How to Wear a Scarf: Your 9 New Styling Twists for Nowness

Scarves. The street style set can't get enough of them. In fact, everyone can't get enough of them. I personally have a stash pushing 50, which is sufficient to get started on my plans to open a sizeable scarf museum.

The reason you've probably got more scarves than anything else in your wardrobe? Their versatility knows no bounds. From holiday turban to faux roll-neck, makeshift bandeau to, well, just an actual scarf for when you feel a chill in the air, there are 101 things you can do with these simple foulards. They are by far one of the safest buys every season and every shopping trip.

What's not always so safe is how to tie or wear your scarf when the sartorial mood changes. Think it's all about a double-wrap with the ends hanging loose? No, we're afraid not. Does a skinny scarf still cut it? Yes, but you may need to consider wearing it around your waist rather than your neck. You see, the tides of scarf-styling have changed yet again, so we roamed around Instagram to find you a crop of pitch-perfect references.

So go through the gallery to see the latest ways to wear your scarf (or hundreds of scarves), and then shop from some new-in styles, just in case.

how-to-wear-a-scarf-styling-tips-2016-193300-1507191701337-image

The French
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: What makes this French, we hear you ask? Well, it's mainly to do with the inclusion of the beret but the front knot also adds a je ne sais quoi to the look. 

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-a-scarf-styling-tips-2016-193300-1507191704789-image

The Loose and Nonchalant
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: Want to appear as if you've even forgotten you've got a scarf on? Simply tie the ends at the front and leave the rest of it dangling behind you. 

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-a-scarf-styling-tips-2016-193300-1507191703175-image

The Blouse Extension
(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Style Notes: If you've got a blouse that you want to make it look like it has an attached necktie, then simply match up your scarf to your top. We suggest leopard print is the easiest to do with this tip. 

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-a-scarf-your-6-new-styling-twists-for-nowness-1779360-1464004887

The Front-Peak Bandana
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: So it's now less about the side-knotted jaunty thing and more of this cowboy-inspired front-peak bandana styling, please. Camille Charrière has this look down pat.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-a-scarf-your-6-new-styling-twists-for-nowness-1779358-1464004887

The Skinny Scarf-Belt
(Image credit: @belleandbunty)

Style Notes: If your denim shorts look in need of a reboot (or if you're off on a long haul holiday during the winter), then loop a printed silk scarf in the place of a belt, and tie at the side.

how-to-wear-a-scarf-your-6-new-styling-twists-for-nowness-1779362-1464004888

The Bolo Necktie
(Image credit: @desertmannequin)

Style Notes: What did we tell you about cowboy vibes already? Blogger Anum Bashir of Desert Mannequin takes the idea a step further by adding a western-inspired bolo-style brooch.

-1779359-1464005586

The Matchy-Matchy Scarf
(Image credit: @pandorasykes)

Style Notes: Take your outfit assemblage to the next level by matching the print of a statement jacket, blouse or dress to your scarf. Pandora Sykes artfully ties her looks together with a set from Magda Butrym.

Key Buy:

how-to-wear-a-scarf-your-6-new-styling-twists-for-nowness-1779361-1464004887

The Back-to-Front Knot
(Image credit: @manrepeller)

Style Notes: The next stage in tying is to elaborately knot one as a thick choker, leaving the tails trailing behind you. Perfect for not interrupting an outfit's all-important lines, like this trackie on Man Repeller employee Elizabeth Tamkin.

how-to-wear-a-scarf-styling-tips-2016-193300-1507288879300-main

The Contraster
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: If you want your scarf to stand out, then make sure you've contrasted it with the rest of your outfit à la Olivia Palermo. 

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.