How to Wear a Long Scarf

Layered Long Scarve

Long scarves pull multiple duties in the style department. From enhancing casual or business wear, to accessorizing a formal ensemble, they successfully punch up any outfit. Show your superb fashion sense by learning how to integrate long scarves into your wardrobe.

Popular Ways to Wear a Long Scarf

Long scarves are for all seasons, and these two easy and popular looks for wearing them around the neck work well to keep you warm in winter or to accent a favorite summer ensemble. Whether they are wooly or the finest handcrafted silk, try these styles for instant glamour.

Draped Style

  1. Hold each end of the long scarf in your right and left hand.
  2. Stretch the scarf out full length in front of you.
  3. Place the mid point of the scarf on the front of your neck.
  4. Bring the two ends of the scarf behind your neck and cross over at the nape of your neck.
  5. Drape the two long ends of the scarf in front.

Now your neck is nicely encircled with the scarf, and you have the two long ends draped in front. Finally, adjust for comfort and choose how far apart you wish to have the two long ends - they can meet mid-way or be separated further apart for a different look.

Tie-Inspired Style

  1. Holding the ends of the scarf in your right and left hand, stretch out and fold the scarf in half.
  2. Place the halved scarf at the nape of your neck and wrap around to the front.
  3. Take the two scarf ends on the one side and place them both through the opening at other end.
  4. Pull the long ends through.

To finish, simply adjust the scarf to be slightly loose or taut at the neck for a double-layer look that is the epitome of high style.

Long Scarf

Tips for Wearing Long, Wide Scarves

  • Longer, wider scarves are arguably the best way to punch up a simple outfit or one that lacks a lot of details and/or color. A simple outfit of jeans and a tee can instantly come to life courtesy of a long/wide or long/medium width scarf. The same is also true for outfits that are all one color, such as black.
  • Clothing is all about tricking the eye, and one of the best ways to create the illusion of a fuller bust is to wear a long, wide scarf. These types of styles do a lot to make a small bust appear more rounded and curvy, especially when you get creative with your draping techniques.
  • Having a bad hair day? Fear not because the longer and wider your scarf is, the more able you are to tie it around your head. The result is a trendy bohemian look that highlights your face, makeup and earrings, spicing up your regular routine.

How to Wear Long Skinny Scarves

Long skinny scarves are popular and can work magic as anccessories. There are a variety of cool, stylish things that you can do with them in the place of traditional jewelry, all it takes is a little creativity. From necklaces and chokers to bracelets and hair accessories, the style possibilities are endless. Contrary to what some people think, you don't need a long neck to wear a long scarf, it's all in how you wind them.

  • To turn an everyday ponytail into a stunning hair 'do', gather your long hair up and use a fabric covered elastic to secure. Now, wind a skinny long scarf a few times (depending on how long your hair is) around the elastic, then pull the long ends down through your hair (tail) in a zigzag weave for a lovely braid effect. Leave some of the scarf tail peeking out at the bottom for the fresh and pretty look of even longer hair.
  • Choose complementary or even contrasting colors to those of your outfit.
  • Pull them through belt loops leaving the ends hanging in front or to the side for a terrific looking belt.
  • Wind it around your wrist and tuck in the ends to create a funky bracelet.
  • Lariat style necklaces using delicious bright colors and gauzy gossamer-like fabrics are simply divine. Easily make them by hanging the scarf around your neck with the ends in front, and then tie a knot midway down your torso.
  • Wind a shimmering bejeweled style in silk or cotton around your neck and tuck in, tie a knot, or secure with a whimsical pin at the back or front for a simmering hot choker look.
  • Skinny scarves are also ideal when you want to complete your outfit with the accessory, but don't want it to overpower your ensemble. Since it's so thin, it successfully blends into the background, allowing your clothes to take center stage.
  • For ladies that have a fuller bosom, a skinny scarf may be the best style because it doesn't add any extra bulk to an already full area, therefore it adds a nice amount of balance to your figure.

Get Creative

A gorgeous long scarf gives you unlimited fashion mileage by adding flair to your look while also accentuating the positive and camouflaging the negative. Choose colors that play up your eyes and skin tone or emphasize your tiny waist. View scarf tying tutorials or videos online that show you practical step-by-step instructions, or think outside the box and make up some of your own unique styles. Once you have mastered the art of how to tie, wrap, drape, and wind them to achieve several styles, your long scarves may become your favorite accessories.

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How to Wear a Long Scarf