A scarf is an essential accessory for a woman’s wardrobe, however, it can be difficult to know how to style a scarf or what to pair it with. Perhaps you have an abundance of these accessories folded in a drawer that you don’t know how to wear.
With the right know-how, scarves can be worn for any occasion with a variety of outfits all year round. They’re a versatile accessory that can add the finishing touch to any ensemble. We’ve covered some of the easiest and most popular ways to style this piece of clothing.
How do I tie a scarf?
There are plenty of ways that you can tie a scarf and each method creates a slightly different look.
The reverse drape
It’s best to tie your scarf in this way if you want to create an elegant evening look. Simply put it around your neck, making sure that both ends are the same length. Flick the right end over your left shoulder and repeat for the opposite shoulder. This style works best with light evening shawls rather than thick knitted scarves.
A simple front knot
This is the most versatile knot and one of the easiest to tie. Drape the accessory around your neck and ensure that both ends are the same length. Cross both ends over one another before taking one end up through the loop around your neck. Adjust the scarf so that one end is layered over the other in a neat knot.
A basic loop
This style is best for people who may struggle to tie a knot due to limited hand movement. Place the scarf around your neck, making sure that one end is significantly longer than the other. Take the longer end and loop it around your neck. The length of the material will determine whether you can wrap it once or twice around your neck.
The loop through
The loop through is one of the most popular ways to wear a scarf. Simply fold the length of material in half and drape it around your neck. Pull both ends through the loop and tighten. This style is one of the most versatile as it will work with thick knitted scarves as well as lighter summery ones.
The infinity scarf
If you don’t have an infinity scarf in your wardrobe, you can create one using another scarf from your collection. Find two opposite corners of your scarf and tie them together. Put the scarf over your head. The knot you created should sit at the back of your neck. Then loop the material once over your head and adjust.
The necktie
If you have any small scarves in your collection, such as a pretty silk design, then you can create a chic necktie. They make an outfit look effortlessly stylish and it’s so easy to create this look yourself. Take a small silk scarf and, while holding one end, wrap the other end around your neck as many times as required, making sure it isn’t too tight. When both ends meet at the front, tie a sleek knot.
The French twist
To add a touch of Parisian fashion to your outfit, try the French twist. Fold a summer scarf in half to form a triangle. Put the point of the triangle at the front of your neck and take the other ends around your neck once and back to the front. Tie a simple knot and adjust the knot so it sits to one side.
How to wear evening shawls and wraps
If you’re attending an evening event, you may want to consider adding a shawl or wrap to your outfit. A shawl will keep you warm on chilly summer nights and it can also add glamour and sophistication to your outfit. So how do you decide which one to wear?
Firstly, you should choose a design that will complement your clothing. If you’re wearing a dress that’s adorned with delicate beading, a plain shawl would be the most suitable. A simple dress that’s a solid colour could look wonderful with a patterned wrap.
Secondly, you should check the weather forecast. You may want to choose a thicker material if it’s chilly with a breeze than you would if it’s sunny and still. If it’s going to rain, make sure you pack an umbrella too. The weather could also determine the colour you choose. A pastel coloured shawl could work better for a warm evening, while a colder evening may require a darker shade.
Finally, the shawl you choose may differ based on the other accessories you decide to wear. Silver jewellery would go better with a wrap that has a silver/grey sheen. Gold jewellery tends to go better with warm tones such as burgundy.
Once you’ve chosen your shawl, there are numerous ways you could style it. The most simple way is to drape it over your shoulders and let the ends fall down by your arms. For a more formal approach, you could use a decorative brooch to hold it in place. Find the middle of the scarf and put it against one shoulder. Take one end around the back to the other shoulder and then take the other end across the front. Where the two ends meet on your shoulder, do the shawl up with your brooch of choice. Make sure you have enough movement in your arms and that it isn’t too tight.
Scarves are usually considered to be something you wear when it’s cold outside. However, we think there are many other ways you can introduce these accessories to your wardrobe, even in the summer.
