The Y2K bandana trend is returning, but celebrities are bringing a different approach to the nostalgic accessory. From silk scarves styled as head coverings to printed bandanas paired with summer outfits, the once-popular piece is being reintroduced through modern styling.

In the early 2000s, bandanas were mostly worn with casual outfits, often paired with denim and everyday streetwear. More recently, celebrities have started wearing them beyond casual settings, styling them with more polished and tailored looks. At the same time, newer versions such as plain silk scarves have been introduced, offering a different interpretation of the accessory.

Priyanka Chopra

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Priyanka Chopra proved that bandanas don’t have to be casual. She wore one to 2026 Wimbledon, pairing it with a clean ivory shirt dress which matched the rest of the look. It showed that the accessory can work even in more refine settings.

Dua Lipa

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Dua Lipa has incorporated bandanas into her summer travel wardrobe. She wears them with light, breezy outfits like linen sets or light summer pieces. It’s not just about style either, it also helps keep her hair in place, especially in windy or beach settings.

Kendall Jenner

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Kendall Jenner recently shared a photo of herself in a black-and-white printed bandana as part of a casual look, tying it over her hair in a way that kept it pulled back while adding detail to the outfit.

Beyond printed bandanas, silk scarves have also been used in similar ways. Celebrities have styled these softer fabrics as head coverings, giving the look a more refined finish.

Zendaya

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Zendaya wore outfits where the fabric extended into a headscarf, instead of adding one separately. This made the head covering part of the outfit rather than an extra accessory.

Simone Ashley

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The styling has appeared in evening looks, with Simone Ashley loosely tied a silk scarf over her head, sitting slightly back rather than right on her forehead, with her hair still tucked neatly behind.

Kaia Gerber

Photo: Instagram

Kaia Gerber decided to go all monochrome by wrapping a white silk headscarf over her hair, matching her outfit.

The bandana trend returned because it’s simple, and works in different ways. With different approaches from celebrities, the piece is now worn across casual, travel, and more dressed-up looks.

Zendaya proved once again that seasonal dressing is entirely optional when personal style takes the lead. While New York City sweltered under a summer heatwave, the actor stepped out in a striking head-to-toe leather outfit that brought cool-weather texture to one of the hottest days of the season.

The look centered on a black leather jacket layered over a coordinating top and matching leather trousers. She completed the outfit with black pointed-toe heels, and dark sunglasses, with every element in black. Adding to the conversation was a fresh hairstyle. Zendaya debuted a softly tousled bob, marking one of her most noticeable hair changes in recent months.

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Although leather is typically associated with autumn wardrobes, Zendaya’s latest appearance demonstrated fashion’s growing willingness to ignore seasonal conventions. The outfit balanced clean tailoring with simple styling, allowing the rich texture of the leather to take centre stage.

This latest look marked a shift from the ethereal, goddess-inspired wardrobe she wore throughout The Odyssey press tour. While those appearances featured flowing custom designs, sculptural headpieces and dramatic shapes curated by stylist Law Roach, this outing embraced a cleaner, more simple direction. The only familiar element was a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps, carried over into an otherwise fresh take on her signature style.

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Earlier this week, Zendaya and Tom Holland stepped out for a low-key dinner in New York, making a rare public appearance away from film premieres and press events. The couple embraced simple date-night dressing, with Holland opting for a crewneck sweater and jeans, while Zendaya chose a black ruffled Elie Saab dress.

Whether attending premieres or simply navigating city streets, Zendaya has built a reputation for making even the most unexpected combinations feel intentional.

Amid the promotion of their new film The Odyssey, Zendaya and Tom Holland made a rare public outing away from the red carpet. The couple was spotted holding hands on Thursday evening, July 16, as they made their way to the Gold House x OpenTable dinner at the Japanese restaurant Wokuni in New York City.

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For the occasion, Zendaya wore a black silk wrap dress from Elie Saab. The plunging design, highlighted with floral details around the midriff, which she paired with black pointed-toe Christian Louboutin heels, while her hair was styled  in a “bixie” haircut.

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Tom Holland complemented her look with a classic navy sweater layered over a blue polo shirt. He completed the outfit with light-wash jeans and leather boots, keeping his appearance simple for the evening.

The outing comes as Zendaya and Holland are in New York promoting their new film, The Odyssey. As part of the press run, Zendaya recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she spoke about the project. For the appearance, she wore a gold look from Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2013 Couture Collection. The look centered on a jacket with a deep neckline, structured shoulders, and a cinched waist with gold brocade detailing, flowing into a peplum shape and paired with a matching mini skirt featuring a thigh-high slit. She completed the look with pointed gold heels.

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During the interview, Zendaya spoke about working alongside Holland in The Odyssey. She revealed that Holland was offered the role of Telemachus first and shared how excited she was for him when he was cast in the project. “He’s the best and he deserves this,” Zendaya said about Holland’s casting. She also explained that she was excited when she learned she would be joining the film.

Directed by Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey brings together a star-studded cast including Zendaya, Holland, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson. The film officially opened in theaters worldwide today, July 17, marking the latest collaboration between Zendaya and Holland on the big screen.