The Celeb-Approved Early Aughts Skinny Scarf Trend Is Officially Back

As much as Y2K fashion trends are a lot of fun — hence why they won't go away — some pieces didn't make that much sense. Granted, fashion doesn't have to make sense or serve a purpose, but some things are just plain silly. Baby tees on adults? That certainly wasn't the most original garment of the 1990s and Y2K fashion, but it was beloved enough that it made its way back.

Another questionable bit of fashion that's popped back up is the skinny scarf. In fact, the skinny scarf is so pointless that Vogue writer Liana Satenstein called it straight-up "useless" in a 2021 article, while also admitting that she does like its look. "I feel like with a trend like the skinny scarf, there aren't enough ways to mix it into your wardrobe the way you would with, say, crop tops or low-rise jeans," stylist Diva Dhawan told Refinery 29. "Also, you're not going to wear it every day or put that much effort into finding more than a few ways to style it. This is why people usually tend to disagree on how real this comeback is."

Although the comeback may just be a splash in the pan, one thing's for sure: Kate Moss is still rocking the skinny scarf, having never given it up even when everyone else did. Whether you love the skinny scarf like Moss or feel it's your duty to at least try it out, you'll need some inspiration before you even think about stocking up on skinny scarves.

If you're not sure where you should begin when it comes to choosing patterns for your skinny scarf, take a look at what you already have in your closet. While your scarf doesn't have to match whatever you're wearing, it can definitely bring the whole look together. It also looks really chic. 

While a traditional scarf serves the purpose of keeping you warm, a skinny scarf is technically useless in that department so you'll need to take other steps to keep yourself cozy during the colder months. Sure, long pants and boots definitely help, but so do long knit gloves, because they're worn on the extremities. Match the gloves to your skinny scarf and you've mastered autumn in the trendiest way possible. Once layered sweater weather arrives, ditch the gloves, but keep the scarf. 

Although skinny scarves tend to be worn casually, especially by rockstars from the 1960s and 1970s, it doesn't always have to be an accessory that accompanies skinny jeans and button-down shirts. Instead, you can take your skinny scarf and match it to a cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or something similar. While it might look a bit strange paired with a wedding dress, unless you're going for a low-key bohemian vibe, it works in all other fancy scenarios. 

As much as skinny scarves look good in satin and silk, don't limit yourself to just these fabrics. For example, crocheted or knitted skinny scarves also serve some major looks and because of the material involved, this particular scarf works if you're keeping things super casual or you're dressing to the nines for some event. Bonus points if you crochet your skinny scarf yourself.

For the most part, skinny scarves are an accessory that adds a little something extra to your outfit. But if you want to give it more attention and make it the star, then choose a scarf that has some glitz and glam, making it more of a statement piece than just another article of clothing. Beaded, sequined, and shimmery scarves are a great place to start. When you're ready, you can upgrade to leather or something else that's equally striking.