Scarf Styling

A basic, ho-hum outfit can be instantly reimagined with a silk scarf. Perhaps the most versatile of all accessories, scarves are magicians at transforming the mundane into the magnificent in a flash. They add a certain level of sophistication too, elevating any look to appear more polished, cultivated and refined. However mastering scarf technique can be an art form, which means practice makes perfect. To start, here are some basic scarf hacks that are easy to learn, quick to style and chic to wear:

1. Neckerchief
   Scarves styled neatly at the neck are commanding by drawing attention up and toward the face. Lay scarf flat and face down, then fold opposite ends toward each other until it’s reduced to one continuous, clean neckerchief. Style wrapped two or three times around neck — two for a statement bow, three for a statement knot — and finish the look with diamond studs or high-polish gold or silver huggies that frame the face. This is a chic, cozy hack during shoulder season before heavy-duty scarf season starts.

2. Neck roll
   For compact scarf styling at the neck, try a neat and tidy neck roll. Lay scarf flat and face down, then roll one corner to the opposite one until a singular, long roll is formed. Wrap around neck from back to front, then fasten ends together with a sparkly, ornate brooch to finish the look. This is a clean, smart style that works well to accentuate the waist, as the two ends hang down and point toward it.

3. Shoulder wrap
   An easy, high-drama look is simply draping a scarf over the shoulders capelet-style as a pseudo-wrap that adds interest and flair. Fold scarf in half using opposite corners, then drape over shoulders with triangle in back and ends in front. Knot ends tightly enought so scarf wraps snuggly around shoulders and hugs them. Large, 34” square silk scarves work best for this look and make sure scarf motif match your same scale so it doesn’t overpower your frame.

4. Scarf necklace
   Try a scarf necklace for a loose fit, maximum coverage and lots of style. Fold scarf in half using opposite corners, then style with triangle covering chest and ends wrapped behind neck, then brought forward and finished with a knot in front. This creates a voluminous style statement with dimension that’s part-jewelry, part-collar. Since the look adds drama, pair it with streamlined elements like a simple sweater, t-shirt or turtleneck to ensure it doesn’t go overboard.

5. Hip scarf
   For a bohemian, fresh take on the traditional silk scarf, try layering it over pants, a skirt or dress. Take a large, 34” square silk scarf and fold it into a triangle using opposite corners, then tie it diagonally across body with triangle pointing to left knee and ends knotted at the right side waist. This works with flowy, unstructured pieces best, so pair with a tiered velvet skirt, wide leg linen drawstring pants or a maxi dress to channel your inner gypsy.

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