It’s a bonnet. It’s a belt. It’s a bandana. Actually, it’s a triangle scarf.
Gen Z has officially ditched the classic long scarf, opting for a smaller style beloved by celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and trendy corporate gals alike.
As a fellow gen Zer, I had to see what the hype was about. Lately, I’ve been wearing this sweet little neck tie from the Scottish brand TBCo. A certified B-Corp, it designs scarves made from luxuriously soft 100% merino wool sourced from New Zealand. (This particular scarf comes in 16 different colors.)
Your first instinct might be: isn’t a knit scarf a winter accessory? Yet spring weather isn’t always a steady stream of sunny skies and 70F temperatures. For days when the weather suddenly drops, and the wind picks up out of nowhere, the triangle scarf acts as an emergency layer of extra warmth.
Small but mighty, I’ve marveled at the difference this tiny accessory makes. It’s breathed life into my early spring wardrobe, which has otherwise consisted of bulky layers and a disappointing lack of color. (Friends have complimented it, too.)
At a glance
Below, I’ve shared six of my favorite ways to wear a triangle scarf, including one that not only looks stylish but doubles as a carrier for your sunglasses.
How I tie a triangle scarf
Start by laying your scarf flat, smoothing out any creases in the fabric. Next, turn it upside-down and drape it around your upper back and shoulders. Grab the two ends and loop them once around your neck, then tie them into a knot (I prefer a simple overhand one).
For a more casual, natural look, adjust the two front ends so that one hangs slightly longer than the other. You can play with the knot placement, centering it or leaving it to the side, like I have in my photo.
Six ways to style a triangle scarf
Freshen up your weary knits
Come spring, I’ve grown tired of wearing my sweaters and knit pieces. My triangle scarf adds a cheery pop of color to these chilly-weather basics that I still can’t stash away.
In the first photo, I’ve contrasted the red of the scarf with a white sweater. In the second, I style it with a black knit dress, letting the scarf act as the focal point.
Dress up a casual ensemble
If you’re known to live in T-shirts or jeans, a triangle scarf can add a polished touch.
I’ve styled it with a classic black tee and a pair of kick flare black pants. If you’re looking to get even fancier, TBco. also makes this adorable ruffle version.
Add whimsy to your office look
A burst of color can help freshen up basic workwear. Above, I’ve paired my triangle scarf with my favorite black blazer and a pair of dark-wash denim to add a touch of whimsy to this classic look. If your workplace is more dressy, you could swap for a pair of black pants or wide-leg trousers.
Tie it around your waist
I’ve sworn by this belt-like method since high school, using it to freshen up my wardrobe when I didn’t have the budget to splurge on trendy clothes. I paired the scarf with the black pants I wore earlier and a simple turtleneck.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can try something patterned, such as this vibrant pink stripe option.
Wear it in your hair
After seeing this style worn by so many of my favorite fashion bloggers, I decided to give the scarf bonnet a try. I appreciated that the scarf’s knit material kept my head warm while looking more put-together than a bulky knit beanie.
For warmer spring days, you can also fashion it into a classic hair scarf (which wouldn’t cover your neck) – the perfect solution for masking your fourth-day hair.
Use it to hold … sunglasses?
I’ll admit, I was skeptical when my friend suggested I try holding my sunglasses with my triangle scarf. To my surprise, this lightweight scarf successfully cradled my glasses and added a point of interest to an otherwise plain outfit.
