Fashion Clothing 12 Ways to Wear a Bandana Who knew this tiny piece of material was so versatile? By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on September 25, 2022 @ 03:01AM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Melodie Jeng/Getty Images Out of all the accessories in our collection, bandanas have become one of the most reliable. No matter what we're wearing — a dress, a jumpsuit, a T-shirt and jeans — this tiny piece of material always provides a bit of flair. Not only are there a ton of different ways to style a bandana, but this pièce de résistance always seems to be trending. If you're in need of some inspiration, take a look at the 12 street-style photos ahead. These must-try outfit ideas showcase a few ways to wear a bandana and are worth keeping in mind the next time your outfit is missing a little something. 18 Easy Ways to Tie a Scarf 1. As a Classic Neck Scarf Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images Whether your bandana is average-sized or extra-large, the easiest way to style it is by folding it in half to resemble a triangle. Then, wrap it around your neck and tie a knot, creating a quick, casual statement. 2. Knotted and to the Side Christian Vierig/Getty Images If you're looking to add some glamour to your look, simply roll the material to create one long strand and tie a knot around your neck. Be sure to shift it to one side. Very Audrey Hepburn! 3. Sailor Style Melodie Jeng/Getty Images Knot your bandana around your neck and let the two ends hang down in front, giving off a sailor vibe. Make your look even more eye-catching by picking a color that provides a bit of contrast. The Pilgrim Collar Is the Weird Trend You Never Saw Coming 4. Tucked In Christian Vierig/Getty Images We love how sleek a turtleneck looks underneath a button-down, and this way of styling your bandana gives off a similar vibe. Simply tie it the classic way, then tuck it into your shirt. 5. As a Top The '00s have returned and with it comes the scarf top. Instead of investing in a brand new item, you can create this look by wrapping a large enough bandana around your upper body. 6. As a Bralette Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images It's the same idea as the scarf top only the knot is in the front. This styling choice even works for cooler weather if you layer it under a jacket. The 8 Best Bralettes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed 7. Looped Around Like a Belt Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images No belt? No problem. A bandana or scarf provides the same support while adding something fun and unexpected to your outfit. 8. As a Head Scarf Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Playing around with a bandana is also a great way to switch up your hairstyle. Simply tie it around your head, knot it under or over your hair, and wear it like a headscarf. 9. Tied Around a Ponytail Christian Vierig/WireImage Give your scrunchie a break and use this accessory instead. You can wrap it around multiple times or just do it once, leaving the ends long and letting them hang out. 7 Ways to Wear a Bubble Ponytail 10. Headband Style Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Of course, a bandana can easily double as a headband. Wearing the knot at the top of your head will add a playful element to your look, while leaving it around the back is simple and sleek. 11. Like a Bracelet ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images If you're looking in the mirror and wondering if your outfit needs a fresh new twist, try tying a bandana around your wrist, or better yet, your ankle. 12. Added to a Bag Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images Adding a bandana to your bag strap will give it a personal touch, or help transform old, basic pieces into something new and improved. The 11 Best Shoulder Bags You’ll Want In Your Closet ASAP