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Fashion Challenge: Turbans

Last Updated on February 25, 2019 by Audrey - Ohio State University
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
turban photos

Photo Credits: 1 – Krystal via This Time Tomorrow, 2 – Ashley Olsen, 3 – Charlotte Ronson fall 2010 RTW

A turban might not be the first hair accessory you think of when your outfit is in need of something extra, but why not? I’ve spotted turbans on street style blogs galore lately, and several designers sent turbans down their runways for spring and fall. Need another reason to try a turban? How about the fact that you can make one out of a scarf that you already own? A turban is versatile, fun, and bold: The perfect item for this week’s Fashion Challenge.

Tips and Tricks for Rocking a Turban

  • Tie it right. Learning to tie the turban correctly may take some time, but it’s worth the effort to look finished and pulled together. Check out one of the links in the Extra Credit Reading section to try it yourself.
  • Try a hybrid. If you don’t like the look of a full turban (like Sarah Jessica Parker’s, below) try a headband/turban mix, often referred to as a turband. Ashley Olsen sports a faux leather one above. Pictured below (right), from The Sartorialist: a turband with a bow.
sarah jessica parker in a turban

Photo Credits: 1 and 2

sartorialist turban
  • Let it pop. Allow your turban to steal the show. Choose one in a bold print, or pair it with a neutral outfit. This is a great opportunity to showcase your favorite scarf in a unique way.
  • Make it last. This isn’t just a summer look. Several designers (including Charlotte Ronson, above) featured turbans in their fall collections. Don’t be afraid to splurge on a great scarf, because besides being extremely versatile, it will last more than one season.

Get The Look

turband outfit

turban nautical outfit

Product Information: Outfit #1: Turband – Gold Saturn, Ruffle tank – Forever 21, Necklace – Max&Chloe, Skinny jeans – Topshop, Wedges – Piperlime, Nail polish – Need Supply Co.Outfit #2: Scarf – Brooks Brothers, Dress – Spool 72, Bangle – Fantasy Jewelry Box, Clutch – Aldo, Wedges – Spiegel

Extra Credit Reading Assignment

  • Gold Saturn custom designed the uber-chic turban worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City 2 trailer. They have a huge selection of turban/headband hybrids for sale in their shop. Also be sure to check out their blog: I love the mini-collage of turbans through time.
  • Learn how to tie a full turban from your favorite scarf with this easy to follow video.
  • If you’re more of a step-by step kinda’ girl, try this photo-oriented guide by Seventeen.
  • Like to know where your trends are coming from? A Google timeline on the history of the turban.

CF Reader Looks

Here are some fabulous looks sent in by CF readers of them rocking the Turban challenge! If you want to see your own look here, read our instructions for sending in your looks at the bottom of this post!

Vanessa – George Brown College, Toronto

Turban fashion look

“I tried out the trend with a baggy white tee, denim cut offs and a pair of lowtop converse. I couldn’t find my camera so I had to resort to my laptop webcam (and just did a head shot). Love the blog by the way!!”

Taylor – Marquette University

A fashionista from Marquette University wearing a turban

“I had to use my webcam so my whole outfit isn’t shown but I chose a patterned scarf that had some gold detail. The outfit I wore it with that day was a lose, swinging, dark tank with light washed skinnies, and a pair of TOMS shoes.”

So, will you take the Fashion Challenge?

How do you feel about turbans? Do you think a turban would work with your existing wardrobe? Would you prefer the headband/turban hybrid? Has anyone else been drooling over the Sex and The City 2trailer (and SJP’s turban)?

Already work this trend? Send us pictures of you in your turban and we’ll feature them here!* As always, we are open to suggestions for future fashion challenges and we’d love to hear from you!

* Send your outfit pictures to fashionchallenge AT collegefashion DOT net! – be sure to include your name and where you go to school, as well as a description of what you’re wearing in the photo!

Tags : Celebs, hair accessories, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sex and the City

19 Comments
Originally published on May 19, 2010
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna says

    May 29, 2019 at 5:06 pm

    Probably one of the most difficult trends to pull off.

    Reply
  2. CLC says

    April 15, 2019 at 10:52 am

    wow, I would have never thought to do this on my own, but this is some great inspiration!! I’ll definitely be trying out this trend within the next week or so!

    Reply
  3. Karter says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I actually found a turban awhile back at an antique store and purchased it to try something new. Who knew I was ahead of the curve?

    Reply
  4. Ariel says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I feel like this would only work if your hair was long. Are there any ways to rock it with short hair ?

    Reply
  5. Holly says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I also must agree with what someone else commented. A couple of those are not turbans. A turban is something like the first pic, the last pic, and the one SJP has on. The other ones are just scarves. Not that they aren’t nice, but they aren’t turbans…

    Reply
  6. Kristen says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I’m definitely going to rock the turband this summer. Thanks for introducing me to a great new way to use my favorite scarf!

    Reply
  7. Ali says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I love scarves, and i have to admit, everyone in the pics you posted really pulls the “turban” look off, but this trend isn’t for me. I just don’t see this as very.. glamourous? I’m just not sure about it.
    However i always love a good scarf around my neck, even in summer!

    Reply
  8. Erin says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I totally wore a turban to work yesterday. I wasn’t sure I could pull it off, but the plus side of living in nyc, no one even looked twice.

    Reply
  9. Chelsea says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    you must have read my mind. i just bought a pink turban from buffalo exchange. thanks for this article

    Reply
  10. Marian says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    These are not turbans. Especially not Ashley Olsen’s. A turban is not a scarf, and it should cover up a major amount, generally all, of your hair. The ones you showed are more like bandannas.

    Reply
  11. Holly says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    I think turbans can be a great way to make casual outfits look more glamorous. I would not wear it with a dressy or glam outfit though. That gives off a Joan Rivers way back in the day vibe… and I don’t mean that in a good way.

    Reply
  12. Maelynn says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    i love ashley oslen’s look

    Reply
  13. Milana says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    It’s definitely going to be a hit this summer… Like it on Ashley Olsen!

    Reply
  14. Erin says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:09 am

    The turban/headband combo seems much easier to rock. In my general experience, most of the things SJP wears (and pulls off beautifully) are not things that work in the real world (at least my world). Because she’s Sarah Jessica Parker and can do those kinds of things, and the glamorous world of Sex and the City allows the freedom to play with these sorts of trends. So kudos to all those who can pull if off but there won’t be any turbans on my head.

    Reply
  15. rose Chipman says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Can you maybe find a tutorial on how to tie a bow turban like the onw pictured> o adore it!

    Reply
  16. A.D says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

    I like the topknot/turband look that the one girl has on in a picture. I might have to try that, when my hair is longer!

    Reply
  17. nastasia says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

    the gold saturn turbans are the cutest i found online! thanks for posting! i just bought one for $26 on their goldsaturn.com site

    Reply
  18. Noor says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

    I think the Turband is an easier look for those of us not leaning towards a turban, thanks! Its very fashion forward, yet not too “out there” on us normal people, even though on Sarah and models, it looks amazing. Does anyone know a step-by-step guide for a Turband?

    Reply
  19. Linda says

    May 27, 2019 at 10:13 am

    Lol, this is funny to me that this is like a “new” “trend” now, I feel like Black girls have been doing this forever with their head scarves ..

    Reply

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