As a proponent of a minimalist wardrobe, I am a maximalist when it comes to scarves. Scarves are functional fashion– they are a high-brow statement piece that can take a simple outfit from run-a-round street clothes to runway chic, and, they keep us warm.
Scarves have been elevating outfits since Queen Nefertiti started rocking scarves in 1350. Once the 19th century hit, french fashion empire Hermes led the way in innovation for scarf design, and the rest is history.
While colors and design play a huge part in how your scarf plays into your look, you can also up the stakes by finding creative ways to tie and style your scarves. We’ve broken down sixteen ways to tie a scarf to keep you feeling fresh and more authentic to you.
Note: Throughout the sixteen stylings included here, we used a few different shapes of scarves: square-shaped, a simple pashmina, large blanket scarf, and a skinny scarf.
The Neckerchief

Ciara Brewer
Using a square shaped scarf, or folding your scarf into a square shape, point the end of the triangle down, and toss the sides around the back. You can also tie them off in the back so a cleaner look.
The Tied Neckerchief

Ciara Brewer
To achieve this look, you will want a square scarf folded in half, making a large triangle. Following the same instructions as above, but this time take the two tails and tie them off in the front.
The Drape

Ciara Brewer
Simple and elegant. This look works best with long scarves. Pair it with just about any outfit for a pop of color.
Reverse Neckerchief

Ciara Brewer
A chic option for dressing up a more casual look. Drape the long piece around the back of your neck so that there are two long tails hanging in the front and the triangle is in back. Twist the ends of the scarf to create two clean lines. Wrap one around the other twice, placing the tail in the back. Pull the end from the back through the top loop, and pull it taught.
Skinny Tie

Ciara Brewer
Professional outfits can be fashionable. The skinny tie is best achieved with a long skinny scarf. Similar to it’s relaxed cousin, the Boho Tie, you will tie this up like a tie. This time though begin with one side pulled own longer than the other, then wrap the long side around the shorter side twice, pulling the end through the back and tucked into the front loop. Pull the knot to the top, or for a more relaxed look, leave it lower down with a tee or more open neckline.
C’est Beau Tie

Ciara Brewer
It’s so much more than a bow tie: c’est beau tie! Here we’ve styled it with a long skinny scarf, but you can make this a little more boho with a larger scarf as well. Begin with the scarf wrapped around the back of your neck, and make two equal sized loops. Like tying your shoes bunny ears style, wrap the loops around each other tying a knot, then pull through. Fan the loops out to make the bow stand out, and take time to adjust the center knot accordingly.
Cozy Wrap

Ciara Brewer
Ok, so a good blanket scarf is one hundred percent an essential accessory for your wardrobe. This kind of scarf is super versatile and when traveling, can double over as a blanket for long car rides or flights. For the cozy wrap look, simply fold the blanket scarf in half, creating a giant triangle and voila! You have a sharp shawl for evening wear.
Tartan Poncho

Ciara Brewer
We LOVE a good tartan poncho, and even more, love this DIY version. All you need is your handy blanket scarf and a belt. Just like the Cozy wrap, begin by folding the blanket scarf in half creating a large triangle and drape the triangle around your back. Then, take your belt and wrap it around your waist. This will create a nice secure structure with two arm slits. Adjust the scarf accordinging, bring the sides to touch in front.
The Toss

Ciara Brewer
It’s soooo laissez faire! This is a simple styling that can be done with just about any scarf… or even a feather boa if you’re feeling extra!
Double Loop

Ciara Brewer
It’s so nice, we wrapped it twice. This is a stylish and warm option for cool weather. Wrap the scarf around the back of your neck leaving one side as long as the bottom of your chest. Wrap the other end around. Take the loose end and tie a knot with both ends, adjusting the tail accordingly.
French Knot

Ciara Brewer
The french knot is a voguish way to style your outfit, and it’s much simpler than it looks. Being by folding your scarf in half so you have a loop on one end and wrap it around the back of your neck. Pull one of the loose ends through the middle of the loop. Wrap the other loose end over the top and then through the loop, to create a braided look.
Double Scarf Boho Knot

Ciara Brewer
Soft and flowy fabrics create a soft silhouette and we are loving this double scarf boho knot. We styled this with a sheer blanket scarf and a lightweight pashmina. Begin with the blanket scarf folded in half and place the triangle in the front, wrapping the ends around to hang down in the front. Then, wrap the pashmina around the top, creating a loop, and bring the loose ends to the front. Take all four loose ends and tie a simple knot in front. Play with the layers to get a ruffled, soft look, and you’re ready to go!
Scarf Belt

Ciara Brewer
This one is just like it sounds! Here, we have our skinny scarf wrapped around the waist tied twice in a knot to keep the waistline obvious and secured. You could also use the bow tie style here depending on how long the scarf is. This is my go-to when I just can’t find the right belt, chances are there is a scarf somewhere that will match.
Braided Scarf

Ciara Brewer
The braided scarf is a total statement piece. Begin by twisting the scarf for that you have some nice clean lines to work with. Wrap one end around, leaving just enough space to slip over your head. Turn the knot so that it is on the upper left shoulder side, and you will have two pieces as well as the scarf loop to braid with. Alternating all three-piece, braid as normal, and then leave the ends to hang loose.
Faux Turtleneck

Ciara Brewer
A faux turtleneck is a great way to add a classy conservative vibe to your outfit. Simply twist the scarf long, wrapping around your neck twice. Then take the ends and tuck them over one twist and under the other loop to secure it in place.
Faux Infinity Scarf

Ciara Brewer
An optical illusion, the faux infinity scarf creates the same slouchy look as an infinity scarf, without having to go out and buy a new scarf. Take your scarf of choice, double tie the ends together creating one large loop. Slip the loop over your head, and then twist the loop and slip the second loop over your head. Deceit never looked so good.