The Missing Piece: 7 Head Covering Styles That Define My Look

I recently stepped into my closet thinking it was time for a wardrobe refresh. I’m not one to chase trends—I naturally gravitate toward timeless pieces. I wasn’t looking for a dramatic overhaul, just a slow and intentional shift toward higher-quality essentials to replace what I already own.

As I considered editing my wardrobe, my eyes landed on my wraps and scarves. That’s when it hit me—for most of this winter, I’ve been reaching for head wraps. Head coverings have been woven into my personal style for decades, but in that moment, I realized they weren’t just an accessory; they were the missing piece. When I wear them, I feel elegant, beautiful, and completely at home in my skin.

Headscarves: As Timeless as Style Itself. Across cultures and generations, headscarves have held deep significance. While they can be a simple fashion statement, they’ve also long served a practical purpose—protecting against the elements, especially for those with curly hair. For some, they carry religious or cultural meaning, symbolizing tradition, faith, or personal identity. Whether embraced or misunderstood, wearing a headscarf is an intimate, intentional choice. And for me, they’ve become a signature of my style.

Here are seven of my favorite ways to wear a headscarf:

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Loose Scarf. Casually draped over the head and shoulders for an effortlessly elegant look. Drape a lightweight or silky scarf over your head, letting the ends hang freely over your shoulders. Adjust the scarf so it loosely frames your face and cascades down your back. You can tuck one side behind your ear for a relaxed, modern feel. Et voilà.

For a simple tutorial watch this video from YowItsFariin to 40 seconds.

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Low Bun Wrap. You can never lose with a low bun. Perfect for a polished yet relaxed look. I love using a stretchy cotton fabric for this style because it prevents the fabric from slipping as the day goes by. Start by pulling your hair into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Fold a rectangular scarf into a wide band and place it over your head, covering your ears. Cross the ends at the back and wrap them around the bun before securing them with a knot. This look frames the face beautifully for a great finish.

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Rosette Turban. The twisted floral knot at the crown for a chic and regal statement. Begin by wrapping a long scarf around your head, covering your hair completely. Twist both ends tightly and coil them into a spiral, forming a rosette at the top or side of your head. Tuck the loose ends underneath the wrap for a secure hold.

Watch from the one minute to about two minute mark from Inno Manchidi.

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Classic Turban. A classic turban is sleek, timeless, and effortlessly chic. It is a great everyday look, but very sophisticated when paired with the right fabric and outfit. Start with a long scarf and place the middle section at the front of your head and tie in one knot. Open in a flattened position and wrap all the way around the head. As you come to the end of the fabric, find a slot to tuck the ends in. Repeat that step for the remaining loose piece of fabric from the other side.

Watch Mishka for a step-by-step tutorial on a classic turban.

@findingpaola/Instagram

High Wrap. The high wrap is piled high for a bold and regal appearance. This is great for any hair length. Gather your hair into a high bun or use a volumizing cap for extra height. Place a long scarf at the nape of your neck and bring both ends to the front. Twist the ends together tightly, then wrap them around the base of your bun before tucking them in securely.

Watch this video from Finding Paola for a full tutorial. For long hair check out this video from Mairaly from 3:12 to 3:55.

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Bandana Style. This is a casual, vintage-inspired look that works for any occasion. Fold a square scarf into a triangle and place it over your head. Tie the two longest ends at the nape of your neck or under your chin for a classic finish. Adjust the front for a snug but comfortable fit, leaving a little volume for a softer look. This is truly one of the second most simple ways to wear a scarf. And what really beats a beautifully printed scarf for the spring and summer?!

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The Side Knot. This is a playful, asymmetrical take on the headscarf. Fold a rectangular scarf into a wide band and place it at the back of your head. Bring both ends to one side and tie them into a secure knot. Let the ends drape over your shoulder, or tuck them in for a sleek look.

To achieve this look watch Tiffany for a great demonstration from 1:44 to the end of the video.

Each of these styles brings its own charm, and I love experimenting with them depending on my mood or outfit.

Do you wear headscarves? What’s your favorite way to style them?

(Feature photo Tim Hunter/Newspix/Getty Images)