How the Street Style Set Is Wearing Handkerchiefs Now

We are all very familiar with the handkerchief, it is the kind of accessory you would normally find folded away in a drawer, but now it has made its way onto the streets of fashion week. And this time, it is not being carried in a pocket. Street style guests are wearing it on their heads and finding different ways to incorporate it into their outfits.

The trend was already being seen around the Spring 2026 ready-to-wear shows, particularly among people attending the shows and not on the runways themselves. Copenhagen Fashion Week has also helped bring the accessory into focus.

Photo: Copenhagen Fashion Week

The Handkerchief can feel feminine and a little nostalgic. The versions showing up on the streets are mostly light and sheer, with floral prints, delicate patterns and fabrics that almost look like lace or mesh. They make your everyday outfit feel more dressed without requiring much else.

Some street style guests have been seen wearing the handkerchief around their hair, paired it with long skirts, simple tops, sunglasses and ballet-style flats. Others have worn it with denim, including a coordinated denim jacket and jeans.

Photo: Copenhagen Fashion Week

One thing that makes this staple easy to style is that it does not always have to match the rest of the outfit. It could be paired with a polka-dot outfit, adding another pattern to an already feminine look. In other outfits, the handkerchief matched the sheer or mesh fabric of a top or skirt, creating a coordinated finish.

Photo: Copenhagen Fashion Week

One street style look paired a sheer skirt with a white top and blazer, with the handkerchief worn on the head. Another used a patterned handkerchief with a cropped button down shirt, lacy pantyhose and a kimono-style jacket.

Photo: Copenhagen Fashion Week

The accessory can also be paired with lace details, aprons or other delicate fabrics. It does not always have to follow one particular style. You can lean into the feminine feel with lace, or simply use the handkerchief to introduce another element into an outfit, even if you are wearing something as simple as denim.