One scarf can do the work of ten if you know how to wear it. Whether it is silk, cotton or wool, the same rectangle or square adapts to your neck, your hair, your bag and your shoulders. Here are twelve everyday ways to wear a scarf, from the quickest knot to a full winter wrap.
Around the neck
- The simple loop. Fold a long scarf in half, drape it around your neck, and pull the loose ends through the loop. Ten seconds, always neat.
- The neck knot. Fold a square into a triangle, roll the long edge into a band, wrap and tie to one side. The classic finish for a plain top.
- The drape. Leave a long scarf open down both sides of an open coat or blazer for an effortless, undone look.
- The neckerchief. Fold a square small and knot it snugly at the throat for a chic, Parisian touch.
In your hair
- The headband. Fold into a thin band and tie over or under your hair, knot on top or tucked away. Silk is gentle and looks vintage.
- The ponytail wrap. Tie a folded scarf around the base of a ponytail and let the tails fall.
- The full head wrap. Drape a square over your head and tie the ends at the nape for coverage and style. Our head scarf styles guide covers this in detail.
On a bag and wrist
- The bag tie. Loop a narrow twilly or folded scarf through a handle and tie a small bow.
- The wrist wrap. Fold thin and wrap twice around your wrist like a soft bracelet.
For warmth and shape
- The shoulder shawl. Fold a large scarf into a wide band across the shoulders like a light stole.
- The winter wrap. Loop a chunky wool or tartan scarf twice around the neck and tuck the ends into a coat.
- With a dress. Drape a long silk scarf down the front of a plain dress to break up the colour and add a vertical line, belted or loose.
Make it look effortless
Roll the fabric tighter for grip and looser for a soft shape, keep the outfit simple so the scarf leads, and choose the fabric for the job: silk for polish, cotton for grip, wool for warmth. Learn three or four of these and you will reach for a scarf far more often.