| |

How to Wear a Silk Scarf: 12 Styles

Take a look at our expert guide on how to wear a silk scarf.

Silk scarves are a timeless accessory. With their beautiful colors and patterns, they elevate any outfit. Plus, they are so versatile that they can be styled in many different ways.

Whether you’re dressing up or adding everyday flair, the right scarf offers endless options. From classic knots to playful twists, learn how to make the most of your silk scarf.

So let’s take out your bolder patterns, floral patterns, and any favorite. Get styling now.

Classic Scarf Basics

Let’s start with the more common ways we tend to wear our elegant silk scarves – shoulders and neck. Loose shawls are a style that we have all pretty much mastered so we will skip and go straight to a few styles that ask for instructions.

Shoulder Bow

One of the most sophisticated ways to style a silk scarf is to create a shoulder bow. Add a touch of femininity to an ordinary outfit.

  1. Start with a classic silk scarf of your choice
  2. Fold into a triangle
  3. Roll it up to create a slender band
  4. Position scarf over your one’s holder – and allowing the ‘band’ ends to drape down your arm
  5. Bring the ends back up and tie in a bow
  6. Adjust bow loops to your desired size

Why We Love It: What a beautiful way to frame your face and emphasize your gorgeous neckline!

Classic French Knot

Next is the iconic Classic French Knot. Versatile in nature, you’re going to love this chic style.

  1. Fold your chosen scarf into a triangle
  2. Roll loosely from the pointed end towards the base
  3. Place your now rolled scarf (in a narrow band) around your neck
  4. Cross the ends in front – and then bring them around to the back and up through the loop
  5. Pull gently on the ends to tighten the knot

This should fit comfortably on your collarbone.

Why We Love It: The names says it all! It’s classic! Pair it with a tailored blazer, a flowing sundress, … it pretty much goes with everything thing.

Triangle Knot

Bring a little fun to your outfit with the Triangle Knot! This is a great choice for any occasion.

  1. Fold your silk scarf in half diagonally – and form a perfect triangle
  2. Position the triangle’s folded edge at the back of your neck
  3. Wrap the scarf’s ends around your neck and tie together at the front
  4. Play around with the twist to adjust the tail’s length

Why We Love It: A shorter tail provides a more polished appearance. A longer tail is a more relaxed feel. It can be adjusted to fit your mood and style for that day.

Italian Twist

The ultra-elegant (and timeless) Italian Twist! Looking to exude style and sophistication? Then, you’ll love this knot.

  1. Fold your scarf into a long rectangle
  2. Press out any creases to ensure a smooth finish
  3. Now, drape the scarf around your neck – and allow both ends to hang evenly
  4. Take an end and wrap it around the other (This will create a gentle twist)
  5. Pull both ends gently to secure in place

If you wish, you can tie a small knot at the end to secure.

Why We Love It: Seen on the fashionable streets of Italy, this adds a touch of Dolce Vita to any outfit.

Single Infinity

Transform your silk scarf into a single infinity knot. Simple and elegant – and we love it. (For this look, you should turn to your square scarves.)

  1. For this knot, start with a square silk scarf
  2. Fold diagonally to form a triangle
  3. Roll it from the triangle’s point towards the tip (This will create a long, slender shape)
  4. Drape around your neck – and twist it once to form a continuous loop
  5. Secure as needed

Why We Love It: The Single Infinity looks great with your favorite go-to jeans-and-tee to a more classic look. It also looks great layered over sweaters or coat.

My Silk Scarves Need TLC

Your New Favorite Hair Accessory

You are going to fall in love with at least one of these ways to wear beautiful scarves in your hair. Never have a bad hair day again with beautiful silk scarves as an option. Step up our hair game today with patterned silk scarves.

The Classic Headband

  1. Take your favorite silk scarf and fold into a narrow band by either:
    1. You can fold diagonally into a triangle and then roll or fold it lengthwise
  2. Place the center of your ‘band’ at nape of neck (under your hair)
  3. Bring ends up over your head – and tie in a cute knot
  4. You can leave the knot and tuck ends or move the knot towards your neck

Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love a headband that doesn’t squeeze your head?

The Bandana Style

  1. Start with your scarf folded diagonally in a triangle
  2. Place triangle’s long edge across your forehead (with the point hanging down at back of your head)
  3. Tie your scarf’s two ends under your hair
  4. Tuck the point of the triangle under the knot (or leave loose for a more relaxed feel)

Why We Love It: Because some days you need your hair covered up but still need to look chic. (And what a great way to hide flyaway hairs.)

Pair Your Scarves with Hats

For many of us, hats don’t nearly get out as much as they should. With a fun scarf, you can easily make a favorite hat more versatile. Make the most of your hat collection – or find a reason to purchase more!

Over Your Hat

Now that we have gone over some ways to wear your silk scarf around your neck, we thought we would share a few other ideas. When it comes to your favorite hat, you can use a scarf for a new ‘look’.

Classic Wide-brimmed Hat

Tie a silk scarf around the base of the crown. Try a vibrant print that compliments your clothing.

Fedora or Bucket Hat

Take your scarf and tie it into a triable. Tie under the brim of your fedora (or bucket hat). The ends will look great draping gracefully.

Why We Love All of These Styles: Hats are beautiful all on their end, but why not step it up a bit?

Handbag Accessory

Easy and effortless. Check. Love a scarf, but not ready to commit to wearing on your body? Tie a fun silk scarf onto your favorite designer purse. Instantly transform for a fresh look.

  1. Fold the chosen silk scarf into a long strip
  2. Secure one end of the scarf to your bag handle
  3. Wrap a few times and then tie a chic not or bow

Why We Love It: Classic knot, flowy bohemian feel,… you really can’t go wrong. In fact, you can push a little further by adding another pattern or colored scarf to the mix

Try a Scarf Belt

Okay, last one. Your silk scarf looks great on your head, around your neck, on your handbag, and now your waist! Enhance your silhouette and add some fun to your outfit today.

  1. Start with a long rectangular scarf
  2. Fold the scarf in half widthwise (and create a sleek, thicker band)
  3. Wrap around your waist and position it how you wish

Relaxed look? Let the ends hang loose. More polished look? Tie the scarf belt in a knot or bow at the side or back. You can even thread them a belt loop with a loose knot at the end.

Why We Love It: While we love a good leather belt, a silk scarf is a good change-up. From brunch to the office, try this trend and let us know what you think!

Silk Scarves – Such Versatile Accessories

Silk scarves are clearly so versatile and fashionable. There are no simple rules  on how to wear them. Play and have some fun. Whether you wear on your handbag daily or on a sunny day’s hat, you’ll know that you just elevated your style. And with such ease!

Timeless, classic, modern, vintage. Silk scarves check all the boxes because their possibilities are limitless. Have fun with your silk accessories and wardrobe.

So, don’t hesitate to explore any of these ways on how to wear a silk scarf. And when your favorite scarves are ready for a little TLC, you can call on Tiecrafters.