4 Stylish Ways to Wear Fashion Scarves

Most women have lots of them, and you probably do, too. You’ve received them as gifts and picked up a few on sale over the years. They’re in your dresser drawer or hanging around your closet just waiting to see the light of day. They come in a rainbow of colors, wide and narrow widths, and a variety of fabric types. You can wear them year-round.

Q. What are they?

A. Fashion scarves, of course.

You see women wearing them and looking effortlessly chic. The problem is you just can’t figure out how to properly tie one. Pull those scarves out of the closet and jump on the scarf bandwagon. Here are a few step-by-step instructions to help you rock the style.

If you have long and wide rectangular scarves and are tired of wearing them as shawls, you can wear them as a hip scarf. They can make an otherwise plain outfit look like you just stepped off the runway in Paris.

This is a great look over skinny jeans, leggings, or a body-hugging dress or skirt. Keep your clothing colors neutral and add dramatic color to your outfit with a hip scarf. Add a pair of ballerina flats, and you’re ready for anything.

How to:

• Open up your scarf and wrap it around one hip and your rear. The ends should meet on the opposite hip.

• Tie the ends on your other hip with a basic single, square, or double knot, depending on the fabric thickness. Let the tails fall toward the floor.

How To:

• Open your rectangle scarf and fold it in half lengthwise.

• Bring the two opposite corners together to form a triangle.

• Place the triangle over one hip and tie at the other hip. Use a double knot to secure.

There are numerous benefits to wearing a fashion scarf around your neck. A nubby scarf can add texture to a plain outfit, and a silk scarf can dress up an otherwise plain suit. Lightweight scarves can add a subtle hint of color for summer. Blanket weaves look cozy and help you stay warm during the winter.

They're great accessories to keep up with constantly changing trends. A scarf is much cheaper than an entire outfit. Pick up a scarf in your favorite color and pattern, wrap it around your neck, and you’ve instantly transformed an ordinary outfit into the latest fashion statement.

How to:

• Open your rectangle scarf and fold it in half lengthwise.

• Bring the two opposite corners together to form a triangle.

• Take two points of the triangle and drape them over your shoulders toward your back, with the third point centered over your chest.

• Tie the two points behind your neck with a simple knot. Adjust the folds in the front, and you’re done!

How to:

• Fold your rectangle scarf in half and place it on your shoulders around the back of your neck.

• Create a loop out of the folded end. Take one of the loose ends and pull it through the loop.

• Take the loop and twist it.

• Take the other loose end and pull it through the loop.
  

• Adjust the scarf. It should lie flat against your body.
  

Don’t overlook the skinny scarf. Knot the ends and wrap it around your neck one time and let the ends hang down on each side in the front. You can also tie them obi-style around your waist as a belt. Use them as a headband or head wrap for those bad hair days.

Silk and satin scarves of any size can be used to add color and softness to your wardrobe essentials. Use a square scarf folded into a triangle and tie it on the side. Wear it with a crisp white shirt and blue jeans for a weekend outing. A long silk scarf can be fashioned into a large bow to brighten up a business suit. A dramatic, long scarf can be draped loosely around the neck to spice up your evening wear.

Visit your favorite department store and ask the accessories associate to advise you on additional styling ideas—it wouldn't hurt to buy a new scarf while you’re at it.

Get your older scarves out and spend a weekend afternoon trying them with different outfits. You can also use the time to practice your scarf tying skills. This will make it easier to pull together a cool look at a moment’s notice.