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.
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. 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. 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. The scarf dress channels Old Hollywood nostalgia, reminiscent of Grace Kelly in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief.
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