Transforming an oversized scarf into a stylish dress is a fantastic DIY project. It perfectly embodies the reuse, reduce, and recycle ethos of DIY fashion. Repurpose your winter scarf into a chic summer sarong or dress. This is the perfect way to enjoy your silk scarf throughout the year.
New to DIY fashion and unsure how to create a scarf dress or tie a sarong? This guide is perfect for you! We’ll cover everything from essential materials and equipment to various stylish techniques. Transform those scarves in your closet into stunning dresses with this comprehensive tutorial.
Scarf Dress Trend
Silk scarf skirts and dresses are the ultimate boho statement in 2025. Imagine flowing fabrics paired with sandals, a wide-brimmed hat, and layered necklaces. A long scarf dress is ideal for summer events. Think festivals, garden parties, or beach getaways. Creating a scarf dress yourself is both enjoyable and stylish. Consider the endless prints and patterns you can experiment with!
Summer Outfits with Scarves
A sarong wrap or scarf dress is perfect for summer. It flatters every body type. Slender women shine in halter scarf dresses. Plus-size scarf dresses are great for curvier figures. Their loose design drapes beautifully. Want to minimize wide thighs and a small bust? Create a sarong with a deep V-neck. This highlights your upper body and showcases your shoulders.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Different Type of Materials
Scarves are incredibly versatile, available in diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. The fabric you choose significantly impacts the scarf’s texture, look, and suitability for different weather conditions. Consider these factors when selecting your perfect scarf.
• Silk – Elevate any look with a chic silk scarf. Available in shiny or matte finishes, silk offers temperature regulation, perfect for fluctuating weather. Its breathability, durability, and odor resistance make it ideal for warm-weather dresses.
• Satin – A more affordable option, satin scarves provide a beautiful drape. This lightweight fabric features a fine weave, enhancing the flow of a satin scarf dress.
• Chiffon – This sheer, lightweight fabric is commonly woven from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers. Chiffon has a slightly rough texture and some stretch. Its mesh-like weave creates a see-through effect, making a chiffon scarf dress ideal for layering over a fitted top.
Key Materials and Prints to Use
The world of prints is vast! Explore floral, geometric, dotted, striped, checked, and blocked designs. Transform your scarf into a stylish skirt, sarong, or dress using any pattern you love. Ultimately, the best choice reflects your unique style and taste.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Great Way to Add a Pop of Colour to Any Outfit
Scarf dresses remain a fantastic summer style. Scarves, in general, are essential wardrobe additions. They offer a quick way to inject color and revitalize any ensemble. During winter, a black dress paired with a tartan or checked scarf is a popular choice. Since winter layers often conceal your outfit, your scarf becomes the defining element of your look.
Embrace delicate silk scarves this summer! Wrap one around your neck or use it as a chic swimsuit coverup. It’s a stylish nod to the 70s and the popular 90s neckerchief trend dominating Instagram in 2025.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
Don’t Want to DIY? Our Top 10 Scarf Dresses on the High Street
L-R Free People Beaux Slip Dress in Scarf Print (ASOS – £78.00), Lame Panelled Slip Dress by Boutique (Topshop – £95.00), Petite Scarf Print Midi Dress (Dorothy Perkins – £30.00), Strappy Scarf Print Hanky Hem Dress (Simply Be – £22.00), V by Very Scarf Print Maxi Dress (Very – £45.00)
L-R Arianne Scarf Print Cap Sleeve Shift Dress (Boohoo – £12.00), V by Very Hanky Hem Scarf Dress (Very – £20.00), Mela Multicoloured butterfly print scarf dress (Debenhams – £24.00), Navy Urban Bliss Pamela Scarf Print Apron Maxi Dress (Exhibit – £10.00), Scarf Print Dress (La Redoute – £29.50).
