8 Wonderful Ways to Tie a Scarf

Although typically fashioned in the colder months, scarves are an all-year-round accessory, with versatility and style in abundance. With varying trends coming and going when it comes to colours, materials, and ways to wear, there's no doubt that when the weather starts to get even just a little chilly, many people reach for their trusty scarf to keep them cosy and elevate their look. If you've got your favourite scarf to hand but have no idea how best to style it, we're on hand to teach you the many wonderful ways you can tie your scarf. From simple loop knots to the more exotic methods, this helpful guide will provide everything you need to wear that special scarf with pride.

Winter scarves have barely ever gone out of fashion. Perhaps it is more down to their practical nature that we feel that even during great shifts in trends, we clutch tightly to that chunky scarf every time the cold weather rolls around. While colours and designs vary in popularity, the knitted, woollen blanket scarf remains a firm favourite with almost everyone. With this trend barely ever wavering, it can often be down to fashion experts to create new ways to put a different spin on how it's styled. One of the ways to switch up the look and style of a scarf is to tie it a different way. It always depends on the thickness, length and width of the scarf for how it looks once tied, so it's worth baring in mind that some of these methods may look a little different with the scarf you're using.

An easy tying trick that will also hold your scarf in place on windy days is the simple loop through method. This style is another classic, often favoured with smaller, thinner scarves, but also possible with a chunkier one. The knot sits quite close to the neck, so it's a great one to adopt on much colder days when you want to feel cosy and warm.

To recreate:

Step one - before putting on, fold your scarf in half so both ends meet

Step two - drape the entire scarf over your shoulders, so the loop is one side of your neck, and the two ends are at the other

Step three - with your hand through the loop, pull the two ends through until tight enough on your neck. Fluff or widen the knot if necessary for a more relaxed look

The finished look: 

A timeless look that keeps you warm and snug while still showcasing the wonderful design of your scarf. Also great for tucking the ends into a fastened coat or jacket.

A slightly more complicated method, the pretzel also adds a little more intrigue to an otherwise simple accessory like a chunky scarf. If your scarf is super oversized and you want to make sure it doesn't take over your outfit, the pretzel trick could be the one for you to minimize the look of the scarf.

To recreate:

Step one - before putting on, fold your scarf in half (lengthways) so both ends meet

Step two - drape the scarf around the back of your neck with the loop over one shoulder and the two ends over the other

Step three - separate one end of the scarf and pull it under and through the loop

Step four - pull the other end of the scarf through the loop but over the loop instead, so both ends hang from the loop at different angles

The finished look: 

An interesting style that easily stays in place, meaning you won't have to adjust much while you're out and about. This method is also great if you have a wonderful coat you want to show off, or you just want to wear the scarf for warmth rather than visual impact.

Lightweight scarves come and go in popularity, and largely depend on the time of year for when they're on trend. While blanket scarves take over in autumn and winter, spring and early summer paves the way for lighter, thinner scarves to adorn outfits. Whether it's a silk handkerchief or a tactile kimono, a thin material scarf can add texture and a touch of class to an otherwise simple outfit. While they're not typically worn for warmth, they do still make an impac, and can help with confidence and styling prowess. With many different ways to wear a thinner scarf, you can have a play around and find the style that suits both you and your scarf type best.

Looking for a scarf style with a little more wow-factor than just draped around your neck? If you stick to a high fashion tying style, you can't go far wrong. With a unique finish that somehow looks both effortless and put together, the celebrity knot allows your scarf to take centre stage in your outfit.

To recreate:

Step one - hang your scarf around your neck with both ends at the front, but one end slightly longer than the other

Step two - throw the longer end over the opposite shoulder, and drape around your back

Step three - tie one corner of the long end to one corner of the shorter end of the scarf

The finished look: 

A quirky finish to a sleek scarf, this unique method makes visual impact and adds a little more interest to a simple accessory.

Even if it's not cold enough for a wintry blanket scarf, you may still want to beat the chill and cosy up. If this is the case, and a scarf is your accessory of choice, there are ways of tying a thinner scarf to make it into something that provides you warmth as well as style. The infinity knot allows you to accessorise in style while also covering your neck, with the scarf becoming a makeshift snood.

To recreate:

Step one - fold your scarf in half (widthways) and tie each corner together until you have one continuous loop

Step two - hang the looped scarf around your neck with the knots at the back and create a twist in the middle of your scarf

Step three - hang the newly created loop from your twist over your head so you have doubled up the loop and created a snood effect

The finished look: 

This quick and easy method gives a modern update to a classic snood. Cosy, comfortable, and sleek, the infinity knot tying method means your scarf will never slip off your neck when you're out and about.

If you're keen to make your scarf into an integral part of your outfit rather than just an accessory, you'll be thrilled to know that there are easy ways to do this. The kimono method allows your scarf to become centre stage in your outfit, adding visual impact and a little extra intrigue. Whether you're drifting about on holiday or just wanting to make the most of some unusually warm weather, this tying method is guaranteed to uplift a spring/summer outfit. 

To recreate:

Step one - open out your scarf and lay it flat, pulling the top two corners together with the bottom two, and tying them together to form a loop

Step two - push both your arms through each side of the loop, with the main part of the scarf laying flat against your back to form a kimono shape

The finished look: 

A chic and stylish kimono to easily upgrade a simple outfit. You could play around with a pop of colour or a quicky pattern in your scarf to add some fun to your look, or use a scarf that is the same colour as your top or dress to make the kimono look fully integrated.