The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Friday Playdate.
Scarf tying is serious business. Get your game face on.
You will need a mirror and a lot of patience. Practice practice until you get it right, but remember: the real trick is to look like you didn’t spend a lot of time on your scarf.
Ready to tie? Okay then!
Let’s start with a long, slim scarf. To wear with a coat, wrap around your neck.
Pull the end through the wrapped part (I wrapped twice, but you could stop after one wrap) and fluff. This makes a nice neck warmer.
Want to wear your scarf WITHOUT your coat? We can do that, too. Fold in half, like this.
Make a loop.
Twist.
Wrap the twisted scarf around your neck and thread the end through the loop.
And, you’re done!
Phew. I need a cocktail.
Next up, small silk scarf. This one has chairs on it! And leopard!
Lay flat, and fold two corners in to the center. Fold the sides in once more. Be sure to fold so that any tags are inside the folds and not hanging off the ends.
Wrap the scarf around your neck and tie, but not too tight.
This looks great, but it won’t stay if you leave it like that.
Tie a loose knot and you’re good to go.
Seriously, how about a martini? No? Coffee then? Something?!?
Finally, big scarf.
Whoa that is a BIG scarf. Fold in half to make a triangle.
Under a coat or jacket, drape around your neck and tie.
For look that’s a little less Queen Elizabeth and a little more Urban Hipster, fold again and wrap around your neck.
Thread one end up and under the wrapped part. Be sure to concentrate. I find that closing my eyes helps.
Tie and go! Although you might want to look in the mirror first. I certainly should have.
A scarf is an easy way to add color and texture to an otherwise minimal outfit. Experiment with sizes and colors and strategies for tying, until you find a look that works for you.
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Love this post, Susan. I always look like a complete dork when I wear a scarf, I had no idea how there wre so many ways to tie one.
chris | November 6th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Awesome tutorial, Susan! How do I avoid looking like a stewardess, though? I think the best thing to do is avoid navy!
BethanyWD | November 6th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
As always, you look awesome. I have to admit though that I will hold off onn the scarves untll I know that my baby won’t strangle me with them!
kian | November 6th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Oh, how I love this post. I am wearing a scarf today - as per your accessories suggestion. But now it looks so much better - I did the twisty thing
Nataly | November 6th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
You totally rock the effortlessly-chic silk scarf look.
I love scarves and have quite a few. While I regularly wear wintry scarves, I somehow never get the nerve up to wear the silk ones. Tie them on a purse, definitely. Around my neck… not so much.
Maybe we need to have a Working Closet Challenge to post a scarf wearing photo in December?
erin rae | November 6th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
THAT is a GREAT idea! We can totally do that! Thank you!
Bethany, the stewardess thing has more to do with the rest of the outfit than with the scarf. Steer clear of scarves and dresses, which is very United Airlines-y; wear scarves with jeans or trousers, or with skirts and tops.
I like to start with a really basic casual outfit –today it’s the black sweater and jeans — and then add the scarf for color and interest.
Susan | November 6th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
dude, you totally gave me a good reason to wear my pink crochet scarf!
Deva | November 6th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Ditto on the silk scarves. I have some, but they terrify me.
Miguelina | November 6th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
[...] post at The Working Closet — this time with a PHOTO ESSAY. You heard me. With professional-quality photos like this [...]
Friday Playdate » the best offense is a good defense | November 6th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
You saved me from further scarf embarrassment just in the nick of time.
Winter is upon us, and I was having a scarf ineptitude problem
Angella | November 6th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
riddle me this batman: are smaller scarves back in fashion?
gorillabuns | November 7th, 2007 at 4:18 am
Good question, and the answer is no, and maybe.
This fall it’s all about the big neckline — the cowl neck is still huge — and the shift dress. A wee scarf doesn’t work with either of those, for obvious reasons.
HOWEVER, the scarf is a classic look — think Jackie Onassis — and if you pair it with something slim — jeans and a tee, a crew neck sweater — it will still work.
Susan | November 7th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I have a bunch of scarves of varying styles and sizes. I love them and consider a must-have accessory during Minnesota winters. I definitely learned a new tying technique today! Thanks!!!
KathyHowe | November 8th, 2007 at 12:32 am
hehe, I love this! I’m a scarf and hat girl and you brought it all home. Thanks!
Mandy | November 8th, 2007 at 3:51 am
Many thanks from an eternally scarf-challenged woman!
PunditMom | November 8th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
How to fashionably tie a scarf…
Susan Wagner posted a great photo-essay about how to fashionably tie different types of scarves….
sk-rt.com | November 12th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Susan,
You are too funny! I’ll join you in that cocktail or coffee! Thanks for the tutorial! I love scarves.
Laura | November 25th, 2007 at 3:41 am
I am totally bookmarking this. I’ve never been able to tie a scarf.
Dorothy | December 8th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Susan, I bought a great new orange scarf at the Gap yesterday and when I went to tie it I felt lost. I remembered this post, searched for it, and am happily wearing my new scarf in a non-dorky manner, thanks to you!
Jordan | October 5th, 2008 at 7:11 am
[...] 3.) Tie one on. A cute scarf, that is. You don’t have to run out and buy a gorgeous silk Hermes creation (though, really, if you can afford to, be my guest). Any interesting pattern will do, and even a fluffy winter version will add visual interest (and keep you warm if your office is an icebox, like mine). Have scarves, but don’t know how to tie them? We’ll teach you — surf over to The Working Closet’s scarf tying 101. [...]
Spruce up your look: Do more with less - The 36-Hour Day - Work It, Mom! | November 10th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Thx so much , really came in handy before going out to dinner… wanted to do something different, it worked!!!
Aldine | November 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
This is one of the most helpful fashion articles I have ever read. I’ve been incorporating all these ideas into the ecosystem of my many scarves, and have been enjoying them so much more!
Alex | September 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm