Styling your scarves

One fashion problem that just about every woman has experienced at one time or another is, “What should I do with this scarf?” Chances are, you found a fabulous scarf in a print that you just had to have, tried to think of how you should wear it, gave up and let it sit in a drawer. If this situation sounds familiar to you, rest assured: scarves are a staple accessory that can add panache to almost any outfit in any season.

You can wear them to the office and at home, or even out for the evening. Throw a scarf on with boot cut jeans and a T-shirt, or wear one with a skirt and blazer. You name it, a scarf will look great with it. But if you feel like you only know one or two different ways to wear them, check out these stylish ways to make the most of a square, long or infinity scarf:

Square scarves

• Wear it as a headband: This is a stylish way to keep your hair out of your face. Simply fold your square scarf in half, then in half again long-ways and hold it to the back of your head. Knot the ends on your forehead and tuck the left over fabric in.
• Make it a necklace: For a funky necklace unlike anything else you own, simply knot your silk scarf in three areas. This will make the scarf thin enough to hang off of your neck like a necklace instead of billow off like a scarf. Then just tie it in the back!
• Under your collar: A great way to spice up a classic button down shirt is to tie a silk scarf under the collar. Let the scarf be the center of attention with a plain white or black dress shirt. Match your leather shoulder bag or shoes to the scarf to really pull the outfit together.

The second classic way is to fold the scarf in half, put it over your shoulders, and pull the two loose ends through the looped end in front of you. This particular knot looks lovely when done with knit scarves under a woman’s pea coat.

• Make it a necklace: For a funky necklace unlike anything else you own, simply knot your silk scarf in three areas. This will make the scarf thin enough to hang off of your neck like a necklace instead of billow off like a scarf. Then just tie it in the back!

• Wear a “tie:” As with the headband, this style looks best with lighter scarves rather than heavy knit ones. Pull the scarf over your shoulders with one end slightly longer than the other, as if you’re tying a tie. Loop the longer end around the shorter end twice. Then pull the long end behind, up and over the loops, tucking it into the second loop you’ve made. The scarf knot should resemble a basic tie knot that you can leave loose or tighten closer to your neck. Try wearing this style with blouses for work.

Long scarves

• Drape it: If you want your long scarf to be the highlight of your outfit, go for this style. Wrap it loosely around your neck so that the majority of the scarf hangs to one side, and wrap the long end around your neck as many times as it takes for it to be even with the short end. Tuck the end in to the the part coiled around your neck and fluff the hanging part so it covers most of the front of your torso.
• In a bow: For a pretty and feminine take on a scarf knot, try simply tying it into a bow. Drape the scarf over your shoulders with the ends in front of you. knot the ends loosely together, make loops with either end, and tie them into a bow. Make the bow as small or large as you’d like – either way the knot is beautiful and unique.
• Belt it: This chic style pairs best with a skinny leather belt. When it comes to choosing the scarf – the longer, the better. Drape it around your neck so the ends hang across the front of your body. Cinch your waist with the belt to keep the scarf from moving around.
•  Around the waist: If you have a favorite dress that you always belt around the waist, try replacing the belt with a thin scarf. Leave the ends hanging in front of you, or tie them into an off-center bow.
• Roll it: As you’re wrapping your long scarf around your neck, roll it up as you go so it’s not as bulky, and tuck the ends in. This works best with a pashmina scarf or another one with thin material, rather than a knit one.

Infinity scarves

• Keep it simple: The easiest way to rock an infinity scarf is to simply put it around your neck. This works best with scarves that aren’t very long. However, if your scarf hangs too low when you attempt to wear it like this, simply wrap it around twice.
• Wear it on your head: Channel a classic Hollywood look or just cover up a bad hair day by using your infinity scarf as a head wrap. Put it around your neck, then twist the front so the scarf forms an eight and put it over the top of your head. If you’re wearing the scarf around your neck and end up having to walk home in the rain, this is a great way to protect your hair!
• Wear it as a vest: If you have a thick, billowy infinity scarf, wearing it like a vest is a great alternative way to spice up your look. This is also a good option to wear your scarf indoors in the winter. Just put the scarf behind you, and put your arms into the opening of the scarf on each side of your body.