The following methods and ways to wear a scarf range from the practical to the fashionable. Scarves of any material should work with these folds and techniques.

The Square Knot

Get a square scarf. Fold it into a triangle. Turn one end over the other. Get the upper end of the scarf and put it behind the other. Pull it through. Fasten it into a knot. You can put it on the back, front or side.

The Neckerchief

Get a square scarf. Fold on the bias and put it around your neck. Knot the ends. This is typically worn with a V neck sweater. You can also wear this on a blouse with round neck.

The Hacking Knot

Here is another way to wear a scarf. Get an oblong scarf. Fold in half lengthwise. Place it around your neck. Grab the ends and insert it through the loop. Tighten it. This can be worn with a coat.

The Shawl Style

Fold a square scarf into a triangle. Put the scarf around the shoulders. Grab the two longest corners. Knot it together. Now slide this knot over to your left.

The Basic Wrap

For something simple yet stylish, try this. Put a large oblong or square scarf just below the shoulders. Flip one over the shoulder. Don this over a turtleneck shirt. It can also be put on with a dress.

Another one of the ways to wear a scarf is this: put the scarf around the neck. The tails will be hanging down front. After crossing the right tail to the left, place it over the left shoulder.

How to Use the Scarf as a Headband

Fold it diagonally so it is in half. Hold the shortest corner and make a 2 inch wide fold. Keep folding the scarf until it turns into a 2 inch wide band. Put it around your head. Knot it at the base of the neck.

Twisted Wrap

Begin by folding the scarf diagonally. Roll the scarf beginning from the triangle’s longest end to the smallest. Put this around your neck and tie it at the back.

Scarf Styles

Aside from learning the ways to wear a scarf, the type of scarf you put on matters too. There are different styles and materials to choose from, to say nothing of the colors and sizes. The right style is a matter of personal preference.

But here are some suggestions. For a dull grey day, you can put one bright and vivid to provide a nice contrast. For a more casual look, draping a scarf around the shoulders is a good idea.

For something more refined, put chiffon scarf. If you’re wearing the scarf like a shawl, soft wool is the ideal material. For a retro look, get a scarf with retro print. Fold it diagonally and place it around the neck bib-style.

All the ways to wear a scarf mentioned here, from the square knot to the various wraps, can be modified too. After trying out the other styles, feel free to invent one yourself.