8 Gorgeous Ways to Style Your Scarf This Winter

Scarves are much more than purely functional pieces of clothing, as they can serve many purposes beyond keeping your neck warm. Scarves are accessories, able to complete an outfit. They come in every imaginable material, color, texture and length, so you’ll never be starved for choice. To make the most of your favorite scarf, the trick is to make sure it’s styled well — and that you have plenty of options. Check out these highly effective ways to style your scarf.

1. Draped over one shoulder

This method of styling your scarf screams high fashion. It’s fierce, flashy, and while wearing it, you might even feel like a Kardashian (if only momentarily). The key to nailing this style is to ensure you’re properly equipped; silk scarves or wool scarves with fringed ends won’t work very well. The best options for this look are furry scarves (you can decide whether you’re more comfortable with faux or the real thing) or any scarves that are short and quilted. If you’re worried about it slipping off your body, keep your purse strap on that shoulder to weigh it down, or secure the scarf under a thin belt.

2. Halfway wrapped around

This casual look is not only incredibly mod, it’s also one of the easiest styles to achieve on the go. You can simply throw one end of the scarf over your shoulder without skipping a beat. Just make sure you don’t wrap it around your neck too tightly — this style looks best when nonchalantly draped.

3. As a poncho

On mild autumn days, you may be torn between deciding whether or not to layer with a sweater. Fortunately, a heavy wool scarf provides the perfect alternative. If it gets cold, use your thick scarf as a poncho by laying it flat and wrapping it around your shoulders. If it gets too warm, simply loop it back around your neck, and voila!

4. Once knotted at the neck

Silk scarves have little utility in terms of keeping you warm, but they have maximum value as chic accessories. To take your outfit to the next level, tie a silk scarf in a knot at the front of your neck. If you’re trying this out, it’s best to keep your outfit minimal, and confine all bright colors and busy patterns to the scarf. Or, try the opposite by keeping your scarf minimal with a busier outfit. Simply let the scarf cascade down the front of your blouse and it’ll do all the work for you.

5. Around your shoulders

This preppy look is a cool, youthful take on wrapping a cashmere sweater around your neck. Instead of going for the overtly Nantucket look of a pink polo sweater, wrap a scarf around your shoulders instead. It’ll keep you cozy and still looks elegant, but without sending off obnoxious “I come from old money” vibes.

6. Belted

By belting a chunkier scarf, you can achieve an added layer of warmth beneath your coat. However, belting your scarf this way can be fun during spring as well. Wear a solid color dress, then fasten a bright floral scarf beneath a thin, white belt. It’ll be the perfect weekend look no matter where you’re headed.

7. Double-knotted

By double-knotting a fringed scarf, you can essentially reap the benefits of a statement necklace with some added warmth around your neck. This trick works best with a short scarf made of thick material. Silk most likely won’t stay put. Give it a try the next time you’re deciding how to elevate your winter wardrobe.

8. As a purse accessory

This fashionable method of styling your scarf is one of the quickest ways to amplify your look. Silk scarves look upscale and are attention-grabbing, so if you want to make your handbook look more luxurious (or you actually want to draw attention to its designer label), tie a silk scarf around one strap. Your bag will definitely turn heads with this colorful addition!