The Y2K Scarf Top Is Back

One silk square. Endless ways to wear it.

The Y2K Scarf Top Is Back
The Y2K Scarf Top Is Back

Photo: Getty

The Y2K Scarf Top Is Back

On “Mood Ring,” the third single from Lorde’s latest albumSolar Power, the singer has a tongue-in-cheek question for a culture infatuated with nostalgia. “Don’t you think the early 2000s seem so far away?” she sings. Late-summer’s influx of scarf tops have an answer: “Not at all.”

Related article: Jennifer Lopez Wears An Early Aughts–Inspired Emilio Pucci Set in L.A

The same scarf tops Beyoncé and Christina Aguilera once wore for early aughts performances have made their way back into the fashion zeitgeist. Celebrities are wearing the shoulder-baring styles much like they did before—Rihanna most recently, in a Harley Davidson halter by Conner Ives—but the scarf top’s return has a modern bent. Many women are embracing DIY strapless tops folded from scarves instead of buying ready-made blouses. (Just check Instagram and TikTok, where tutorials for folding and wearing scarf tops have views in the millions.) The scarf top's return is more than a Y2k revival for the revival's sake: Since any square scarf can be folded into a strapless top or a bandeau, it’s a style that’s both practical and endlessly personalised.

Related article: White Tees So Chic You’ll Want To Wear Them On Repeat

Of all the 2000s trends to come back around, the scarf top’s versatility gives it staying power. Find your favourite way to tie and wear a scarf top with our 14 favourite scarves, below.

This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.

Clean lines and neutral tones make this a scarf you can wear any which way, including tied as a strapless top.

SHOP

Deseda often partners with independent artists to illustrate its scarves, like this limited-edition piece by Michelle D'Urbano. You'll be repeating Deseda's design ethos back when everyone asks where your bought your scarf top.

Shop

Show off every gradient of this striped scarf by wearing it as a triangularly folded top or stick to a few shades by going the bandeau route.

Shop

Logomania goes minimalist in Totême's scarf design. We can already picture this scarf tied into a halter and paired with gold jewellery.

SHOP

Vintage lovers, this Burberry scarf is for you. The tassel and chain-link illustrations are timeless.

SHOP

On TikTok and Instagram, fashion devotees are reviving Emilio Pucci scarves. This swirling Vortici print comes in four color ways; for more options, you can also find one-of-a-kind Pucci scarves via resale.

SHOP

To wear as a top or as a hair accessory? This watercolour scarf can do both.

SHOP
Idda Studio
8 of 13

Bring Positano vibes to wherever you're spending the end of summer with Idda Studio's beachy scarf. Each scarf's design is hand-painted in—where else?—Italy.

Shop

The prints you love from archival DVF wrap dresses, now the canvas for a chic scarf top.

SHOP

A scarf that's as pretty tied into a strapless top as it is tied to your favourite work bag.

SHOP

Bold botanicals offer an edgier approach to scarf top season.

SHOP

Admit it: You're itching to try this paisley bandana print as a strapless top with jeans and cowboy boots.

SHOP

Nearly-fall florals, anyone?

Shop
Share this article