1. Simply place your scarf around the back of your neck.

2. The simple circuit

Here’s a two-step situation that will make your scarf look polished in a pinch.

1. Fold the scarf in half and place it behind your neck.
2. Run a hand along the folded side of the scarf.
3. Thread the tails or the rest of the scarf through the loop.

3. The balaclava

The balaclava has been a big trend in recent winters; Here’s how to create it with a regular scarf.

1. Wrap the scarf around your neck once and gather the two ends together in front of you to make sure they are even.
2. Tuck both ends of your scarf into the loop.
3. Pull the back of the scarf up over your head, like a hood.
4. Adjust as necessary.

4. Packaged and hidden

For those days when you need to be extra warm and cozy, bundling up with a scarf will keep you cozy and cute.

1. Loosely wrap the scarf around your neck until only short ends remain.
2. Tuck the tails in and adjust as needed to make them secure.

5. As a shawl

Do you feel elegant? A shawl is a surefire way to make anything look more elevated.

1. Wrap your shoulders in the widest section of your scarf.
2. Gather the scarf in half and tie it with an overhand knot.

6. With belt

Spice up any blazer or jacket by placing the scarf over one of your shoulders. Then close it with a belt.

1. Place the scarf on your shoulder on just one side of your blazer or jacket, making sure both sides of the scarf are the same.
2. Cincher the natural waist with a notched belt.

7. Shoulder Wrap

For those days when you don’t want to wrap a scarf tightly around your neck, a cute crossbody bag is still a cute option.

1. Place your scarf around the back of your neck, making sure both sides are the same.
2. Pull one side of the scarf toward your shoulder and adjust it.

8. On a button up

Button-down shirts and silk scarves are a perfect combination. Try this style for an even cuter everyday look.

1. Fold a square scarf into a triangle.
2. Place it on your shoulders and back.
3. Place the tail of the scarf over the buttons on the front of the shirt, then button as usual (the color of the scarf should stand out and cover the regular button).
4. Tie the ends of the scarf and adjust as needed.

9. As a handkerchief

1. Fold your square scarf into a triangle.
2. With the center piece centered in the front, wrap the ends around your neck once or twice (depending on the size of your original scarf).
3. Tie it with a knot in the back to keep it in place.

10. As a bandeau top

You don’t have to wait until summer to wear a scarf top. Layer it over a long-sleeved shirt for a fresh, multi-dimensional look.

1. Fold your scarf into a triangle and place it around your back.
2. Bring both ends together and press them against your chest in front.
3. Turn the scarf back and adjust it.

11. Open to the side

No matter what you’re wearing, a scarf bow is always appropriate and pretty.

1. Fold your scarf as many times as you like. The more folds, the thinner your bun will be!
2. Tie well at the nape of the neck. Voila!

12. Add to a bag

Not in the mood to wear a scarf around your neck? Complement your bag to give it a nice touch.

1. Gather your scarf to a manageable size and drape it over a handle.
2. Make sure both sides of the scarf are even.
3. Tie a knot to secure.

13. Wrapped around a bag handle

If you’ve seen scarves wrapped around designer bags lately and want to try the look for yourself, all you need is a scarf and a top-handle bag.

1. Tie a knot at the bottom of the scarf at the end of one handle.
2. Wrap the scarf tightly around the handle of the bag, smoothing out any bumpy fabric that may wrinkle.
3. Tie a knot at the other end of the handle to secure it in place.

14. As a handkerchief

One of the chicest ways to wear a scarf in your hair is as a scarf. Whether you’re cleaning and just want to do your hair or you’re trying to channel your inner vintage bombshell, the bandana is a classic.

1. Fold your scarf into a triangle.
2. Fold again into a smaller triangle.
3. Place one side flat over your head and make sure it is snug.
4. Tie it in the back under the hair.

15. Wear it as a headband

Consider your scarf your secret styling weapon for all hairstyles in the future.

1. Fold your scarf two or three times until you reach the desired width.
2. Place the scarf where you want it to sit on your head.
3. Tie in the back. Double knot to keep it in place.

16. Try an infinite loop

Never worry about your scarf falling apart again if you wear it as an infinity loop.

1. Fold the square scarf into a triangle.
2. Tie the two corners together.
3. Go around the neck twice.

17. Secure with a clasp

Jewelry makes everything better, and that includes styling scarves! Adding a brooch (or, in a pinch, a barrette or earring) adds another layer of interest and works wonderfully for a dressier occasion.

1. Fold your scarf into a triangle.
2. Place it on your back and shoulders.
3. Gather the two loose ends and secure with a hair clip to keep them in place.

18. As a choker

Yes, you can even wear a scarf as a necklace. Try this the next time you’re wearing an all-black look and need something extra.

1. Fold your scarf horizontally three or four times depending on the desired width.
2. Place it on your neck.
3. Tie in the back.

19. As a belt

Do you want to change things? Try wearing the scarf on belt loops instead of a regular belt.

1. Fold your scarf to the desired size for your belt loops.
2. Knit into belt loops.
3. Bow on the front.

20. In a ponytail

Don’t stress if you forgot to pack a hair bow. You can always wear a scarf!

1. Fold your scarf horizontally until you get the desired width.
2. Place the folded scarf under your hair.
3. With your hair pulled in, tie the ends of the scarf into a knot.

Buy these scarves:

Oversized muffler with leather patch

Supernova Silk 35″ Square Scarf

Yatemiole Large Colorful Plaid Cashmere Scarf Winter Warm Scarf

Sheila Bridges Harlem Toile de Jouy Scarf

Treasure & Bond Treasure & Bond Fringe Blanket Scarf in Pink Check Combination at Nordstrom

Jessie Zhao New York Blossoming Valley Double-Sided Silk Scarf

Belle Bakst is a New York-based fashion editor and content creator. Her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, InStyle, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides and more. When she’s not researching this season’s best shoes, you can find her blogging a sample sale or shopping for secondhand clothes in Manhattan. Follow @littlefashionstylist on Instagram and TikTok for outfit inspo, vintage jewelry hauls, and the occasional Bergdorf Goodman selfie.