Hey, we get it. Trying to make your fall and winter wardrobe feel fresh and new day after blustery cold day can get a little tedious. Not to mention the defeat one feels after taking the time to plan a killer outfit, only to be forced to cover it up with a bulky coat and boots just to leave the door.
Don’t let the cooler temps scare you into sacrificing style for comfort over the next few months. Rise to the occasion of looking fabulous, regardless of the weather, and challenge your inner fashionista to use the cold to her advantage. How? Well, do you have more scarves than you know what to do with? Luckily, you can never have too many scarves. Bust out those scarves that have been collecting dust in the back of your closet and put them to work.
Check out a few unique ways you can wear your scarves to elevate any basic, everyday look and bring it to a runway-worthy showstopper in seconds.
The Belted Shoulder Drape
Make your scarf the focus of any outfit by draping it across your body and then cinching it at the waist (or above) with a skinny belt. This is a great way to incorporate color or pattern into an otherwise subdued ensemble. But, of course, not just any scarf will do for this eye-catching style. Use a longer scarf that falls just above your knees when it’s draped over your front. The great thing about this style is that you can use a thinner linen scarf in warmer weather or a heavier woven scarf on cold days.
Wear It With:
A long-sleeved tee or turtleneck in a complementary or neutral color. Add some knee-high boots and a cute hat, and you’ll be ready for fall fun in no time.
The Braid:
There are a couple of ways to conquer this chic scarf style. For one thing, you’ll get a much fuller, cozier result with a long, square woven scarf than you will with a long but thinner linen scarf. Both looks, however, require some time in front of a mirror to achieve properly.
For the woven scarf braid, start by folding the scarf into a triangle and then twisting it even thinner until it resembles a long, skinny rectangle. Then fold it in half, looping it over your neck (hand still in the loop). Next, take one loose end and pull it through the loop. Twist the loop once and pull the other loose end through the new loop. You could end there or keep going (consult said mirror for best results).
For the linen scarf, you’ll want to drape it around your neck and tie a loose loop knot near the bottom. With the scarf off your neck and in your hands, proceed to braid that scarf like you would those luscious locks of yours. Braider’s choice—to let it hang loose at the end or braid it to the bottom.
Wear It With:
Pair this sweet and sassy scarf style with other edgier wardrobe pieces like a leather or moto jacket and some oversized gold hoops. Add some distressed skinny jeans and sexy heels, and you’ll be ready to rock any scene no matter the season.
The Low Bow Knot
Making a scarf look classy doesn’t have to include a bunch of twists and turns. For an elegant yet effortless look this season, try a simple low bow knot scarf on for size. Seriously, aside from just draping it over your shoulders, wearing a scarf couldn’t be easier. Simply drape a long linen or knit scarf around your shoulders and then tie a not-too-tight knot at the bottom. Let the ends hang like a bow. That’s it! Take it to the next level of ooh-la-la by choosing a scarf with pretty colors or a splash of sparkle.
Wear It With:
You’ll love wearing this look with your favorite jeans, booties, and a tailored blazer—and this is one scarf style that doesn’t require you to nix the accessories. Feel free to add some fun bangles or a shiny pendant necklace.
The Infinity Scarf
Everyone loves a good infinity scarf, but there’s no reason you have to buy it that way. Wear any beloved scarf with an infinite number of favorite outfits when you learn this simple trick. Simply drape your favorite scarf around your neck and tie the bottom into a knot, leaving the ends hanging slightly. Next, twist the scarf at the nape of your neck to create a type of figure 8 (hint: your head is already in the top of the 8). Then wrap the bottom circle over your head and tuck the tails underneath. Voila! Instant fashionista.
Wear It With:
Use a linen infinity scarf to spice things up at the office. Pair it with a favorite shift dress or pantsuit and cute flats to infuse a bit of play into your busy workday. Don’t be afraid to go with something bold like an animal print or bright color. Giving them a reason to notice you is never a bad thing when you’re climbing the corporate ladder.
The Headband
We’d be remiss if we didn’t at least remind you that scarves make totally cool hair accessories. Aside from tying it around your ponytail (which we love) hair scarves don’t get any easier than the headband.
Square and rectangular scarves both work great, but if you’re using a square scarf you’ll want to fold it into a triangle first. Then continue folding until you wind up with a long, thin band. Wrap the folded scarf around the back of your head, centered, holding the ends out in front of you. Next, cross the ends together at the top of your head and twist so that the two ends cross and wrap around to the back of your head. Finally, tie a knot at the back of your head and tuck the ends in from the bottom to create a super chic scarf headband that will have everyone talking.
Wear It With:
This is a great look for Sunday brunch with the girls or a romantic night in with your boyfriend-of-now. Pair it with a cute sweater and favorite leggings and jacket and give your layered look a whole new … well … layer of fabulousness.
Don’t let your style sense freeze up this fall and winter. Get wrapped up in the sass of a scarfed look and start heating things up STAT!
