At the Spring 2026 Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Julian Klausner made a striking debut with his first menswear collection for Dries Van Noten, showcasing an intriguing blend of soft tailoring alongside unexpected elements like sequined tank tops and cinched waists. Among the many remarkable aspects of his collection, one styling detail stood out and captured attention—a sarong or pareo draped casually over polished trousers, reminiscent of a relaxed vacation vibe yet paired with sharply tailored pieces.
This mix of laid-back and formal aesthetics is deeply compelling. One ensemble combined an evening jacket with a sleek satin shawl collar and tailored black pants with a comfortable, slightly loose fit. Against this backdrop of classic black-tie attire, a printed sarong was wrapped like a skirt, its hem nearly brushing the floor. The look was playfully accessorized with flip-flops and layered necklaces, marrying elegance with casual ease. Another outfit featured an open-weave crewneck sweater, khaki trousers, and once again, the signature sarong styled over the look with similar beachy accessories. This sartorial dialogue between workwear and resortwear feels both fresh and evocative, challenging conventional boundaries.
My personal fascination with this styling trick has roots in recent street-style sightings. Weeks ago, after spotting Alexa Chung wearing a scarf tied over gray trousers and a simple white tee, I began compiling screenshots of similar looks on Instagram stories. Most often, the silk scarf was used as a stand-in for a full sarong, tied loosely over everyday outfits. This approach feels even more accessible—after all, many of us have a silk scarf tucked away somewhere at home, ready to transform a basic look with minimal effort.
Fashion insiders and influencers have embraced this trend in creative ways. Jenni Lee, founder of Comme Si, was seen knotting a bright scarf over her gray knit dress, accentuating her baby bump with joyful flair. Laura Reilly, founder of Magasin, layered a long printed scarf atop a muscle tank and silk column skirt while strolling the streets of Paris. Jewelry designer Juju Ferentino tied a vintage Hermès scarf over a knit tank and cream trousers during a vacation, blending luxury with laid-back ease. Writer and influencer Monica de La Villardière paired a red silk scarf with a fitted black T-shirt and slim capris in Paris, embodying effortless cool.
Monica credits stylist and friend Lolita Jacobs as the originator of her love affair with waist scarves. Jacobs herself calls the scarf a “key ingredient” in crafting a perfect outfit, and a photo of her styling this look gained significant attention on social media last year. In the image, she wore a bandana knotted over a white tank top, adding a flash of green with a cardigan peeking out beneath a navy pinstripe suit. This simple, elegant touch sparked a wave of interest.
Monica recalls first seeing Jacobs wear a scarf draped over a dress one summer—possibly two summers ago—and immediately feeling inspired to try the look herself. While Monica is not one to chase trends blindly, preferring wearable, stylish recommendations through her Substack, this particular styling idea captured her imagination enough to become a regular part of her wardrobe experimentation.
On a recent boat trip, Monica tied a solid red scarf at the right hip over a long, blue-and-white striped shirt dress, achieving a look that felt summery and fresh. She describes the effect as channeling an old-school vintage St. Tropez vibe, evoking the carefree spirit of the 1970s. Practicality is another benefit—the scarf marks the waist in a flattering way without appearing forced or contrived, offering a subtle, stylish twist when summer dressing can often feel limited by the heat and simplicity of garments.
The sarong’s origins in Southeast Asian culture and the pāleo from Polynesian and Hawaiian traditions are perfectly suited for warm climates. This cultural and climatic background makes Klausner’s autumnal adaptation for Dries Van Noten all the more fascinating. Pairing a tropical-print sarong with smart gray trousers is a striking and unexpected contrast—melding resortwear and corporate style in a way that feels effortlessly chic. As I sit in my office watching the sun outside, I find this hybrid look offers a sartorial escape, a shot of style optimism for any daydreamer craving a touch of vacation spirit in their daily attire.
The wider appeal of scarves tied around the waist or hips reflects a growing trend of functional and playful fashion that merges heritage with modernity. It’s a style that invites experimentation without demanding an overhaul of one’s existing wardrobe. You don’t need a full sarong—just a scarf and a willingness to play with proportions and textures.
This aesthetic also speaks to a broader narrative about personal expression and ease. Whether styled by fashion founders, influencers, or everyday fashion lovers, the scarf-as-sarong concept brings a breath of fresh air to the way we think about layering and accessorizing. It’s a gesture that feels simultaneously polished and spontaneous, formal yet relaxed, rooted in cultural tradition but reimagined for today’s global style landscape.
The resurgence of this trend in men’s fashion, and its seamless translation into everyday wear, challenges rigid ideas of what constitutes masculine or feminine dressing. It embraces fluidity and nuance, encouraging everyone to explore new combinations and break away from conventions that can feel limiting. The sarong and scarf tied vacation-style over trousers is a statement that blends comfort, heritage, and elegance with a playful spirit.
In the end, what makes this styling trick so captivating is its blend of accessibility and sophistication. It invites wearers to tap into their creativity while staying grounded in tradition and practicality. The ripple effect—from the Paris runway to streets worldwide—demonstrates how a simple piece of fabric can become a powerful tool for reinvention and joy in fashion.