After “how do I wear ankle boots?”, the next most popular question among my clients is “how do I wear a scarf?”
As you know if you’ve read any of my other posts, I’m a simple outfit kind of gal. I like neutrals with a bit of interest. For me that interest usually comes in the form of a necklace or scarf. I’ll be honest, I get bored by my outfits sometimes. It’s usually at the point after I’ve gotten dressed, and I’m like “that’s it?” Then I remember scarves and I get happy again. Seriously, throw on a scarf with the most boring of outfits and all of a sudden, you’re cool.
Ok, but how do you tie it? And even before that, how do you pick the right one to buy? When buying a scarf, look for a few things. You want to make sure that the texture of the fabric is soft and malleable. If it’s a pattern that you like, but the fabric is stiff, it’s always going to feel awkward when you wear it. Case in point: last year’s blanket scarf trend. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to feel like a turtle trying to peek out from my shell! On the other hand, if it’s too lightweight, like silk or chiffon, it won’t stay where you want it and will slip around. Also, the width and shape are important. If it’s too narrow, you’ll get that early 2000s skinny scarf look. I like either a substantial rectangle (between 18-24 inches wide and 4-5 feet long) or a square. Here are two easy techniques to add to your scarf tying repertoire.
1) Hold a rectangular scarf by the narrow end with both hands, one on each corner.
2) Drop one corner. This is important. If you just take the scarf and loop it without adding this tapered edge, you’ll get a chunky, blocky end to your scarf.
3) Use the hand that’s still holding a corner to pull the scarf around your neck and down in front.
4) Loop it back around the neck a second time.
5) Loosen the loop so it’s not snug against your neck.
6) Adjust.
1) Hold up a large square scarf
2) Fold it in half diagonally, making a large triangle.
3) With the triangle pointing down, hold both ends and bring them up.
4) Pull the ends around your neck, swapping hands.
5) Pull ends back around to the front and tuck under the V that’s been created by the triangle of the scarf.
6) Adjust.
Just for fun, I made a couple of quick videos to show you how easy it is!
And hey, when in doubt, the infinity scarf is always a safe bet. ;)