How to Wear a Scarf: 6 Easy Ways to Style It This Winter

A scarf is the easiest way to make a plain winter outfit look styled. But a lot of us just loop it once and hope for the best. In this guide we show you how to wear a scarf in 6 easy ways, using real photos from women in the US. Each photo has numbered labels so you can see what to copy.

Quick answer: Pick a long scarf in a soft fabric, wrap it once around your neck and let both ends hang in front. For very cold days, wrap a big blanket scarf twice. Keep the rest of your outfit simple so the scarf stands out.

Step 1: Toss a Long Fringe Scarf Over One Shoulder

1Wrap once, toss one end back2Long fringe end hangs in front3Simple jeans and boots

A long scarf with fringe looks cute and is very easy to wear. Wrap it around your neck once, then throw one end over your shoulder so it flies behind you. The other end hangs down the front.

Step 2: Wrap a Blanket Scarf Twice for Cold Days

1Big blanket scarf wrapped twice2Ends tucked into the coat

On really cold days, go big. A blanket scarf is wide and soft, so you can wrap it two times around your neck and tuck the ends into your coat. It keeps you warm and looks cozy.

Step 3: Add a Plaid Scarf to Jeans and a Jacket

1Plaid scarf adds color2Plain jeans keep it balanced

A plaid scarf brings color to a plain outfit. Wear it with a dark jacket and blue jeans and let the scarf be the only pattern in the look.

Step 4: Leave a Long Printed Scarf Open

1Plain white top under it2Leopard scarf hangs open3Cream wide trousers

You do not have to wrap every scarf. A long printed scarf, like leopard, looks great just hanging open on both sides. Wear it over a plain top so the print stands out.

Step 5: Tie a Silk Scarf as a Headband

1Silk scarf tied as a headband2Top matches a color in the scarf

Scarves are not only for your neck. Fold a silk scarf into a strip and tie it around your head like a headband. It hides a bad hair day and adds a pop of color.

Step 6: Try a Faux Fur Stole Over a Long Coat

1Faux fur stole over a long coat2All black keeps it sleek

For dressy nights, swap your knit scarf for a faux fur stole. Drape it over a long black coat and you look polished right away.

Scarf Mistakes to Avoid

• Wearing a scarf that is too short to wrap or tie.
• Mixing a busy scarf with a busy coat. Keep one of them plain.
• Wrapping it so tight that it hides your face.
• Picking a scratchy fabric. Soft wool or cashmere blend feels better all day.

FAQs

How do you wear a scarf with a coat?

Wrap the scarf once around your neck and let the ends hang inside or outside an open coat. With a closed coat, tuck the ends in.

How do you tie a scarf so it stays?

Fold the scarf in half, put it around your neck and pull both ends through the loop. This knot stays in place all day.

What is the most stylish way to wear a scarf?

A long scarf wrapped once with one end tossed over the shoulder looks effortless and works with most outfits.

How do you wear a blanket scarf?

Wrap it twice around your neck and tuck the ends into your coat, or drape it over your shoulders like a wrap.

Now You Know How to Wear a Scarf

Start with one long scarf and try the toss, the double wrap and the open drape. Then add a plaid, a printed or a silk scarf for fun. One good scarf can change your whole winter outfit.

More ideas: how to style a trench coat, casual winter outfits and trench coat outfits.