If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or TikTok this summer, chances are your feed has been dotted with headscarves. From celebs lounging on yachts to influencers capturing that effortless vacation vibe, the accessory has become a seasonal staple. Hailey Bieber sported a retro polka dot version on a boat in Spain. Sofia Richie Grainge kept things chic in a black-and-white geometric scarf while soaking up the French Riviera sun. And now, Zoë Kravitz — never one to miss a quiet-but-powerful style moment — has joined the lineup.
On August 12, the actor appeared on Late Night With Seth Meyers to promote her upcoming thriller Caught Stealing, and she proved just how versatile a simple bandana can be. Tied neatly in black and white, the scarf wasn’t just a nod to summer’s biggest accessory trend — it also pulled double duty as a practical piece, keeping Kravitz’s effortlessly loose waves, styled by the ever-innovative Nikki Nelms, tucked back and out of her face.
The result? A look that managed to be at once low-maintenance and incredibly intentional.
The Beauty of “Quiet Glam”
Kravitz’s style has long been admired for its understated cool, and her beauty choices on Late Night were no exception. Makeup artist Nina Park leaned into soft minimalism, crafting a glowy complexion accented only by a hint of peachy blush and a touch of shine on the lips. Nothing felt overdone; it was the type of makeup that enhances rather than transforms — the very definition of effortless chic.
Her nails, designed by celebrity nail artist Jin Soon Choi, followed the same philosophy: a glossy nude manicure that kept the look polished without stealing focus. Together, the details created what might best be described as “quiet glam” — the kind of aesthetic that whispers rather than shouts, but still leaves an impression.
The Outfit Formula We’ll Be Copying
Of course, the accessories and glam were only part of the story. Kravitz grounded the look with a structured yet relaxed ensemble that blended tailoring with ease. She layered an oversized blazer over a cropped sleeveless vest and loose trousers, building an outfit that felt both borrowed-from-the-boys and distinctly her own.
It’s a silhouette she’s mastered before: strong lines softened by laid-back styling, with proportions that flatter without trying too hard. The bandana added just the right edge, tying the entire outfit together — no pun intended.
It’s the kind of look that inspires copycats not because it’s flashy, but because it feels achievable. With a scarf, a blazer, and a little confidence, anyone could recreate their own version.
Why the Headscarf Trend Endures
While this summer has seen headscarves everywhere, the accessory’s appeal is hardly new. It’s a piece with a deep style history, worn by everyone from Old Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn to off-duty supermodels in the ’90s. Its current revival feels like part of the larger fashion mood: reaching back into archives, rediscovering classics, and styling them with a modern twist.
On Kravitz, the bandana doesn’t read as costume-y or overly nostalgic. Instead, it strikes that perfect middle ground — practical enough to keep her hair in place, stylish enough to catch the eye under studio lights, and understated enough to not distract from the main event: her new film.
A Stylish Start to the Caught Stealing Press Tour
With Caught Stealing set to debut on August 29, this is only the beginning of Kravitz’s promotional style run. The film, co-starring Austin Butler, promises action, intrigue, and plenty of buzz — and if her first press look is any indication, Kravitz will be giving us just as much to talk about off-screen as on.
The star has never been one for over-the-top red-carpet theatrics; instead, her fashion moments are often subtle, precise, and rooted in authenticity. Each choice feels like an extension of her personality rather than a costume. That’s what makes her bandana moment resonate: it’s stylish, yes, but also completely believable as something she’d wear in real life.
The Takeaway
Zoë Kravitz has once again reminded us of the power of a simple accessory. A scarf doesn’t need sequins, logos, or elaborate styling to make an impact — sometimes, all it takes is a classic black-and-white bandana, paired with confidence and a killer outfit.
As summer winds down, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for one too. After all, if it’s good enough for Kravitz, it’s good enough for the rest of us.
