The gentle caress of silk around your neck can be a welcome reprieve from the itchy wool scarf your sister made you. However, unlike the gift from your sister, silk scarves can be more finicky to wear. You can’t just toss it around your neck and go, not if you don’t want to look like Patsy or Edina at the tail end of a bender. This is why learning how to tie a silk scarf is an essential style skill.
Here are three simple ways to tie your scarf to create a polished look.
1) The Classic Knot
As the name implies, this is a classic way to tie your scarf, and it can work to add finish and finesse to almost any outfit.
- Start by laying the scarf down flat. Turn it toward you so that it is a diamond, not a square.
- Next, take the right corner and fold it over to the left so it aligns. This will have folded the diamond in half and created a triangle.
- Take one end of of your scarf in each hand and then swing it around your back, so the point of the triangle hangs down between your shoulder blades.
- Tie the ends of the scarf. Almost any knot will do, but a reef not provides the cleanest finish.
To tie a reef knot, cross the right arm of the scarf over the left, and tuck it under, then bring it up and over the centre so it lies flat on the left arm of the scarf. Next take that top piece of scarf, and loop it around the lower piece, moving to the right. Finally tuck it back in under itself, and above the lower piece of the scarf (which should be that initial left piece) and then pull firmly. Be careful not to make the knot too tight. You’re tying your scarf, not furling your sails, me hearties.
2) The Bow
Here’s a simple, playful option that will instantly add polish to your look.
- Lay your scarf flat in front of you so it looks like a diamond.
- Roll the top of the diamond toward the bottom. (Not too tight and not too loose!)
- Tie the ends in a bow in front of you like you would your shoelace. Presto! You’re done.
3) The Tie
Take a page from the book of men’s fashion and turn your scarf into a tie.
- Lay your scarf flat in front of you so it looks like a diamond.
- Roll the top of the diamond toward the bottom, being mindful that it’s not too tight and not too loose.
- Place it around your neck so that the ends hang equally when draped in front of you.
- Take up the right side. Wrap it over the left, and then under, and then over once more.
- Next, lift the right side up, and then tuck under the fold. This look provides a crisp and creative addition to any outfit.
Whether you’re using your scarf to add a pop of colour, a touch of texture or to act as a subtle complementary accessory, knowing how to tie that scarf will be a crucial part of achieving your look.
