9 Stylish Ways To Tie a Scarf & Look Instantly Put Together

how to style
Written By Hallie Abrams
Scarf Tying Tutorials

A scarf is one of those magical accessories that can completely change your look. And the best part? You probably already have one (or several!) sitting in your closet just waiting for a new lease on life.

And if you don’t have a closet full of scarves (or if you just want to refresh your scarf collection), I’ve linked lots of fabulous scarves at the end of this blog post!

In this guide, I’m walking you through 9 fabulous ways to tie a scarf using three classic scarf types:

  • Rectangle Scarf

  • Large Square Scarf

  • Small Square Scarf

Each style is beginner-friendly, quick to master, and a total outfit elevator. Before we begin, one tip: always snip off the scarf label carefully (especially on silk!) to avoid any rips or awkward tag peeks.

To keep it simple, I wore the same outfit in all of the following photos for the tutorials. To shop the outfit, click here. You can shop the 4 scarves that I used in my tutorial below:

🎥 Want to See These Style Tutorials in Action?

If you're more of a visual learner (or just love a good styling video), I’ve got you covered. I filmed step-by-step video tutorials for all 9 scarf-tying techniques, and they’re available exclusively for my Instagram Subscribers.

You’ll get access to:

  • All 9 scarf-tying videos

  • Bonus styling tips I didn’t include in the blog

  • And more subscriber-only content each month!

👉 Click here to learn how to subscribe and access the scarf tutorials

It’s like having a personal stylist in your pocket for $5/mo. Come join the inner circle!

Rectangle Silk Scarf Tutorials

Silk Rectangle Scarf Necklace

Silk Rectangle Scarf - Necklace Style

Silk Rectangle Scarf Bow

Silk Rectangle Scarf - Bow Style

Necklace Style:

  1. Fold the scarf in half or thirds lengthwise.

  2. Wrap it around your neck from back to front, letting the tails hang down.

  3. For a more intricate look, wrap the tails around the base of the scarf.

Bow Style:

  1. Fold the scarf in half or thirds lengthwise.

  2. Wrap it around your neck from back to front, letting the tails hang down.

  3. Tie the tails in a knot.

  4. Adjust the ends to create a bow effect.

  5. For a more secure hold, tie the ends in a second knot. You can position this knot in the front or off to the side.

Pro Tip: Use a safety pin to secure the scarf to your shirt or sweater from the inside.

Square Silk Scarf Tutorials

Silk Scarf Turtleneck Style

Silk Square Scarf - Turtleneck Style

Silk Scarf Belt Tutorial

Silk Square Scarf - Belt Style

Turtleneck Style:

  1. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle.

  2. Wrap it around your neck from front to back, bringing the ends to the front.

  3. Tie the ends in a square knot (left over right, then right over left).

  4. Tuck the ends into your shirt or sweater to create a turtleneck effect.

Belt style:

  1. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle.

  2. Fold the pointed end inward to create a roll.

  3. Thread the scarf through your pant or coat's belt loops and tie it in the back.

silk scarf tutorial bag

Silk Scarf - Bag Accent

Silk Scarf Bag Accent

Silk Scarf - Bag Accent

Bag Accent:

  1. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle.

  2. Fold the pointed end inward to create a roll.

  3. Tie the scarf around the handle of your bag.

silk scarf shawl

Large Square Scarf - Shawl Style

silk scarf bolero style

Large Square Scarf - Bolero Style (note: I wouldn’t actually wear this shirt with this style - just for tutorial purposes)

Shawl Style:

  1. Drape the scarf evenly over your shoulders.

  2. Twist the lower edge of one side upwards towards the opposite shoulder.

  3. Leave it loose or secure it with a brooch.

Bolero Style:

Note: this one has to be a very large square to work!

  1. Drape the scarf evenly over your shoulders.

  2. Bring the two ends around to the small of your back.

  3. Tie them in a knot.

Small Silk Square Scarf Tutorials

silk scarf necklace style

Small Silk Scarf - Necklace Style

modern ascot scarf tutorial

Small Silk Scarf - Modern Ascot Style

Necklace Style:

  1. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle.

  2. Fold the pointed end inward to create a roll.

  3. Tie a knot in the middle of the scarf.

  4. Adjust the knot to your desired size, showcasing your preferred color.

  5. Wrap the ends around your neck and secure them.

  6. For an easier slip-on style, make the loop loose enough to go over your head.

Modern Ascot Style:

  1. Gather the four corners of the scarf, keeping the outer fabric facing inward.

  2. Pinch the middle of the scarf with your pointer finger.

  3. Secure the middle with a rubber band or small metal ring.

  4. Turn the scarf right side out.

  5. Tie two opposite ends behind your neck.

  6. Adjust the rubber band to control the volume.

Shop Scarves:

shop Silk Rectangle Scarves

Shop small square scarves

Shop Large Square Scarves

Whether you’re adding interest to a spring outfit or layering up for fall, a scarf can be your outfit’s secret weapon. Try one (or all ten) of these styles and see how a simple accessory transforms your look.

Got a favorite? Let me know which scarf style you’re trying next!

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Hallie Abrams
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