From runway to real life, this hot micro trend is as easy to achieve as tying your laces, says Lucy Slight.
Joan Jett wore one on the album cover for I Love Rock ’n Roll in 1981. Johnny Depp has been repping one since the 90s and J.Lo’s appearance alongside Puff Daddy at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards is synonymous with the accessory. No matter which era you reference – either favourably or fearfully – it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s associated with a bandana trend.
This summer, the wallet-friendly micro trend is back with bloggers Aimee Song (songofstyle.com), Pernille Teisbaek (lookdepernille.com) and Sara Donaldson (harperandharley.com) wearing paisley printed scarves tied around their wrists, tucked beneath shirt collars and as loose neckerchiefs.
The trend offers an understated dimension of colour and pattern – without getting OTT – and numerous ways to explore it. Get western by folding a bandana into a triangle and knot it at the back of the neck. Take the square and twist it tightly, creating a thin, necklace-like accessory, tying it with the knot set slightly off to the side. Tie a bandana around the strap of your handbag, or channel low-maintenance rockabilly by weaving it through a loose, low bun.
Tie-dyed bandanas worn as chokers were a nod to the 70s at Emilio Pucci’s Spring RTW show. Models at Wes Gordon wore bandanas like statement necklaces over floral silk dresses and Coach took the look to the next level by incorporating bandana print patchwork into their Fall RTW sweatshirt dresses. So what’s your take-home from the catwalk? There is no wrong way to wear a bandana, but it’s an accessory that can really make your outfit oh-so right.
BANDANA TIPS
Wear around your wrist, arm, ankle, or tie one to your handbag strap.
Silk bandanas and scarves are naturally soft and malleable, but if your favourite new accessory is cotton, you may need to put it through the wash a few times to loosen up the fabric.
If you have a short neck, wear a thinly folded bandana to create the illusion of length.
