Accessories have the power to take a simple outfit and completely transform it. Adding a large necklace or an awesome pair of sunglasses can really elevate a look. And one of the best accessories for taking an outfit to the next level is a scarf. A scarf can be worn in so many different ways, and depending on how it gets tied, the same scarf can be made to look completely different each time it's worn.
The greatest thing about scarves is its versatility. They can be made to look amazing with jeans, with leggings, or with a dress. They can be dressed up or dressed down. And no mater how they are worn, it's always a nice way to add a pop of color or a fun print to an outfit. Even a plain black scarf has the ability to make an outfit look more interesting.
Another wonderful thing about scarves is that depending on the material, they can be worn almost any time of year. Of course many people use thick scarves to keep warm in the winter and fall, but in the spring and summer a thinner scarf can still be worn for style purposes.
With all of the different scarf options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out new ways to wear one. So, here are 35 different ways to tie a scarf — and if we can do it then anyone can!
French Knot Scarf
The French knot is a cute take on a more simple look. It's a classy style with a little extra detail.
French Knot Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and put it around the neck. Take one loose end and pull it over and under the scarf loop. Then, take the second end piece and go under and over the same loop.
Braided Scarf
This one looks complicated, but it's not hard to figure out after it's started. Once in rhythm, it will feel like braiding hair.
Braided Scarf How-To
Take a long scarf and put it around the neck. Tie a loose half knot with the ends. Take the right end and cross it over the left. Then pull it under the scarf loop and over. Let it hang down and grab the left end (now on the right side) and cross it over the other end and pull it up and over. Repeat until the ends are too short to loop. Knot the short end pieces together.
Neck Wrap Scarf
This one is very similar to an infinity scarf. However, by knotting the diagonal ends, it gives it that triangle shape.
Neck Wrap Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half lengthwise. Grab the diagonal ends and knot them together. Put it over the neck, then twist it and loop over the neck again.
Knotted Necklace Scarf
This one is super cute and serves as a great alternative to a statement necklace. The low-hanging knot appears unique and more complicated than it actually is.
Knotted Necklace Scarf How-To
Wrap the scarf around the neck. Take one end and wrap it around the hand. Pull it through to make a loose knot. Take the other loose end and pull it through the side knot, going under the knot loop and then over.
Knotted Shawl Scarf
The larger the scarf for this one, the better. The one I used was a little too small, but it still does the trick!
Knotted Shawl Scarf How-To
Wrap the scarf around the shoulders. Then make a regular knot in the back with the ends. Pull the scarf fabric down in the back to cover the ends.
Classic Pull Through Scarf
This is a more common style. It's probably one that most people have tried before, but it still looks great!
Classic Pull Through Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half and put it around the neck. Pull both ends through the loop.
Basic Loop Scarf
Another super easy way to wear a scarf. But, it still totally elevates a plain dress or top.
Basic Loop Scarf How-To
Put the scarf around neck and pull one end down longer than the other. Wrap that end around the neck once and let both ends hang.
Belted Scarf
This is a fun way to totally change up an outfit. Adding a scarf and a belt basically gave me a whole new dress!
Belted Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly around the neck and let it hang. Fasten a belt over the scarf at the waist.
Tossed Scarf
This is a minimal effort, classic scarf look. Tossing it over the shoulder feels sassy (and even a tad boujee).
Tossed Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly over the neck. Toss one end over the opposite shoulder.
Neckerchief Scarf
This fun look gives me major Western vibes. It's not hard and it's really cute.
Neckerchief Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half twice, so it's rectangular. Fold the rectangle diagonally for a triangular shape. Take the two ends on the longest side of the triangle and tie it around the neck.
Reverse Drape Scarf
This scarf look is typically used with more formal attire. But, for those who don't want the scarf ends hanging in their way or blocking the front design of their outfit, this could be a good alternative.
Reverse Drape Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly around the neck. Toss one end of the scarf over one shoulder. Toss the other end over the opposite shoulder.
Front Tie Scarf
This look is simple, but it's all about how the knot is positioned. Just by slightly adjusting it and fluffing, it gives a whole new way to wear an old scarf.
Front Tie Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly around the neck. Cross and tie the two ends in the center. Adjust so that one is layered over the other, and fluff to cover the knot.
Large Bow Scarf
This is one of my favorites! It was a little hard for me to get it the first couple of times, but it's actually not too complicated. It's such a fun, over-the-top look.
Large Bow Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf unevenly around neck. With the longer end, form a loop in an upward movement. Hold the middle of the loop. Take the shorter side of the scarf and wrap it over the loop where it's being held. This wrapping motion should go toward the body. After the shorter end is brought around the loop to form the bow, pull that end through the middle. Pull it to make it tight and fluff the sides of the bow.
Knotted Loop Scarf
This scarf look is a little more common. It lies close to the neck so it's good if one doesn't want to block the front of a dress or top.
Knotted Loop Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf around the neck so one end is longer. Loop the longer end around the neck twice. Tie the ends off to the side.
Faux Infinity Scarf
This process is pretty much the same as the one for the "neck wrap." The difference is that the length of the scarf can depend on where one ties it. This style is tied on the sides across from each other (not the opposite diagonals), giving it more length and more of a circular look — like an infinity scarf.
Faux Infinity Scarf How-To
Knot the two opposite corners of the scarf together to create a circle. Wrap it over the head with the knot hidden behind the neck.
The Wrap Scarf
This is a good one to keep warm. Wear it on a breezy summer night or as an extra layer during the fall.
The Wrap Scarf How-To
Wrap the scarf evenly around the shoulders and spread out the fabric. Pull one end across the body. Toss the other end across the opposite shoulder. This look can also be secured with a safety pin used in the shoulder area.
Sleeved Shawl Scarf
This scarf style is cool because it can give sleeves to something that doesn't have them. Or if a top does have sleeves (like mine) it can add an extra layer for warmth.
Sleeved Shawl Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf over shoulders like a shawl. Then take the two corners on one side and tie them together to make an armhole. Do the same thing on the other side.
Double Hanging Knots Scarf
Simple, yet chic! Although this look seems super obvious, I actually hadn't ever thought of wearing a scarf like this before!
Double Hanging Knots Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly around the neck. Take one end and make a knot toward the bottom. Do the same thing on the other side and let them hang.
Headband Scarf
This scarf look doubles as a new hairstyle for anyone who hasn't tried it before. It's so cute and perfect for keeping hair out of the way during warmer months.
Headband Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half horizontally. Wrap it around head and make a double knot in the front. Take the two loose ends and pull them back to tuck in the band.
Looped Choker Scarf
This choker look is really different than anything I've tried before! It's pretty cool since chokers have been back in style recently. Plus, it still has that elegant scarf look to it.
Looped Choker How-To
Drape scarf evenly over the neck. Make a twist with the two ends in the front. Then pull the ends up and around the neck, knotting them in the back.
Loose Knot Scarf
Really easy. Really cute! This is another simple look that can completely switch up an outfit.
Loose Knot Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly over the neck. Make a loose knot with the two ends at the bottom of the scarf.
Pretzel Knot Scarf
Similar to the French knot, this look is kind of classic, but also has some extra pizzazz.
Pretzel Knot Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and wrap around the neck. Take one end from the side and pull it through the loop on the opposite side. Take the other end and cross it over the loop. Tuck the second end around and into the loop.
Twisted Necklace Scarf
This one is so cool and honestly kind of fun to do! It's so unique and turns out very stylish.
Twisted Necklace Scarf How-To
Twist the scarf really tightly. Then hold it up by its ends and it will twist itself together. Bring it around the neck and pull the ends through the loop on the opposite side.
The Tie Scarf
This one is done similarly to tying a men's suit tie. It comes out looking pretty chic!
The Tie Scarf How-To
Roll the scarf up lengthwise and bring it around the neck. Cross one end over the other and wrap it around the other piece. Bring that end around to the back and fold it upward through the loop. Pull one end down up front and move the knot up.
The Twist Scarf
This one is super cute! I came across the visual instructions for this one on Pinterest and it was easy to copy.
Do a basic loop around the neck. Take one end and twist it around the loop a few times until it ends in the center. Do the same thing on the other side.
Faux Knot Scarf
This low-hanging look is another really adorable way to try a new kind of knot!
Faux Knot Scarf How-To
Drape scarf around the neck so one side is slightly longer than the other. Take the longer end and tie a loose knot halfway up. Take the shorter end from the other side and slide it through the loose knot. Pull to tighten and adjust if needed.
Waterfall Scarf
I'm obsessed with the way this scarf looks. It looks so detailed, when really it's pretty easy to do.
Waterfall Scarf How-To
Make a basic loop around the neck. Then pull that neck loop down and twist once to make an "x." Take the two ends hanging on the sides and pull them forward through the new loop.
The Rose Scarf
This one turned out a little strange with this thick scarf, but it's actually pretty cool. If done with a thiner scarf, it will have more of a defined look.
The Rose Scarf How-To
Drape scarf evenly around the neck. Twist the two pieces together down the front. Take that twist and wrap it around in a circle. Tie off the loose ends once they're too small to wrap or tuck them in the bow. Adjust it to the side.
Simple Shawl Scarf
This is another nice look that doubles as a cute way to keep warm. Very elegant!
Simple Shawl Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf over the shoulders and spread out the fabric. Tie a loose knot in the front.
Loose Headwrap Scarf
This scarf look gives me Old Hollywood vibes. It's vintage and fabulous!
Loose Headwrap Scarf How-To
Fold the scarf triangularly. Wrap it over the head. Tie the two loose ends under the chin.
Ponytail Scarf
This one is fun for spicing up a ponytail.
Just simply roll up the scarf, wrap it around the ponytail a few times, and tie a knot in the front or back and let the ends hang.
Triple Knot Necklace Scarf
This one is super easy and is another great alternative to a necklace. I got this idea from an image on Pinterest.
Roll up the scarf lengthwise. Tie one knot near the end, one in the center, and one at the other end. Tie it off in the back like a necklace.
Half Bow Scarf
This one can be a little complicated, so check out the AffordableStyleTV YouTube tutorial for visual instructions.
Drape scarf around neck. Make a loop on one side. Wrap the opposite side around the loop. Then pull it through the wrap around.
Chain Link Scarf
This is really cute and easy. It just involves making multiple knots — that's it!
Chain Link Scarf How-To
Drape the scarf evenly over the neck. Tie a knot in front. Then repeatedly tie a couple more knots to form a chain effect.
Rolled Loop Scarf
This is a cute way to change up the "basic loop" style. Just by adding a slight twist, there is a new look to add to the tool belt.
Rolled Loop Scarf How-To
Wrap a scarf once around the neck. Take each scarf end up and over the neck loop.
