Easy, Stylish Ways to Wear a Winter Scarf
Winter has arrived, and the icy weather has everyone trying to figure out how to dress in cozy layers without looking like the Hulk! Enter the scarf—a much-loved but underused accessory that will keep you warm and elevate your winter style.
Scarves are the ultimate heroes of the winter wardrobe. Whether you’re running errands or heading out for a nice dinner, a scarf can make you look chic and stylish. This season, there are numerous ways to style a scarf. Let’s take a look.
1. How To Wear a Long Winter Scarf
When it comes to winter scarves, everything goes. You can wrap or double-wrap a scarf to keep you snuggly, wear it hanging straight down for a more dramatic look, or try styling it like any one of the ways I’m sharing.
Try Tone on Tone for an Elegant Look
Tone-on-tone is associated with quiet luxury. I love this soft, elegant cream scarf with its gentle look and beautiful whipstitching. It looks gorgeous when worn tone-on-tone with this timeless camel coat. Tone-on-tone works with any color. I recently bought a luxurious red Alpaca coat and paired it tone-on-tone with a red cashmere scarf. It’s stunning.
Add a Scarf to Soften Black Leather
Have you considered pairing a black leather jacket with a scarf? Black leather can be challenging to wear as you age, as it tends to accentuate shadows and wrinkles. Leather can also feel a bit tough. So a soft, pretty cashmere scarf in a cheery color softens the look considerably and makes wearing black leather easier. Do you see the herringbone pattern on this scarf? I love the combo os a timeless pattern with such a bold color, paired with an edgy leather jacket.
Layer a Scarf with Suede/Shearling to Create Cozy Texture
Suppose you want an earthy look.. What about this fun, long, colorblock scarf with the twisty ends worn with a shearling coat and brown flare jeans? The double dose of texture and these earthy colors is a nod to the Bohemian style.
Create a Belted Layer Look with a Scarf
Speaking of the 70s, how about 60s fashion? Tucking scarves into belts was hot in the ‘60s, and it’s trending again this winter. To get the look, drape a long scarf around your neck and let it hang down evenly in the front. Ensure it lies flat against your coat, and then add a decorative belt.
Drape Your Scarf
A classic way to wear a long winter scarf is to cross one end around your neck and down your back, leaving the other end hanging in front. This extra-long, gray, two-tone scarf does that in a high-fashion way. The pairing of brown, burgundy, and gray, rather than the traditional black, also gives it a very modern look.
2. How to wear a Short Winter Scarf
Short scarves, like this delicate, black rhinestone one, also look nice draped around your neck and seem more appropriate for a cardigan than an oversized, thick scarf.
Create a bow
This playful, feminine look is great for dressy occasions. Tie your scarf into a small, loose bow, and adjust it to the side of your neck.
Tuck it into your coat
Draping your scarf around your neck and gently tucking the ends into your jacket or coat creates a lovely, sleek look. For added structure, you can also tie it into a knot and then tuck it in.
Try a French Twist
To create a French twist on your short winter scarf, wrap it around once, leaving one end slightly longer than the other. Then, tuck it into the loop at your neck. This is a nice way to frame the face.
3. How To Wear a Square Winter Scarf
Square scarves are some of the warmest scarves you can get because they cover more of your neck, creating a pocket of warm air. You can:
Use it as a Faux Shawl
Fold the scarf diagonally, drape it over your shoulders, and tie the ends in a loose knot. You can even secure the knot with a decorative ring brooch. Take a very wide, rectangular scarf, like this classic yarn scarf.
Do a classic fold and tuck
Fold your square winter scarf diagonally, placing the wide edge along the front of your neck and wrapping the two ends around until they meet. Then, tie a loose knot to tuck underneath!
Recreate an elegant side-knot
Using your square scarf to make a side knot elevates tailored coats or winter sweaters. Fold the scarf into a triangle, wrap it around your neck, and tie the ends into a knot. Leave the ends to drape over your shoulders, and twist them just slightly to the side.
4. How To Wear a Thick Winter Scarf
Thick, chunky scarves are obviously warm, but they also add some nice texture to make your outfit more 3D.
Choose the right fabric
For winter wear, focus on high-quality fabrics that are both warm and breathable, such as cashmere, wool, or soft knit blends. I like this Glen plaid scarf, as well as solid-colored scarves and patterns, such as herringbone or plaid, which I consider classic staples.
Create a chunky double-wrapped look
For scarves with chunky knits but not bulky appearances, you can double-wrap them for a warmer and more chic appearance.
For example, you can wrap this striped rib scarf around your neck twice, tucking the ends in for a more polished look or leaving them out for a more laid-back look.
5. How To Wear a Winter Scarf on Your Head
Headscarves are chic; look at Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, who wore this timeless look beautifully.
To create a chic head wrap, fold a square wool headscarf into a triangle, place it over your head with the point of the triangle draping over the back of your neck. Then, cross the two ends under your chin and tie them loosely together.
You can also turn your scarf into a draped hood. Wrap it around your neck once, with the ends hanging down the front, and pull the back of your scarf up and over the back of your head.
6. How To Wear a Winter Infinity Scarf
Infinity scarves are popular because they always stay in place since the two ends of the scarf are knitted together. To style, keep it simple with a singular basic loop. Slip it over your head and fluff it up so it doesn’t look too flat—or double loop it.
On extra-cold winter days, try a larger infinity scarf made of a thicker knit. Just be mindful of what you wear it with. To keep your outfit balanced, pair a thick infinity scarf with an open jacket or cardigan rather than a thick winter coat.
Which winter scarf method are you using to add a touch of chic this season?
Staying warm and looking fabulous in winter doesn’t mean wearing frumpy, bulky layers; there are many ways to style a winter scarf.
For more winter-related content, check out my post on how to wear white in winter! Also, be sure to visit my LTK shop to see all my favorite pieces in one spot.
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