How to Wear a Scarf: Easy Techniques for Every Season
Accessories can breathe life and personality into our everyday outfits — and a scarf may be the most versatile of all. Beyond adding color, pattern, and texture, a great scarf is functional too, offering warmth, polish, or a finishing touch that pulls a look together. Today I’m sharing some of my favorite easy ways to wear them.
And I’m joining up with two of my blogger “besties,” Cindy (Cindy Hattersley Design) and Jennifer (A Well-Styled Life).
Why Scarves Feel Intimidating — And Why They Shouldn’t
Many of my readers and clients have told me that they’d love to wear scarves, but feel intimidated by them. I think this is partly because we simply aren’t accustomed to wearing them regularly. But I also believe that style voices — and I include myself here — have sometimes made wearing scarves more complicated than it needs to be.
A Lesson from Paris: The Petitjean Atelier
As part of our Paris Fashion Tour in April, we visited the atelier of Petitjean Paris. Léa Petitjean, the founder and designer, shared the inspiration behind her designs and demonstrated how Parisiennes style their scarves.
(If you missed out on the first Paris Fashion Tour, we have two more Fashion Tours planned for 2027! We’ll be exploring Provence in April, and are returning to Paris in October. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today!)
But back to scarves…and what we learned from Léa.
The stylings are quite simple — no 15-step knots required! The result should look nonchalant and un-fussy. She demonstrated a few basic ties that can work with multiple scarf sizes and materials.
Silk squares, whether standard (36″x36″) or “vintage” size (27″x27″) are the style many people find most challenging. There’s a lot of fabric, and it’s often slippery. Most ties for this type of scarf start with either a diagonal or bias fold.
How to Fold a Silk Square Scarf
The diagonal fold is just as it sounds, resulting in a triangle shape.
To create a bias fold, you can either roll/fold up from the point…
…or lay flat and fold opposite corners in until you have the width you prefer.
The Kerchief
My sizes: Top – Small, Jeans – Petite Medium
Starting with the diagonal fold, simply gather and drape with the wide point to the front. Cross the long ends behind the neck, and bring to the front. Adjust the length as desired. This arrangement also works well underneath jackets or cardigans.
You can also knot the ends in front to keep everything in place. Or, you can double-knot the ends behind the neck and let them drape down the back.
Easy Classics: Single Knot & Ascot
If you prefer a neat and more compact look, try these easy, classic ties. Starting with a bias fold, simply drape around the neck and tie a single knot.
(The colors in this kate spade scarf work for both Springs and Summers. Change the fold to highlight different colors.)
Or wrap twice around the neck, and tie once, Ascot-style.
More Silk Squares
👉Scroll right to see additional selections.
The Windsor Four-in-Hand Knot
(Yes, I love this print so much I bought in two different styles…)
A classic Four-in-Hand knot (like a man’s tie) works for almost any scarf, and is one of my favorite ways to wear them.
More Skinny Scarves
👉Scroll right to see additional selections.
This knot works well with bandanas, too! I love cotton bandanas during the warmer months. You can wear as a headscarf, or even dampen with cool water and wear around the neck to help you keep cool.
More Cotton Bandanas
👉Scroll right to see additional selections.
Here’s a quick tutorial I put together last summer:
Warm Weather Scarf Styling
Even if it’s too hot to contemplate a scarf around the neck, you don’t need to pack them away for the summer. Tie to the handle of your bag…
Or wear as a headscarf…
Or, as a hatband or belt…
I always pack several scarves for travel. They’re a comfortable, lightweight layer in fluctuating temperatures, and add color and variety to my travel outfits.
Wearable Art
Scarves truly are one of the most rewarding accessories to invest in — they’re lightweight, packable, and endlessly versatile across seasons and occasions. Once you have a few easy techniques in your repertoire, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again. I’d love to know: do you wear scarves regularly, or are you just getting started? Let me know in the comments below!
I can’t wait to see what my stylish friends have shared! You can visit their blogs here:
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I have always admired your collection of scarves. Beautiful colours in luxurious fabrics, you have excellent taste.
Hi Jocasta, thanks very much!
You really do pull off wearing a scarf well – I want to do better at it. Your comment about feeling intimidated is exactly right. I felt that way when I started wearing a belt and now I am find with that. So, I will do the same when trying to use a scarf more often. This was a great post! Marilyn, North Dakota
Thanks, Marilyn! Sometimes it just takes a bit of practice to get comfortable with a new accessory or style.
Please say more about the younger woman in the scarf shop photo. Love her style, especially the intense skirt color. Is that part of French heritage? Thanks.
Hi Toni, that’s Léa, the founder of Petitjean scarves. She is from the Jura region, has a background in art, design, and fashion, and yes, she does have lovely style. Beyond that, I don’t know much about her.
Those scarves are really beautiful, but for me, the small neck bandana probably complements what I wear on a daily basis. On another note, I am off to Paris next March and am struggling with hotels. In a previous trip you stayed at Hotel Saint Beuve (left bank) and on your tour trip, the Maison Favart (right bank). Have always stayed on the right bank onmy previous visits and wanted to have a go on the other side this time and am wondering if the Saint Beuve is a decent place to stay and close enough to restaurants, cafes etc and doesn’t require luggage suitcases up staircases. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hi Susan, yes, Saint Beuve is in a great location! It’s charming and comfortable. There are loads of good restaurants and cafes, and shops nearby, as well as Luxembourg Park. There is an elevator, and a front desk that is staffed 24/7.
Thank you Susan.
When I was 13, a girl in my class wore a scarf to school and I never looked back. I am 86 and have silk and other fabric scarves my from my 20s through now. And shawls. I just ordered an on-sale Eileen Fisher scarf in a color I loved because other pieces in the color were too expensive…and that is what I often do…use the scarf for color and texture to add interest to basic wardrobe pieces. I do not do anything fancy with them but wear one regularly unless it is too hot outside. Your scarves are quite beautiful!
Thanks very much, Lee! Your scarf collection sounds amazing.
This was a lot of fun.
I’ve learned how really helpful a well-chosen scarf can be in adding the right interest and colors to basic neutrals. My favorites are the oversized Echo or Elizabetta scarves that Nordstrom carries a good stock of.
I’m not a big fan of bandana or foulard size small scares, but you wear them so well. You’ve given me a lot of fun ideas to work with.
And I love that red top on you. It ‘s a great color and the shorter sleeves make it very summer.
Thanks, Helena! I love both Echo and Elizabetta scarves…they really are beautiful.
Susan, merci for such an informative tutorial. J’adore the scarf with the sweet lady bug. I think this longer bob hairstyle is most flattering on you.
I’m a soft autumn living in southwest Florida, I appreciate your content and wish you well. Cheers, Linda
Hi Linda, thanks so much!
Hi Susan. This is a wonderful tutorial. I love scarves, and have just bought a few new ones. I like the idea of the kerchief or single knot, but I can never keep them in place. They end up falling off as I move through my day. I feel like I’m always fussing with it to keep it on. How do you get them to stay put?
Hi Susan, thank you! Yes, some of these ties will need a little adjustment from time to time. Double-knotting the ends in the front of the kerchief does help everything stay in place.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for a terrific post. I have scarves, and I use them, but I love the easy instructions as to make the look even better!! I am going to use this post many times! Sezane has lovely scarves I find. All the best!
Hi Francesca, thanks very much, and I’m glad you found it helpful!
I love your focus on scarves! In your recent post “Why I’m Not Shopping Much This Summer [And Don’e Need To] — you’re wearing an aqua print scarf. The caption reads, ‘One of my favorite color combinations: bright yellow green and aqua blue.’ Can you please explain how to tie that particular knot? It’s very flattering. Thank you.
Hi Jill, thanks! That one is simple too…just fold the bandana in the bias fold (#3 in the illustration). Tie in a single knot in the middle of the scarf, then tie the two ends behind the neck in a double knot. Easy peasy!
You have an amazing scarf collection Susan. I don’t have a long narrow one, and will need to add one to my collection. You look fabulous!
Thanks, Jennifer! I find the narrow scarves are really easy to wear multiple ways.
Susan, you have taught me so much about scarves over the years- in particular the idea of casual cotton neck scarves for hot climates. Who’d a thunk it? They definitely add a finish to my plain summer outfits. I have bought many different ones from this site over the years and love them all. So- a big thank you!!
Thanks so much Lydia! I’m glad it’s been helpful, and yes these cotton scarves are such a wonderful summer accessory.
Susan
This was such a helpful post with so many beautiful scarves. I feel like I can think of creative ways to wear them but never remember how to do all the clever tying. I am bookmarking this post. So fun to join you. I always learn so much from you!
Thanks very much, Cindy! I love the scarves you showed too!
I have so many scarves. My grandma would buy them for me when I was a child in the 1970s. I have them all to this day, and of course I have added to my collection all these years. In high school in the early ’80s my signature look was a button down shirt under a crewneck sweater with a scarf threaded under the shirt collar and tied in a bow in front. Sometimes I missed the school bus because I was fussing with the bow, trying to get it right, and then my dad would have to drive me to school.
Despite my huge collection, I don’t wear scarves much now except for warmth in the winter, but I think a small bandana-style scarf worn with a t-shirt is so cute. I need to get brave and try it.
Hi Tracy, your collection sounds awesome! I find these small scarves so easy to wear…give it a try!
The pic of you wearing your bandana in Paris is such a lovely photo of you!
I’ve learnt so much from you and favour my two Sézane bandanas, one wool and one cotton, thank you for your tips!
Best wishes,
Julie xx
This is such great info, thanks. I had to go into the city (Prov. RI lol) today and added a simple blue, red, white scarf to my navy outfit. It really did add interest to my clothes. Next time, I will try something more complicated.
Hi Maeve, thank you, and have fun experimenting!
Thank you for the wonderful scarf ideas–you really look good in them! I have a question about the Margaux ballet flats: did you get your normal size? Thanks! Sally
Hi Sally, thanks! I’m usually an EU size 38 but went down to 37-1/2 in these and the fit is perfect.
I have always loved scarves and have quite a collection. I must say it is a relief and refreshing to read your thoughts on keeping it simple. I have been looking at the more complicated ways of tying them, thinking it might be more modern. I am firmly back to the simple, tried and true now! Thank you Susan.
Hi Patricia, thank you! I love how simple and easy these ties are.
This post was perfectly timed as I’m starting to think about what to pack for a late Sep-Oct 3 weeks in London and Paris to Normandy. In a carry-on only!! Love scarves, but have only worn as a simple drape with ends hanging (best for really long oblong ones) or the simple kerchief usually knotted in front to keep it in place under a jacket.
Just as soon as I have a better handle on the weather -3 days before we leave, can finalize. But there WILL be at least 5-6 scarves in that carryon!!
Hi Laurence, have a great trip! And enjoy those scarves! (You may find yourself picking up a few more on your travels…I find they make great souvenirs and gifts, and don’t take up valuable suitcase space.)
This was a good tutorial on how to tie a scarf. I have to get mine out again. I wear them more in the winter months.
Hi Rosemary, thanks very much!
After my first trip to France as a teen in the 80’s I started wearing scarfs and was one of the few in my school to do so. It was before social media when there wasn’t so much pressure to conform and wear what everyone else was wearing. I loved my “flair”! I’ve hung onto them all these decades and plan to dig one out to tie on onto my handbag for starters, as I work my was past the “intimidation” point. Your collection is beautiful. Thank you for this well thought out post.
Thanks so much, Debbie. Have fun with those scarves!
You are so good with scarves while I am so bad with them. They are just not me. Love your outfit with the red shirt and cool jeans.
Greetje
Thanks, Greetje!