It may seem like summer is an unlikely time of year to wear a scarf, but with luxe silk squares, paisley bandanas, and linen wraps, summer scarves are a great item to have on hand. When they are lightweight, chic, and sizable enough to be worn in multiple ways, you are all set to level up your summer style. Here are a few scarf styling tricks to try this season.

First up, wearing a scarf as a top. And yes, you do run the risk of appearing unseemly in a bandeau-scarf top, and I wouldn’t recommend it for most people. However, if you’re brave enough to try this breezy look, you’ll want to pick up fashion tape and nipple covers. If the idea of nipple covers didn’t scare you off, then use a strip of tape across your chest. Then fold a 25-by-25-inch-or-larger scarf, like Handker’s 34” Wild Rag Dandy Bandana, from corner to corner to make a triangle. Then press the folded edge across the upper chest to meet your applied tape. Pull the points behind the back and tie them into a double knot. If you want to get extra fancy, you can try creating a halter top from a scarf by tying the unfolded scarf points around the neck and the loose ends tied behind the back. Either option again is not for the faint of fashion heart. If you’re uncomfortable with an exposed back, then simply tie your scarf over a tank top or camisole.

Your summer scarf can also serve as a cover-up of sorts when worn like a sarong. Take a larger scarf and fold it into a triangle like above, then tie it around the waist instead of the chest. Marcu Adler’s Sea Print Sarong, available at Nordstrom Rack, features an art deco mermaid and measures 47”x47” to easily tie around the waist to create an asymmetrical silhouette. Be warned: this styling might not provide full bottom coverage, depending on how much material you are working with. Of course, you’re not limited to sporting a scarf around the midsection just over a swimsuit. You can also wear it like a belt to add shape, texture, and color to a basic tank dress. Or take a skinny scarf like Heading’s Enchanted Skinny Scarf, with its fantastical print of woodland creatures against a dark teal background, and thread it through the belt loops on a pair of Bermuda shorts with a linen blouse for some whimsy.

For a more traditional take on a summer scarf, there are hair scarves. A headscarf can work with all hair types; you just need to play with it a bit and, in most cases, use a few other tools like pins and clips. First fold like a triangle, and obviously, you don’t need as big a scarf for your head as you do for your torso and waist. Bandanas are perfect for most heads, and you probably already have a few of the traditional paisley ones; if not, check out American Eagle’s Lobster Bandana Scarf, which is a mix of the standard bandana pattern with cutesy little lobsters mixed in. Once you have your triangle, slip the two points under your hair and tie at the nape of your neck. For a variation, you can fold the triangle’s edge several times to make a smaller triangle, tuck it behind your ears to better show off your earrings, then secure it with bobby pins behind the ears. Another way to keep a headscarf in place is to snap hair clips to the top of your head, then fold the fabric over and tie it in the back. I’ve also seen and am very interested in trying the headband method. This requires a fabric headband that goes around your whole head. First, lay the scarf unfolded fully over your head, covering your face. Then place the headband mid-forehead over the scarf. Next, flip up the front of the scarf, tie it over the back of your head, then tie the ends. All this to say there’s more than one way to scarf a head.

Lastly, one of the simplest ways to add a scarf to your summer look is to tie it in a knot around the handle of your purse. This is another great way to sport bandanas and helps create a one-of-a-kind look or add a bit of flair to your everyday bag. Take a shoulder bag and wrap a simple, yet summery scarf, like Old Navy’s Cotton Scarf in blue or yellow floral, a few times around one strap. If your purse already has tags or hardware, consider using them as an anchor rather than the handle or strap.

Depending on your budget, you can check out some of the scarves mentioned here or invest in a high-quality, classic design. But one of my favorite ways to source scarves is from vintage and thrift stores. You’ll definitely find interesting options, maybe even score something designer. However you collect your scarves this season, with some of these styling tips, you can make a summer scarf the star of your wardrobe.