How to Wear a Short Scarf

Co-authored by Sahra Brandt and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: November 1, 2021 References

Scarves are super cute pieces to add to your outfit when you want to add a little flair. Big, bulky scarves are easy to throw on, but short scarves take a little bit of styling before they look nice. If you have a short scarf that you’d like to wear, try out a few different ways of tying it and styling it to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Tying a Short Scarf around Your Neck

1
Tie your scarf in a Parisian knot for an easy style. Fold the scarf in half, then drape it around your neck with the loop at one side and the loose ends at another. Pull the loose ends through the loop of the scarf and adjust the knot so it sits in the center of your throat.^{[1]
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- This is a simple way to stay warm without adding a lot of bulk to your outfit.
2
Try tucking your scarf for a more elegant look. Wrap your scarf around your neck once so that you have 2 even loose ends on either side. Take each loose end and tuck it into the front of the scarf, then pull the loose ends so the scarf is tight around your neck.^{[2]
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- This style is less common and it looks more intricate and detailed.
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3
Tie your scarf into a neckerchief for a subtle style.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} Fold your scarf in half to make a triangle, then roll your scarf up until it sits in a straight line. Tie the scarf tightly around your neck and then tie the ends together twice so they stay in place.^{[4]
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- You can also do this with a bandana.
4
Leave your scarf loose for a classic look. Fold your scarf in half so that it’s in a triangle. Then, wrap the scarf around your neck so the triangle sits in front. Tie the ends of the scarf together at the very ends of the scarf so it’s loose around your neck.^{[5]
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5
Fold your scarf into a triangle for a geometric look. Fold your scarf in half so that it’s in a triangle, then roll the top edge up so that there is a 4 inches (10 cm) point left sticking out of the bottom. Wrap the scarf around your neck so that the triangle sits in front, then tie the loose ends behind your neck.^{[6]
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Tip: You may need to adjust the triangle piece once it’s on your neck so that it lays flat.
6
Wear your scarf like a tie for a modern look. Fold your scarf in half and then roll it up so that it lays flat. Wrap it around your neck and then tie the loose ends together with a knot that hits just above your breastbone. Adjust the knot so that it hits at your breastbone to make it look more like a tie.^{[7]
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- This is a cute way to make your look more classy.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Short Scarf into Jewelry or a Shawl

1
Roll your scarf up to wear it as a headband. Fold your scarf in half and then roll it up so that it sits in a straight line. Pull your hair back into a low ponytail and situate your scarf on top of your head and behind your ears.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Expert Interview. 12 October 2021.} Tie the scarf underneath your ponytail to keep it in place.^{[9]
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- This is a cute look for a summer day when the weather is warm.
Tip: Try wearing some small earrings to make this look stand out.
2
Wrap your scarf into a choker for a faux necklace. Make your scarf into a triangle shape by folding it in half, then roll it up into a straight line. Wrap the scarf around to the back of your neck, then bring the ends around to the front of your neck. Tie the loose ends tightly together so the scarf looks like a choker.^{[10]
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- This is a great way to look like you’re wearing jewelry without being super fancy.
3
Wear your scarf on your wrist for a faux bracelet. Fold your scarf in half and then roll it up so that it makes a straight line.. Wrap the scarf around your wrist 2 to 3 times, then tie the loose ends together in a knot.^{[11]
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- Wearing a scarf as a bracelet will help to avoid the loud noises that large bangles make.
4
Decorate your handbag with your scarf to make it stand out. Start by folding your scarf in half, then roll it up so it sits in a straight line instead of a triangle. Wrap it around the strap of your handbag or purse and then tie it into a large bow. You can fluff up the ends of your bow to make it larger if you’d like to!^{[12]
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- This is a great way to spice up an old handbag without spending a ton of money.
5
Use your scarf as a shawl to cover up your shoulders. Fold your scarf in half so that it looks like a triangle. Drape the scarf over your shoulders so that the largest part of the triangle is down your back, then tie the loose ends together in front. Adjust the shawl so that it sits on the top of your shoulders to warm up your arms on a chilly spring day.^{[13]
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- This is a super cute addition to a strapless or spaghetti strap dress.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you tie a short neck scarf?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

I usually love it when the scarf is tied like a neckerchief with a small bow. It looks super cute!
Question

How do you wear a ponytail with a scarf?

Sahra Brandt
Image Architect
Sahra Brandt is an Image Architect and the Founder of Shop the City, a company dedicated to helping others attain their style goals. With over ten years of fashion industry experience, Sahra specializes in wardrobe audits, personal shopping, and remote styling. She also runs Que Sera Sahra, a lifestyle blog. Sahra holds a BBA in Fashion Merchandising and Visual Merchandising from LIM College.

Sahra Brandt

Image Architect

Expert Answer

It's actually rather simple: just do a traditional ponytail and wrap the scarf around it!