How Do You Even Tie This Thing?

The accessory of the summer is taking over in full swing. It’s classy, it’s simplistic and it’s nearly impossible to figure out without a tutorial. Seriously, how do we even tie this thing?

If you’re like us and want to hop on the scarf fad this season, but are struggling to make it look like the endless photos on Pinterest, don’t worry too much; we’ll figure this out together. 

Styling at the Top

What we’re loving about this accessory is the abundance of options for how to wear it. From your head to your waist, there are so many variations to add to your outfit. Now all we need to do is know how!

In terms of a hair accessory, there are a few styles to pick from. You could wear it tied around your neck, letting your hair flow through the scarf and blocking your scalp from the sun. This style is one of the easier ones to execute, though it’s all a matter of whether it stays on your head. Instead of tying it around your neck, start by tying it around your shoulders, create a loop, like an infinity scarf, then stick your head through. Pull it forward a bit to make sure the loop is crisscrossed and pull the back layer on top of your head. Finish the look with some sunglasses, and you’re set!

If you want the scarf to cover your whole head, start by folding it in half and making a triangle. Place the base of the triangle (the longer, folded end) over your forehead, adjust to where you want it, and tie the back strands.

For the days you don’t want to tie a scarf in your hair all day but you still want the detail, try working it into your hat or purse. By folding it into a continuous triangle shape until it’s a thin line, you can knot it around the back of a baseball cap or to the straps of your purse.

No Necklace Necessary

What we’ve been seeing more of lately is the scarf being styled around your neck. Of course, there are many ways to approach this execution. 

The first look is tying it loosely around your neck or shoulders. This can add to any plain shirt or jacket, and is quite simple to put together. First, fold your scarf into a triangle. Then, take the pointed end and fold it into the long side so that it does not stick out once fully folded. Following that, you’re going to continuously fold the shorter end in, making long strips until you have a long strip with a width you like. Wrap that around your neck, take an old ring or elastic and pull the two ends through. Secure the ring or elastic at the length you like, and there you have it! 

For a tighter, bandana look, it’s much easier with a smaller scarf, which is around 20 to 24 inches square. Start by laying it flat and folding two corners into the middle. Take one of the folded ends, and continuously fold to the other side in long strap-sized folds. Once you have the width you like, place the scarf around your neck with one end longer than the other. Take the long end and place it over the shorter end, then bring it under. As you go under, leave an opening and pull the long end through that opening. Pull the two ends and tighten into a knot. Take time to adjust and fluff where you’d like.

To make a thicker tie that fills your neck, again, start by making a large triangle by folding it in half. Hold one corner of the scarf in your left hand and put your arm above your head. Hold the right corner in your right hand and place it below your waist. Then, wrap the corner in your left hand around your neck. You should be going behind your left ear, then your right ear and ending in the middle of your chest. Then, take the other corner that’s in your right hand and wrap it around your neck in the opposite way, also ending in the middle of your chest. Finish by tying the two ends together in a knot!

Skirt or Belt? You Tell Us

A scarf doesn’t always have to serve the purpose it was intended for. We’re seeing a lot of people mix it up and tie it around their waist in different ways. Again, you have a lot of variation here. Whether you’re wearing a skirt, pants or even a dress, add a second layer to the fit by folding your scarf in half and tying it around your waist. This can add a pop of color or some dimension to an otherwise plain outfit. Pair it with some fun jewelry and a purse, and you’ll be the best-dressed in the room. 

You could also swap out the traditional belt for a scarf simply by looping it all the way through the belt loops and tying a knot. It’s up to you if you want to go through all of them, or do a side look, as shown below.

The accessory of the summer has given way to so many opportunities to spruce up your fits. Share your favorite scarf looks on Instagram and tag us @VALLEYMag! We’d love to get even more inspo!

Related