How to Wear a Long Silk Scarf

Co-authored by Rachel Michael

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Silk scarves can add a timeless, chic element to your outfit. Whether you go for bright patterns and colors, or a more muted color palette, silk scarves can elevate your look and give you an air of sophistication. Tie a silk scarf around your neck to keep yourself warm on a chilly fall day or to simply dress up your look. Or, tie a scarf in your hair to keep it out of your face in a stylish way.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Tying a Silk Scarf Around Your Neck

1
Wrap your scarf around your neck and tie it once for a classic look. Wrap the scarf completely around your neck and then tie the ends. Tighten the knot and hide it by pulling the scarf over it.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Rachel Michael
Personal Stylist
Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}^{[2]
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- Try this look with a brightly patterned scarf to add a pop to your outfit.
2
Go for a classic loop for an easy, stylish look. Fold your scarf in half and drape it over your neck. Pull the two ends through the loop created by the fold and tighten it around your neck.^{[3]
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- Try this look with a long, rectangular scarf.
- You could also turn the scarf around so the ends hang down your back for a cool look.^{[4]
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  Rachel Michael
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}
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3
Turn your long scarf into an infinity scarf for a cozy fall look. Tie the ends of the scarf together to create one large circle. Put your head through the scarf, twist the scarf, and then put the loop over your head. Adjust the scarf so that the knot is at the back of your neck.^{[5]
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- Try this style with an oversized scarf for a voluminous look.
- For a similar look that leaves the ends free, loop the scarf around your neck twice, then tie the two ends in a simple knot.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Rachel Michael
  Personal Stylist
  Expert Interview. 30 November 2021.}
4
Knot the scarf on one side and drape the ends over your shoulder for a chic look. Tie a single knot on one side of your neck. Then, let the ends hang evenly over both ends of your shoulder, so that one hangs down your back and one hangs down your front.^{[7]
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- Try wearing your hair up with this look so that you can show off your scarf.
- Use a long, skinny scarf for this style.
5
Tie your scarf lower on your neckline for a loose, laid-back look. Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and tie it loosely in a knot. Bring the knot to your chest and tighten it.^{[8]
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- Think of the knot of your scarf as a necklace and aim to have it hit where you would want a pendant to hit.
6
Create a knotted necklace for a unique style. With a long scarf draped around your neck, tie one knot on each end. Then, tie the two ends together.^{[9]
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- You can either leave the third knot in front of you or turn it so that it is behind your neck.
- This works best with a long, rectangular scarf.
7
Drape your scarf around your neck without tying it for a casual look. To show off the pattern of your scarf and get a laid back look, simply drape the scarf around your neck and leave it loose. A long scarf works especially well for this since it is less likely to slip and fall off of your neck.^{[10]
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- Coordinate the color of the scarf with your outfit to keep the look intentional.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing a Silk Scarf in Your Hair

1
Use a scarf to tie your ponytail for a simple, classic look. Gather your hair in a low ponytail and tie it with an elastic. Then, wrap a long silk scarf around the base of the ponytail so that the two sides hang down evenly. Tie the scarf in a bow.^{[11]
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- This works best with a long, skinny silk scarf, but you can try rolling a square scarf into a long rectangle if you want a more voluminous look.
2
Recreate a Grace Kelly look with a retro turban. Fold your scarf in half so that it forms a triangle. Place the triangle on top of your head with the point at your neck and two sides hanging evenly down. Cross the two ends under your chin and tie them at the back of your neck.^{[12]
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- An oversized, square scarf works best for this.
- Add large sunglasses to complete the look.
3
Try an oversized bow for a dramatic look. Wrap the scarf underneath your head so that the ends meet on top of your head. Tie the ends in a loose knot or bow on top of your head. Leave the ends out or tuck them into the scarf for a neater look.^{[13]
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- It can be tricky to get a silk scarf to stay in place for this look. Use bobby pins to keep your scarf extra-secure.
4
Create a head wrap for bad hair days. Put your hair in a low ponytail or bun to keep it out of the way. Place the scarf over your head around 2 inches (5.1 cm) back from your hairline, with an even amount of scarf on either side. Cross the ends of the scarf behind the back of your head and wrap them so they meet at the top of your head. Tie the ends tightly and tuck them into the scarf.^{[14]
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- Make sure to keep the scarf pulled and knotted tightly so that it stays in place all day. Silk will naturally loosen throughout the day.
- Use a long, rectangular scarf for this, or roll a square scarf into a rectangle.
5
Wrap your ponytail in a silk scarf for a runway look. Put your hair in a ponytail and tuck one end of the scarf into your elastic. Then, wrap the scarf tightly around your ponytail, and leave the ends hanging out. Tuck the other end into the wrap.^{[15]
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- Use bobby pins to secure the scarf, if you need to.
- A long, skinny scarf works best for this.