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Babushkas Are In: 5 Ways to Style This Trend

Jana El Chehouri Student Contributor, University of Florida
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UFL Contributor Student Contributor, University of Florida
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

There is an unexpected street style trend taking over the rap world and the runway this year — the babushka. The word “babushka,” which translates to “grandmother” in Russian, refers to a headscarf usually tied under the chin. It is typically worn by grandmothers in Eastern European countries. 

In recent months, pop culture figures like A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner and Frank Ocean have been spotted with these stylish scarves. A$AP Rocky has been very vocal about his love for the wrapped scarf and showed it off in a released song. It can seem difficult to incorporate a babushka into your style, but here are a few examples of how to make it a staple part of your wardrobe. 

 

Monochromatic

A monochromatic outfit is effortlessly chic. With fall in full swing, warm and soft tones like camel, navy, caramel and taupe are the perfect choices to make a tonal look work. A midi wrap dress like this one from & Other Stories accessorized with a babushka of a similar shade can elevate a tone-on-tone outfit. 

Pop of color 

Subdued colors are great for a babushka look, but a scarf with a pop of color can upgrade any day-to-day outfit. If you feel like it’s a “skinny jeans and a white t-shirt” kind of day, try adding a babushka with bright yellows, blues and reds like this one from Madewell. You can tie the scarf the traditional way with a knot under your chin or wrap it like a bandana.

Floral

A floral look, like the one pictured, is inspired by the traditional styles of babushkas, which usually have a combination of floral and geometric patterns. 

The outfit pictured looks great because it combines denim with a soft satin scarf. You can achieve the same look with a cute pair of overalls. The outfit, which has been toned-down, will make this hair accessory shine while giving you a soft appearance. Traditional babushkas aren’t easy to find in the U.S., but websites like Etsy and eBay have many different ones that can be purchased — if you don’t have a trip to Poland planned anytime soon.

Fun & fresh

Babushkas are a funky way to spice up an outfit, but wearing one with an adorable design can elevate it that much more. A white embroidered dress like this one from Lulus and these Steve Madden espadrille platform sandals will give off that bohemian vibe. This babushka with a bird print from Madewell will perfectly emulate that free spirit of yours.

Ready for business

Scarves have always been the go-to accessories for women in suits. A silk babushka around the head can be as equally striking as a scarf styled around the neck. A black suit can easily match with any style of babushka. This snake print headscarf or this cheetah print headscarf will turn this “loving grandma” accessory into a “strictly business” one. 

A daring accessory of Hollywood starlets and Russian grandmas, this knotted headscarf will be the newest trend to add to your fall wardrobe. 

Jana is a graduate from the University of Florida with a degree in biology and a certificate in Spanish. She enjoys writing about fashion, beauty, entertainment, the environment and everything in between.