The feel of an item is just as significant when it comes to dressing as its style or utility. For instance, flip flops evoke a particular sense of nostalgia because they can take you back to a summer spent by the pool or a coastal retreat in any season. Even when worn with pajama shorts, a blazer may elevate your look and make you seem polished and prepared for a corporate meeting. Furthermore, whether or not you’re flying to Nice, kerchiefs perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the European summer.
The celebrity-approved accessory, which is being worn by style icons like Hailey Bieber and Hunter Schafer, is a mix of casual and stylish, and it’s quickly becoming the must-have summer accessory. Naturally, hair scarves are nothing new; they have been a mainstay of fashion for more than a century. However, the “tomato girl” appearance and the Y2K revival are making a strong comeback, as seen by the increasing number of “tomato girl” images on our favorite celebrities’ Pinterest boards.
Everything you need to know about the Kerchief trend and how we’re dressing it for the warmer months is ahead.
The Kerchief Trend
One can trace the history of kerchiefs back to medieval Europe. During the Middle Ages, women would often wrap their hair with a piece of silk or linen; nevertheless, hair kerchiefs did not become popular as a fashion accessory until the 1940s. When Hermés made their silk scarf debut in 1937, socialites and the royalty soon approved of the opulent accessory. The scarf was dressed by Queen Elizabeth of England, who also included Jackie Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Sofia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy in her ensemble.
The term “Hailey Bieber head scarf trend” went viral on TikTok in 2024 after the singer attended Coachella wearing a chic cheetah print outfit. Users try to recreate the trend in videos by donning a baseball cap over the scarf, just like Justin Bieber. Bieber claims that she was inspired by Rihanna, who also loves this look, for her festival ensemble.
The “milkmaid” design, tied behind the ears, is particularly popular this year, while a scarf tied under the chin feels very Old Hollywood and tends to be in demand every summer (Kendall Jenner loves to wear one on a yacht or in her vintage convertible). It Girl Devon Lee Carlson just donned one while on vacation, and Bella Hadid has been spotted wearing one more times than we can count. At a recent Tonight Show performance, Kacey Musgraves accessorized the piece, and Hunter Schafer paid homage to Sophia Loren at Cannes by teaming a Prada headscarf with an outfit reminiscent of a milkmaid.
This scarf knot perfectly captures the current state of fashion; it’s the ideal fusion of the bohemian themes that are prevalent in summer attire (think cottagecore, milkmaid dresses, and tomato girl) with a hint of Y2K and the ’90s nostalgia. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and the Olsen twins both loved this look.
Regardless of how you choose to wear it, the scarf quickly gives any ensemble a glamorous touch and gets you in the mood to hop on a Vespa or gallop across a field. Apart from fiction, a scarf is the ideal remedy for oily summer hair or defense against the dreadful scalp burn.
How To Get The Look
The hair kerchief can be styled in a variety of ways and fits well with almost any outfit, just like many of the hottest trends. Like Bieber and her best friend Justine Sky, add a little edge by tying it around your favorite baseball cap. For some vintage milkmaid cosplay, take Schafer’s lead and wear it with an ultrafeminine white dress. Or simply pair it with a little bikini and oversized sunglasses—the possibilities are really unlimited.
Try the kerchief on if you’re searching for a simple approach to add something special to your summer ensemble instead of just your usual trendy top or color. You have a plethora of options and styling techniques to customize the look.
