How to Wear a Scarf and Look Stylish

Learn Why Scarves Never Stopped Having a Moment—Plus 5 Popular Scarf Styles and How To Wear Them

Think you can't pull off a scarf? You've got it all twisted. Learning how to tie a scarf instantly puts you in the league of elite, polished country-club looks. No accessory elevates your look and boosts your demeanor as quickly as a correctly styled scarf.

At Rank & Style, we're here to take the guesswork out of fashion with curated picks that make styling effortless. In this guide to how to pull off wearing a scarf, we'll show the perfect scarf type for every occasion. We're also sharing cheats for how to tie a scarf like a pro to show off its patterns and textures.

How to Wear a Scarf

As the original outfit staple for pulling off a chic, put-together look, the scarf transcends all eras. Far from being trendy for the sake of being trendy, scarves are versatile and functional. Whether they're keeping you warm in the winter or shading you in the summer, scarves never feel out of place. We also love the way they look so authentically posh on both men and women when styled for different occasions.

Types of Scarves

Once you discover the power of scarves, it's easy to become a collector. From functional to whimsical, scarves work for every season and occasion.

Here's what you're working with:

• Classic Silk Scarves: Timeless and delicate, a good silk scarf can tie a look together for formal occasions or dress up casual attire. Silk scarves have beautiful movement and sheen. We love that you can change up your knots to alter the theme of a silk scarf.
• Wool or Cashmere Scarves: For bulkier looks in the wintertime, wool and cashmere scarves are warm and cozy. We love the way they give off the ski-lodge vibe. Depending on your style, you can either tuck them under coats or style them as accessories over jackets.
• Pashmina Scarves: Occupying that important space between choosing a scarf or committing to a jacket, a pashmina scarf is a thicker, larger scarf that you can either tie as a traditional scarf or drape around the shoulders. They are typically made from soft wool or cashmere.
• Chiffon Scarves: If you want just a whisper of fabric to tie your outfit together, chiffon scarves comprise see-through, drapey fabric. Wear these delicate pieces tied or wrapped for extra whimsy.
• Infinity Scarves: If you're not at all interested in learning how to tie a scarf around your neck, infinity scarves loop around your neck twice in a closed network. A single-loop cowl scarf is an alternative if you want less bulk. While bulkier fabrics are great for keeping your neck warm in the winter, more willowy fabrics bring a smart look to work attire.

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April 2, 2025

Written By:Meredith Rimmer

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

Everyday Scarves

Anthropologie

We recommend choosing a few casual scarves that you can pepper into your wardrobe without worrying too much about color clashing. If you have lots of solids in your wardrobe, a floral pattern can add some subtle personality. Finish off a white blouse with black editor pants or tan sweater with khaki slacks with a silky flower scarf. If you're dressing up denim and tees, we like the contrast of a silky floral scarf with some tennis sneakers to pin the look together. We also like tartan or checks for a preppy twist.

Anthropologie's popular Vismaya floral scarf offers perfect inspiration for how to tie a square silk scarf into an outfit. This one looks great with light-wash denim bottoms and a simple white tee. You can currently snag this scarf and other Anthro beauties at a discount with an Anthropologie promo code.

Scarves for Work

Quince

Struggling with office-wear fatigue? We totally get it. With office fashion being in a weird place lately, some of us don't know whether to show up in joggers or a three-piece suit. Luckily, knowing how to wear a silk scarf or pashmina-style wrap is the ultimate hack for looking polished without a big shopping haul.

For office scarves, lean toward silk or chiffon to create a streamlined, lightweight appearance to avoid looking like you're bundled up for an expedition. There's definitely room for florals or geometric patterns here. However, we recommend testing the waters of your comfort level with scarves by getting some solids first.

For example, we love how the Quince Featherweight Cashmere Silk Frayed Edge Scarf in ivory adds a professional look without stiffening an outfit. Wondering how to wear a scarf with a dress one day and pants another day? Something like this pairs beautifully with everything from a shift dress to a classic blouse/trouser combo.

When considering how to tie a large square scarf, you can choose to either let it drape or do the classic triangle. To shape a large silk square into a triangle, fold the scarf diagonally to let it drape around your neck before tying the pointed ends into a loose knot.

Going Out Scarves

Saks Fifth Avenue

Be the one in your circle to bring back the party scarf. How did modern culture let this prim accessory ever fall out of fashion? Going out scarves should be lightweight, flowy, and dripping in bright, optimistic colors and embellishments.

Think of a going out scarf as a bow on a present. For a bright and shiny splurge that you'll want to wear over and over, we love the ever-rosy Mignonne Gavigan Mercer Sequined Rose Silk Scarf Necklace, available at Saks Fifth Avenue. No need to struggle with how to tie a small square scarf here. This scarf has a snap closure to ensure it keeps its beautiful stiff peaks that remind us of strawberry meringue.

If you're looking for a truly unique statement scarf, Farfetch has a curated selection of designer pieces you won't find anywhere else. Plus, you can use a Farfetch promo code to score a discount on your next standout accessory.

Don't overdo it with statement scarves. If your scarf says a lot, swap bauble earrings for delicate studs or pin-thin danglers. Step back in the mirror to make sure to balance the scarf and outfit. For example, a high-shine scarf with sequin works better with a silver or black strappy dress than a neon princess hem. For a tastefully matchy-matchy look, consider doing your scarf and shoes the same color. Don't let it get more cluttered than that!

Wraparound Scarves

Tuckernuck

Think of this as the yacht-club version of a hoodie. Nothing beats a soft, delicate blanket scarf or shawl-style scarf when there's a little breeze. Honestly, throwing on one before you run out the door on a chaotic day instantly makes you feel more polished.

We like a cashmere wraparound scarf best simply because other fabrics can be a little scratchy. The Tuckernuck Oat Cashmere Blanket Scarf is our gold standard for oversized scarves because it twists easily into any shape.

Need another option? J.Crew has charming cashmere wraps in a range of neutrals that are easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, adding warmth without bulk. These polished wraps are perfect for layering over office attire or your favorite weekend ensemble. Get the best price on your pick by using a J.Crew promo code.

Here are some of our favorite ways to wear it around the R&S offices:

Belted: Looking for the most creative tip for how to wear a blanket scarf? Cinch with a belt to give a flowing blanket scarf some definition. With this, you can either wrap your arms for a cardigan look or simply let the scarf create a visual line from shoulders to waist.
Messy Drape: Wrap and drape the scarf messily around your neck while letting the corners fall around the chest and elbows. This looks best with a check or solid.
Over the Shoulders: Let your blanket scarf hug you for a chic, devil-may-care look.
Asymmetrical: Think glamorous toga with this one! We love it over jeans.
Oversized Handkerchief: Grab the two corners, cross them at the back of your neck, and connect them at the front to tuck the dual tails.

Don't overthink it! Keep the go-to blanket scarf in your handbag, or drape it on the back of your office chair for easy grabbing.

Warm Weather Scarves

Tuckernuck

Add romance to a sundress or short overalls with a satiny summer scarf. For this look, we like silky fabrics and patterns that make you feel like you're summering in Europe. We know you can picture it! If you need a visual, the Tuckernuck Sunbeam Filigree Medium Silk Scarf nails it.

You won't run out of ways to love a summer scarf or bandana. Yes, tie it around your neck or "handkerchief it" to one side for that gorgeous vacation look.You can also transform a light and airy scarf into a headscarf to wear under your sun hat or belt it using a classic knot. Don't want to get stuck carrying a scarf around? Tie it onto your handbag handle for the chicest look! When deciding how to wear a head scarf, you can't go wrong with oversized round sunnies and a scarf that's tied at the chin.

For affordable and trendy options, we love Target and Free People for summery scarves and bandanas. Whether you're after a breezy wrap or a stylish bandana, you can score a deal using a Target promo code or a Free People promo code.

Seasonal Tips for Scarves

Scarves aren’t just for keeping warm—they’re a year-round style essential that can elevate any outfit with minimal effort. Whether you’re layering up for winter or adding a breezy touch to your summer wardrobe, the right scarf can tie your whole look together.

Let us bring you up to speed on what to look for each season:

Winter: Incorporate a blanket-style or bulky scarf into your outdoor look. We recommend choosing a look that's neutral or versatile enough to jump from your coat to your work outfit to keep the warm and fuzzy feelings going. Consider a scarf that's long enough to stay belted to get more miles.
Spring: Pivot to lighter colors and fabrics for something you can throw on in transitional weather. For whimsy, solids and florals work. For polished, use tartan and check.
Fall: Embrace plaid or preppy patterns when choosing a blanket scarf for transitional weather. Opt for something that drapes to keep your shoulders warm.
Summer: Choose splashy colors with soft, silky textures that feel cool against the skin. Blue, yellow, pink, and gold all scream summer!

Timeless Ways to Tie a Scarf

Every scarf is a blank slate—how you tie it can transform your entire look. Whether you're aiming for a chic, effortless drape or a structured, polished knot, the right technique can take your style from boho to preppy and everything in between.

Here are some of our favorite ways to tie a scarf, no matter the occasion:

The Simple Loop: Look effortless during the morning commute by wrapping your favorite scarf around your neck once for a loose and nested look. It's the easiest hack for how to wear a square scarf that looks neat.
The Drape: Ideal for pashminas and blanket scarves, draping lets a scarf hang loosely around the neck to create shape and structure without feeling bulky.
The Parisian Knot: If you want to know how to tie a square silk scarf, opt for this sophisticated look with a knot on the side. This is dreamy with a denim jacket or shirt dress.
The Shawl Style: For a romantic upgrade from a shrug, wrap a scarf around your shoulder.
The Shoulder Bow: Use your favorite silk scarf to get this adorable look. Just fold the scarf to get the thickness you want. Next, tie a single knot to one side to get a look-at-me-now bow. Add volume by loosening the loops.
The Buckaroo Knot (Four Square Knot): Perfect if you want to know how to tie a square knot scarf, this Western-style look is achieved by folding your scarf diagonally in half to make a triangle that will allow you to loop the tails around each other multiple times for a secure fit. We love this cowboy-approved knot when hiking or exploring a city by bike because it stays so securely in place!
Bow Knot: If you want to know how to wear a scarf on your head to protect your hair from a hat's rough interior, use a simple bow tied either at the nape of your neck or under your chin. Avoid a twisted turban that will add an awkward bump under a hat.