How to Wear a Scarf

Why Women Wear Scarves

We traditionally associate scarves with the cold chill of winter. Brisk air all but demands the warmth and coziness that only a soft cashmere scarf can provide. As it wraps around the neck or head, it instantly envelops us in the kind of comfort that even hats can't always provide.

However, scarves are more than just basic winter accessories. Their inherent beauty is in the fact that they can be worn year round with almost any outfit. Of course, this is helped by the fact that so many different types of scarf styles exist. Just think back to glamorous actress Sophia Loren, whose beautiful style was often accented by a lovely silk scarf wrapped around her neck or delicately around her head to keep her hair in place.

In this modern day and age when practically anything goes in the fashion world, it's become quite common to see long winter scarves worn during the summer with a tank top and shorts. Women also wear silk scarves to the office; they provide the perfect finishing touch, often with a burst of color that livens up a somber professional ensemble.

Scarves serve other purposes, too. They can be wrapped around the waist to take the place of a traditional belt, and belly dancers often wear them as sashes slung low on the hips. They can even be wrapped around a handbag strap as a fun accent piece or take the place of a standard headband and used as a hair accessory.

How to Wear a Scarf

With the number of styling options illustrated here, you can understand just how versatile and useful scarves are. They are as stylish as they are functional, and they instantly bring polish and finesse to any outfit. Learning how to wear them is not challenging, as there are a number of methods available that will give you the look you want. Take a peek at these tips for some ideas on getting started.

Silk Scarves

Whether worn with a suit or a casual dress or jeans and t-shirt ensemble, a silk scarf easily adds subtle elegance to your outfit. If you're wearing a long scarf, you can wear it in several ways. Drape it loosely around the shoulders and back over one shoulder to create a casual look. Wrap it around the neck and tie it into a loose chignon at the collar for a more pulled together effect.

If you're attending a special event and want to present the most pulled-together, polished look possible, tie your scarf the "right" way by following this simple method.

1. Start by folding a square scarf diagonally so that it forms a triangle.
2. Fold the wide end (the long side of the triangle) over itself repeatedly until a slim band is formed.
3. Lay the folded scarf over your neck so that one end is longer than the other.
4. Bring the long end over the short end and pull it through the loop.
5. Repeat this step.
6. Pull taut and wear either at the side or center of the neck.

Of course, there are many other elegant ways to tie a scarf. Silk scarves are simply ideal for making a quietly glamorous statement! Visit the Brooks Brothers scarf knot tutorial for further ideas on making the most of your silk scarf.

Winter Scarves

Possibly less versatile because of their thickness, winter scarves are still the perfect accessory to wear with a variety of different ensembles. Many women are choosing to wear their thick scarves with summery outfits nowadays. Flip through any fashion magazine and you'll spot the likes of Hilary Duff and Jessica Alba sporting an ultra-long, cozy scarf wrapped around the neck several times and paired with a tank top and skirt or shorts. The look works because of the obvious disparity. There is a scarf out there to complement nearly any outfit, so why not make the most of the trend and wear it to your heart's content?

• Fold a long winter scarf in half and wrap it around your neck. Bring the open end through the loop and pull the scarf taut.
• Wear a long, pashmina-style scarf loosely for a bohemian-chic look that's casual and comfortable. Simply drape the scarf around your shoulders and throw one end over your shoulder to keep it secure.

Other Ideas

Scarf ideas are seemingly endless. You can also use it as a belt, headband or handbag accessory. Some women use them to wrap around a ponytail for a flirty, '50s-inspired look. Today's scarf selections pair well with everything from crisp, work-appropriate tops to light, airy summer dresses. If you've always wondered how to wear a scarf, you now have some styling ideas that will easily enhance your wardrobe!