Cat Ears Scarf Style | Vintage Cat Costume Idea • The Dapper Dahlia

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The “cat ears” scarf style is a fun and easy way to tie hair scarves for fall. This 1940s scarf style uses two scarves to create two points on the top of your head that resemble cat ears. It can be a glamorous style for day or night, or worn as part of a Halloween cat costume in place of an ears headband. I enjoy this look because it can be done in a matter of minutes but can really dress up an outfit. Furthermore, this vintage scarf style works with any length of hair.

I first saw this look in a scarf styling video tutorial from 1942 posted on the Instagram account @oldfashionvibes. You can also watch the full video on the Vintage Fashions YouTube channel. The video explains that since hats were rationed during the war, getting creative with scarf styling was a way to accessorize an outfit. This “cat ears” style was one of the looks featured in the video, which the narrator describes resembling a “natty little pussycat.”

If you’re looking for a last-minute Halloween costume idea, this would be cute worn with a black turtleneck and leggings for an easy cat costume. Finish the look with black gloves, cat eye winged liner and red lipstick.

Read on to see how to tie your hair scarves like cat ears.

Cat Ears Vintage Scarf Style

You will need:

Two oblong or rectangular scarves

Use two scarves of the same color or get creative with scarves in different colors and patterns. For a Halloween cat costume, use black or leopard print scarves that you can wear with a black outfit. I used two scarves that I already had, one leopard print and one with a fall leaves print.

You can also try this with scarves of different materials and sizes. Longer or thicker scarves will have a more dramatic end result.

How to tie the cat ears scarf style:

Tie the ends of the two scarves together at one end.
Place the knot on the back of your neck.
Bring the other ends of the scarves over your ears and tie a knot on top of your head.
Take one end and roll it up from the bottom until it reaches the top of your head.
Tuck in the rolled section behind the part of the scarf that’s flat against the side of your head.
Repeat on the other side.

And that’s the final look!

Vintage Cat Costume Ideas

The classic Halloween cat costume is one of the easiest to pull together. You can likely complete your outfit with items you already have in your closet. Here are some suggestions:

Black turtleneck or bodysuit with black leggings – These two wardrobe staples can be used as the foundation for a retro cat costume.
Black shorts with fishnet tights – For more of a pinup-inspired look, wear black shorts with fishnet tights instead of leggings.
Ballet flats, boots or black heels – I’m all for wearing comfortable shoes, especially if you’re party hopping on Halloween. Remix Vintage and Memery Shoes make vintage-inspired shoes that are both beautiful and very comfortable.
Long black gloves – I find all my vintage gloves at estate sales. Etsy, Ebay and antique malls are great places to look, too.
Black winged liner – A classic cat eye will pull the look together. I really like Benefit Roller Liner Matte Liquid Eyeliner. You could also use the eyeliner to draw whiskers beside your nose.
Red lipstick – Red lipstick will give the costume a retro vibe. I’m wearing Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Fire and Ice in the photos.

For more vintage-inspired Halloween costume ideas, check out my retro Halloween Pinterest board.

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