Think of it as a punctuation mark. A bright red headband or one with a playful print can add just the right amount of intrigue to a sleek black dress, balancing minimalism with a pop of personality.

Simply sign up to the Fashion myFT Digest -- delivered directly to your inbox. Can I wear an headband without looking like a child? And are they best avoided at the office? The humble headband can ...

However, unlike other add-ons, like stylish headbands or hats, bandanas don't necessarily fit into one specific category; in that way, figuring out how to wear a bandana isn't exactly intuitive.