Video: Scarf Styling Secrets

by Sally on December 20, 2011 · 25 comments

OK, “secrets” might be a bit of an exaggeration. These tips are incredibly basic, but may help you keep your scarf ties looking fresh, fun, and flattering.

Enjoy!

{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }

Claudia December 20, 2011 at 7:34 am

Oh, how I want an Alexander McQueen skull scarf. * Deep sigh of longing*

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Patti @ NotDeadYet Style December 20, 2011 at 8:00 am

The secret is the Loop! That is a great, simple, doable tip. At age 56, I still feel like the scarf has the upper hand : > but I am going to try the Loop. Great video, Sal.

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Barbara December 20, 2011 at 8:35 am

Okay, these might be basic but I learned how to make my square scarves loop-able and long….which hadn’t occurred to me before. Thanks! I’ll try this with the cool vintage Hermes I thrifted for $1. :)

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Sal December 20, 2011 at 8:59 am

Oh Barbara. What a FIND!

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Mel December 20, 2011 at 9:23 am

Basic to you maybe…..I only knew the first two!

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Tracey December 20, 2011 at 10:09 am

Great tips. I am a big scarf wearer and it was great to be reminded of some basics. And now I am inspired to wear a scarf today.

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alice December 20, 2011 at 10:34 am

This was super helpful! I realized recently though that I only own thick winter scarves. Making a mental note to add floaty silkey scarves to my wardrobe…

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Cathy December 20, 2011 at 11:26 am

Pretzel knot. Huh. Also, I had an insight regarding square scarves and fabric weight. Thanks!

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Sal December 20, 2011 at 12:02 pm
Trystan (the CorpGoth) December 20, 2011 at 2:09 pm

This just makes me want to buy more scarves!

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Amy December 20, 2011 at 4:50 pm

Excellent timing! It’s my birthday and I believe I will be opening a scarf as one of my gifts tonight. I have mentioned to a couple people that I like the idea of a scarf, but I’m secretly scared since I have no clue what to do with it.

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coffeeaddict December 20, 2011 at 5:18 pm

sometimes even the most advanced scarf users need to be reminded of the basics :-D
And tip #3 is indispensable! I think that’s one of the main reasons people get intimidated by wearing scarves. That and not knowing which type of scarf is most appropriate for their body type as well as lifestyle.

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Janet December 20, 2011 at 5:36 pm

Thanks for the scarf tips! I am going to try some new techniques.

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debka_notion December 21, 2011 at 7:59 am

I’m wondering about neck scarves for those of us who also do headscarves. I’ve stayed away, because it seems like a lot of scarf in a relatively small space, but I’m wondering if you have any different ideas?

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Sal December 21, 2011 at 8:59 am

Hmm, I see what you mean. I think the key would be to make sure the scarves look quite different from each other. So if you’ve got a solid one on your head, do a print around your neck. If one is textured, make sure the other is matte. If one is bulky, make sure the other is thin. It still might be a bit much, but you could experiment!

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Angela December 21, 2011 at 9:46 am

Yah!, thank you. I have 15+ scarves and covet them on others…I can try a few new knots now!

Is there anything big busted girls have to watch for? I am not sure if I am overly conscientious of my bust but sometimes I think it draws attention that I don’t want? Any thoughts?

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Sal December 21, 2011 at 11:07 am

Hi Angela! It’s definitely down to personal preference, but many busty women feel that bulky scarves add weight to their top halves. Sticking to thin and/or silk scarves will help, as will making sure that the rest of your body is well defined by your outfit. If possible, cinch or accentuate your waist to offset added bulk up top. Hope that helps!

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Cerinda December 21, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Sal, do you have any ideas for making vintage Hermes scarves look un-matronly?

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Sal December 22, 2011 at 8:09 am

Oh gosh, Cerinda, probably the main thing would be to focus on styling. Make sure the rest of your outfit is contemporary, or even casual, to balance the scarf a bit. Do boots instead of pumps, a sweater instead of a button-front shirt, chunky jewelry. Also take a peek at Deja’s video with ideas for tying silk squares: http://www.unefemme.net/2010/10/foulard-de-la-semaine_29.html

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Di December 22, 2011 at 5:51 pm

Great ideas – we’re just getting into scarf season for real (although the weather here in NYC is deceptive today) but I wore my big pashmina wrapped differently last night and I loved it. I did the bias drape, then twisted it a bit to reduce the bulk, and tied it my usual way. It gave it a whole new look and took away the top heavy sensation.

Now, if only I had some more big scarves to wear!

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Kathy May 3, 2013 at 4:14 pm

I have a short neck, and as I’ve aged I’ve developed a hangy gullet. Do you think there is any hope for a scarf in my future?

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Sally May 3, 2013 at 5:11 pm

Sure, Kathy! If big, bulky scarves feel too voluminous, try thinner ones and oblongs. Try for ties that hit lower on your body if you don’t like the look of a scarf near your neck.

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