While today’s It-girls drape them around the waist, these timeless accessories were once used to keep hair in place as Hollywood starlets cruised in convertible Cadillac Eldorados and Ford Thunderbirds. Worn by the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Grace Kelly, the silk scarf became part of the iconography that made up their enduring glamour.

© @monicaainleydlv

From 70s-inspired prints to Hermès’ classic equestrian motifs and Burberry’s timeless check, there’s no shortage of scarves that double perfectly as belts – adding depth, texture, and character to any outfit. Explore our curated edit of the season’s standout scarves for the ultimate splash of colour, print and panache.

Shop the hottest scarves for this season:

How we chose:

Style: Ranging from classic prints to embellished iterations, this round-up offers an array of cute styles to note.

Price: Our list boasts a myriad of prices, from beloved retail brands to luxury labels. 

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.