Resonant elastic scattering of polarized X-rays is a powerful technique for the study of the magnetic properties of solids. Its recent extension to the soft X-ray energy range has been driven by applications in the field of artificially structured magnetic devices, like multilayers and superlattices. This article reviews recent elastic scattering experiments using synchrotron radiation, performed at the 2p core resonances of transition metals in solids, thin films and ordered multilayers.