Scarf Fashion How-tos
Written by Ali Straka Tuesday, June 22 2010
Scarves have a diverse history. Ancient Romans used them to keep clean, wiping away dirt and sweat, and early aircraft pilots used them, too, wrapping them around their faces to keep smoky exhaust out of their lungs. But now sporting a scarf is less about function and all about fashion. If your outfit’s looking a bit drab, adding a colorful or patterned scarf is an easy way to add some interest. Here are some ways to wear a classic square, silk scarf:
Neck: Tying a scarf around your neck is the easiest and most classic choice, serving as a great alternative to a necklace. You can wear a scarf this way with many shirt and dress styles, but it looks especially fresh with a collared top, like an Oxford.
Begin by laying the square scarf flat. Fold it once diagonally so you have a triangle shape. Then fold it into a strip, starting at the base of the triangle and working to the point. The end result should be a neat band that you can wrap around your neck and tie. Maneuver the tie to the side of your neck for a retro-chic look.
Shoulders/Bib: Wearing the scarf on your shoulders exposes it much more than the neck option, so this is a good choice to show off a scarf with a vibrant design. To prevent looking too busy, try this out when you’re wearing a top that’s in a basic color with a simple silhouette.
It’s so simple. Just create that triangle shape again and put it onto your shoulders with the top point facing down in the center of your back and the base parallel to your shoulders. Then pull and fix the two ends in place with a tie or by using a brooch; it will fall right above your bust line in the center of your chest. You can also flip this style, wearing it so the top point of the triangle is at your chest instead of your back, tied behind the neck like a bib.
Belt: You can use a scarf just like you would a belt. Perk up your pants, cinch a dress, or dress up jeans. Depending on the size of your scarf (the larger the better in this case), either open up the scarf to its full square shape and start folding into a band, or do the same fold as with the neck option. Then it’s as easy as feeding it through your belt loops or wrapping it around your waist, finishing with a tight knot or bow.
Bag: Adding a small scarf to your purse or tote is a quick fix to dress it up or coordinate it further with your outfit. Just fold the scarf diagonally, roll it up, tie it to the handles of your bag, and glide it down so it rests at the base of the straps.
Hair: Creating a headband out of your scarf is a chic and flirty style for summer. You can wear a headband with straight hair, curls, pigtails, or even a low pony.
Again, fold the scarf diagonally before folding it into a band. Place it flat on your hair directly before your bangs at the top of your head, with the sides coming down behind your ears, and tie firmly at the nape of the neck. If there’s extra length at the bottom, try to get it as straight as possible and then let it hang down. For extra hold, secure the scarf in place with bobby pins; a discreet spot is right behind the ears. Tease your hair at the crown for an extra boost around the headband.
Head: We all have bad hair days, and the easiest fix is also a glamorous trend right now: a turban-inspired head wrap. Bend your head down and, similar to how you wrap up wet hair post shower, place the base of the opened scarf along your hair, beginning at the height of your ears. Then pull the scarf forward, gathering the material and twisting as you would a towel. Coil the twist at the top of your forehead or just above your bangs. You can secure with a subtle pin or with a pretty brooch. Then end result should be a kind of cap, with half of your hair down and visible.
Don’t have any scarves? Start shopping!
Steal: Talbots (starting at $29),Coach (starting at $48)
Splurge: Emilio Pucci ($150), Alexander McQueen ($395)
Ali Straka is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. She majored in magazine journalism with a minor in textile and apparel management. She used her experience as a college student to contribute to developing products from University Chic in addition to writing regularly for the site. In her free time, Ali muses about fashion, interior design, and all things pop culture on her blog According to Ali. She hails from the North Shore suburbs of Chicago.
