Paisley, Please
If the word paisley only makes you picture a bandana tied around your head, it might be time for a reintroduction. According to data from fashion forecasters at Trendalytics, the heritage print is officially making another trip around the trend cycle—but this time, it’s looking decidedly more polished.
This summer, instead of solely leaning into its ’70s-bohemian or ’90s-nostalgia roots, fashion’s relationship with the paisley scarf was more about treating it like a styling tool. These silk scarves are being knotted around necks, wrapped over hair, tied onto handbag handles, worn at the waist in place of a belt, and even fashioned into tops. But those aren't the only options.
Still, Trendalytics data found that hair bandanas are up a whopping 2,000% among key influencers, while searches for paisley print have jumped 384% year over year. Paisley scarves are also gaining traction in broader market adoption, suggesting the print has some staying power beyond its current social-media moment. Brands are picking up on it too, with fall collections featuring paisley-printed skirts, printed denim, and shirts.
Our favorite way to wear it? Let the print be the personality. Pair a paisley scarf with an otherwise simple outfit—think crisp white button-down, great denim, and loafers—or pick a paisley-printed statement piece to elevate your look (our editors love this cardigan and these pants) all season long.
