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 own 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 something worth sharing.

Image of Zendaya and Tom Holland. She is wearing the bandana. — (Image credit: Courtesy of Splash News)

With all eyes on Zendaya after the leak that her Surrey nuptials are imminent, I found myself less interested in how many rings she had on her finger, and more on the brown-and-blue bandana wrapped around her head. Though it has quietly become a signature style of Z’s (post-big chop), bandanas tied in such a way are synonymous with French nonchalance, and so it’s impossible for them to ever really “go out of fashion”.

Given how they both dress up a look and hide a multitude of sins, its 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 a effortlessness that could stray into “got ready in a hurry” territory if not for her pretty bandana. With just the addition of a simple scarf, her look feels less just-rolled-out-of-bed and more deliberately curated.

Elsa hosk wears the bandana trend — (Image credit: @hoskelsa )

Equally into the bandana’s laidback 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 specs, she rarely seems to go a day without one of these incredibly chic neckerchiefs.

@Kendall Jenner wears the zendaya elsa hosk bandana summer accessory trend 2026. — (Image credit: @kendalljenner )

And Kendall Jenner? Well she’s been wearing hers for slow weekends with a country western-inspired pair of dungarees and comfortable clog or a white T-shirt and black tailored trousers in Japan with Jacob Elordi. With it costing no more than a couple of pounds (depending where you go), 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.