This Affordable, French-Inspired Style Tweak Makes Any Outfit Instantly Chicer

I’m a great believer that a good accessory has the power to make or break an outfit. Too little effort can leave a look feeling unfinished, whilst overloading can risk overwhelming it altogether. As my personal style mostly leans into pared-back simplicity (or whatever the Gen Z version of that is), when I’m choosing my add-ons, I do so very carefully.

That is precisely why, when I saw not one, not two, but three of my top five celebrities all sporting the same affordable, French-girl-inspired bandana this week, I knew it was worth sharing.

With all eyes on Zendaya after the location of her Surrey nuptials was leaked, I found myself less interested in how many rings she had on her finger, and more in the brown-and-blue bandana wrapped around her head in these street-style shots (above). Though it has quietly become a signature style of hers since cutting her hair, bandanas tied like this are synonymous with French nonchalance, so they'll never go out of style.

Given how a bandana both adds interest to a look and hides a multitude of hair concerns, it's clear why they've become a fan favourite this summer. Take Zendaya's look, for example—from her shirred midi dress to the OG ugly shoe (the Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flat), there's an effortlessness that could stray into "got ready in a hurry" territory if not for her pretty bandana. With the addition of a simple scarf, her look feels less just-rolled-out-of-bed and more deliberately curated.

Equally into the bandana's laid-back charm, Elsa Hosk's recent Instagram posts have been full of headscarf styling. Whether worn with sleek black capri leggings and a funnel-neck windbreaker or a pretty broderie dress and Celine’s viral oversized sunnies, she rarely seems to go a day without one of these incredibly chic scarves.

And Kendall Jenner? Well, she's been wearing hers for slow weekends with a Western-inspired pair of dungarees and comfortable clogs, or with a white T-shirt and black tailored trousers in Japan with Jacob Elordi. Costing no more than a couple of pounds (depending on where you get yours), it's a relatively affordable way to add instant polish. So if you like the sound of an accessory that's ready for bad hair days, good outfit days and everything in between, scroll on to shop the best bandanas right now.

Shop the French-Girl and Celebrity-Approved Bandana Trend: