Although often considered accessories, scarves have earned a starring role in fashion and film. More than just a way to stay warm, a well-chosen scarf can transform an outfit, adding elegance, drama, or a signature touch that lingers long after the credits roll.
Throughout history, scarves have subtly yet powerfully shaped some of cinema’s most iconic style moments. Sometimes they’re a supporting detail; other times, they become part of the story. Out of countless unforgettable looks, we’ve narrowed it down to five standout scarf moments that continue to inspire, from classic Hollywood to modern favorites.
5. Audrey Hepburn’s Stunning Red Scarf in Funny Face (1957)
The five-minute modeling montage of Greenwich Village intellectual turned model Jo Stockton (played by Audrey Hepburn) is an iconic scene.
In the 1957 movie Funny Face, Audrey Hepburn, as bookstore clerk turned fashion model Jo Stockton, dazzles in a flowing red Givenchy gown, matching red heels, and a billowing red scarf while posing on the grand staircase of the Louvre (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
But the scarf moment was when she was traipsing down the Daru steps of the Louvre, dressed in a red Givenchy gown and a matching red scarf billowing above her head.
Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn) glides down the Daru steps, holding a red scarf above her head in the film Funny Face (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
This is the scene when we believe Dick Avery (Fred Astaire) was finally smitten–and the audience as well. Stanley Donen directed the scene, and the song playing was “S’Wonderful,” written by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and performed by Fred Astaire.
4. Renée Zellweger’s Chic Headscarf in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Oh, Bridget. A holiday weekend out in the country with a gorgeous man (e.g., Hugh Grant) is enough to drive Grace Kelly’s illusions through a girl’s head.
Until that moment, when it flies off in the wind, Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) looked exceptionally classy in her monotone headscarf.
Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) looks gleeful in her headscarf on her ride to the country with Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) (Credit: Universal Pictures)
3. The Girl with the Green Scarf: Isla Fisher in Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
The Girl with the Green Scarf isn’t precisely a scene. Still, we all confess to wanting our own crinkled Kelly green scarf as soon as Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is baptized with the pseudonym by the handsome finance editor Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy).
Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is the shopaholic financial journalist Girl With the Green Scarf (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
As a shopaholic and aspiring fashion journalist, Rebecca’s vibrant, eclectic wardrobe—designed by costume designer Patricia Field—reflects her love for bold accessories, colorful outfits, and trendy pieces.
Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) pairs her vibrant pink tutu skirt with matching pink slingback heels, adding a playful yet chic touch to her shopaholic style in Confessions of a Shopaholic (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Patricia Field designed the green scarf Isla Fisher wore in the movie. It is a defining accessory that earns her the nickname “Girl with the Green Scarf,” symbolizing her passion for fashion and shopping.
“We haven’t been using scarves very much, and all it takes is the right scarf. I just did a movie called Confessions of a Shopaholic and it was about a girl in a green scarf, and it plays very heavily in the storyline so I had to come up with a scarf that was different and people could get excited about. It was basically two triangles connected at the points and it’s pleated and you can wrap it around your neck or lay it on your shoulders and it does everything a scarf should do. I really love accessories, because really we all wear the same basic shapes but it’s accessories that make us stand out. Whether you’re Bill Gates or Average Joe, you wear a collared shirt,” the well-known costume designer and stylist told Glamour in 2008.
In the 2009 movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” Isla Fisher’s character Rebecca Bloomwood is often seen wearing a green scarf, which is a significant accessory that represents her love for fashion and shopping (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
2. Susan Sarandon’s Iconic Headscarf in Thelma & Louise (1991)
The 1991 American road crime comedy-drama film Thelma & Louise paved the way for female road trip movies and made the headscarf an official trend after Susan Sarandon, playing feisty Arkansas waitress Louise Sawyer, put it on with a pair of fierce sunglasses.
The iconic Polaroid shot of Louise (Susan Sarandon) and Thelma (Geena Davis) with the headscarf plus sunglasses combo (Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Louise Sawyer goes on a road trip with her friend Thelma, played by Geena Davis. She is often seen wearing a headscarf, which becomes an iconic and defining accessory for her character.
The headscarf worn by Susan Sarandon’s character has become an iconic symbol of the movie, and it is still remembered as one of the most iconic fashion pieces worn in a film to date (Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
1. Meryl Streep’s Hermès Elegance in The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
We put the most stylish of them on Number 1, platinum blonde editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (impeccably played by Meryl Streep).
You missed that a white Hermès scarf was the character’s staple item if you didn’t read the book. But we love how every designer scarf, wrap, and stole was her thing in the film.
Meryl Streep, as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, commands the sidewalk in a luxurious green fur-trimmed coat, an orange Hermès scarf, a sleek black sheath dress, and classic black peep-toe heels (Credit: 20th Century Fox)
Scarves and Heels: Celebrities Who Mastered the Look
Scarves and heels are timeless fashion staples, and when combined, they create effortlessly chic ensembles. Here are some standout moments where celebrities have flawlessly paired these accessories:
Anne Hathaway’s Monochrome Ensemble with Red Accents
- Event: Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
- Outfit: Anne Hathaway donned a white broderie anglaise dress complemented by a red cable-knit scarf.
- Footwear: She completed the look with matching red Casadei heels, adding a bold pop of color.
- Read more: Anne Hathaway’s striking red scarf and heels ensemble
Selena Gomez’s Leopard Print Statement
- Event: 102.7 KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball
- Outfit: Selena Gomez elevated her classic black and white outfit with a bold leopard print Tolani scarf.
- Footwear: She paired the ensemble with chic leopard-print heels, showcasing her evolving fashion sense.
- Discover more: Selena Gomez’s leopard print scarf and heels combination
Julia Stiles’ Winter Elegance with Animal Prints
- Event: Appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen
- Outfit: Julia Stiles embraced winter fashion with a vibrant leopard-print scarf and a black peacoat.
- Footwear: She added flair to her ensemble with pointed leopard-print pumps, enhancing her appearance.
- See more: Julia Stiles’ chic winter look with leopard prints
Christian Louboutin’s Scarf-Inspired ‘Tres Frais’ Sandals
- Design: Christian Louboutin introduced the ‘Tres Frais’ d’Orsay sandals, featuring wide detachable satin ties that wrap around the ankle, inspired by classic scarves.
- Footwear: These sandals boast crossover straps and a subtle platform, blending elegance with innovation.
- Explore the design: Christian Louboutin’s scarf-inspired ‘Tres Frais’ sandals
Paige Vanne’s Ombré Wraparound Sandals
- Design: The Paige Vanne sandals feature ombré coloring with satin scarf ties that wrap above the ankle, offering a unique cross-season style.
- Footwear: Styled with a blunted toe and towering stiletto, these sandals make a bold fashion statement.
- Learn more: Paige Vanne’s ombré wraparound scarf sandals
These fashion moments highlight the versatility and elegance of combining scarves with heels, offering inspiration for creating sophisticated and stylish looks.
Beyond Scarves: Iconic Shoes, Jackets, and Dresses That Shaped Movie Fashion
Scarves have undeniably played pivotal roles in cinematic fashion, but they’re just one of many accessories that have left lasting impressions on the big screen. Footwear, for instance, has been central to many iconic movie moments. From Dorothy’s ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz to Carrie Bradshaw’s Manolo Blahniks in Sex and the City, shoes have helped define characters and style trends. Learn more about these and other memorable movie shoes in our dedicated article on iconic footwear.
Similarly, jackets have shaped characters and set trends in film history. Think of Marlon Brando’s leather jacket in The Wild One or Keanu Reeves’ trench coat in The Matrix—these pieces are as iconic as the movies themselves. Explore our feature on timeless outerwear in cinema for more examples of famous movie jackets.
Dresses, too, have created some of the most unforgettable moments on the silver screen. From Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Marilyn Monroe’s white halter dress in The Seven Year Itch, these outfits symbolize elegance and glamour. Dive deeper into the world of famous movie dresses with our compilation of iconic cinematic gowns.