First it was low-rise jeans, then it was sequin baby tops, and now another ’00s trend has made its way back to us. Dubbed the “Hannah Montana scarf” online (a throwback to the sparkly gold neck wrap from the pilot episode), the skinny scarf was all over the red carpet two decades ago, showing up on It girls like Hilary Duff, Lindsay Lohan, and Ashley Tisdale.
Though it served little practical purpose (how can so little fabric keep your neck warm?!), it became a go-to for styling with jeans, tees, and even dresses for the indie sleaze crowd and Disney stars alike. Fast-forward a couple of decades, and the scarf is back thanks to Gen Z’s fascination with the Y2K aesthetic.
According to a survey conducted by Vevo, 65 percent of Gen Z respondents reported “borrowed nostalgia” for cultural moments from before they were born or were too young to remember. Whether it’s Addison Rae paying homage to Britney, the obsession with FX’s Love Story, or the return of Hilary Duff (’00s-inspired concert looks and all), there’s a desire for the media (and style) of the past.
Still, that doesn’t mean copying it one-for-one. The skinny scarf’s return looks varied: A wedding guest dress from Reformation comes with an attached scarf to convey polish, while an influencer might wrap it around their waist for a riff on a belt. It’s an intentional finishing touch that doesn’t have to feel Disney-coded.
Coordinate It With a Sweater
We’ve officially entered cozy season, so style a slim wool scarf with your favorite knit (bonus points if the prints match). Because sweaters and scarves are frequently styled together, pairing the two offers a subtle take on the trend without screaming Y2K.
Use It as a Belt
A scarf doesn’t always have to wrap around your neck. Instead, thread it through your belt loops or tie it around your waist for a cinching effect. The longer the scarf, the more dramatic the look.
Dress Up a Work Look
Skinny scarves don’t have to be purely playful or edgy; they can also look surprisingly professional. Try a silk version paired with a matching suit set and sharp footwear. You can even tie it into a bow for a ladylike twist.
Match It With a Dress
The scarf dress channels Old Hollywood nostalgia, reminiscent of Grace Kelly in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief. It’s an effortless way to look polished and sophisticated.
Wear It as a Headband
Who said skinny scarves only belong on the neck? Tie one around your head as a headband, letting the ends drape over your shoulders. It’s a unique take on the trend that’ll set you apart from the crowd.
Pair It With Oversized Pieces
Lean into the scarf’s long, dramatic silhouette by reaching for slouchy pieces like an oversized button-up and baggy trousers. The result is a perfectly undone look that still feels chic.
Ruby Ford-Dunker (McAuliffe) is a fashion and lifestyle journalist featured in Vogue, InStyle, Elle, Who What Wear, Marie Claire, Brides, the New York Post, Business Insider, and more. When she’s not reporting on her latest fashion obsession, she can be found listening to Taylor Swift, hunting for the best vanilla latte, playing with her cats, or smiling her way through a dance workout. Email Ruby at therubybrand@gmail.com, and keep up with her on Instagram @rubyymcauliffe and Substack via Style Note.
