How to Wear a Scarf: Knots, Colours, and Types of Scarves

It's starting to get chilly and you'd like to wear a scarf while staying stylish? Are you looking for tips on choosing a scarf that brightens your face and enhances your features? Do you want to learn how to tie a scarf?

I'm here to help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I particularly enjoy finding outfits that combine comfort with trendy style. This largely depends on the choice of accessories, such as scarves, which should be matched to your look, practical, and comfortable to wear.

Today, I’m sharing all my tips on how to find the scarf you won't want to take off this winter!

There are many styles of scarves suitable for every season and every wardrobe. Among these is the snood, the classic scarf, its oversized version to keep you even warmer, and the Asian-inspired fabric options like the keffiyeh and chèche. A scarf is an easy accessory to pair with your hair, eyes, or any part of your outfit. Be sure to choose a colour that complements your skin tone. Light complexions are beautifully enhanced by light and bright colours, while warmer skin tones shine with vibrant hues. Lastly, the scarf pairs wonderfully with bohemian fashion. If that matches your taste, don't hesitate to accessorise your winter outfits with lovely scarves, stylishly tied!

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

• What are the different types of scarves so you can find the one that suits you,
• How to choose a scarf based on your skin tone, eye colour, and hair type,
• Tips for finding a scarf that complements your fashion style,
• Video tutorials on how to tie it, whether you're a man or a woman.

What are the different types of scarves?

An iconic winter accessory, a scarf is perfect for keeping you warm while enhancing your features. To kick things off, let’s explore the main types of scarves so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and wardrobe.

The Traditional Scarf

This is a long, rectangular piece of fabric, typically made of wool or cashmere. It is very warm and can be quite classic or feature patterns, or even fringes. It can be paired with a beanie and gloves, and it suits all styles and outfits, especially if you opt for a solid colour.

Fabric scarf, similar to a Keffiyeh or Chèche

The Keffiyeh or Chèche, Scarves of Eastern Origin

Do you prefer wearing a fabric scarf? In that case, go for a keffiyeh or a chèche, scarves traditionally worn by men from the eastern deserts to shield themselves from the sun and sandstorms. These scarves are very lightweight and can be worn in the mid-season or under a wool scarf in winter to keep warm.

Their ethnic vibe pairs beautifully with the boho style: it’s a light and colourful fabric that you can use to accessorise your bohemian dresses, for instance.

👉 Are you a fan of bohemian fashion? Check out our online store dedicated to this style!

Long Bohemian Dress

The snood, a snug circular scarf for warmth

This type of scarf, which has been quite trendy in recent years, is particularly suitable for active individuals, sports enthusiasts, and children. It is a neck wrap, which allows it to stay in place and remain comfortable throughout the day.

Oversized Scarf or Wrap

When it's cold outside, we often find ourselves dreaming of snuggling up in a cosy blanket at home. To recreate that feeling of comfort, why not try an oversized scarf? It's a piece of fabric in a square or rectangular shape that covers your shoulders and wraps around your neck. You can use it like a blanket over your shoulders or fold it for extra thickness and wear it like a regular scarf, but it will insulate you even more from the cold.

👉 Just like the keffiyeh and the cheche, this type of scarf is perfect for a winter bohemian style. Choose a colour and patterns that complement your outfit and other accessories to achieve a stylish look, even in the chilly weather!

Oversized Snood / Scarf or Wrap

How do I choose a scarf that suits me?

Like all clothing and accessories, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure your scarf accentuates your look. Let’s explore these tips together in the following lines!

By choosing one that matches your face

The scarf is an accessory that will frame your face and can truly enhance your look. To achieve this, it's essential to choose a coordinating colour:

• to your complexion,
• to your hair,
• as well as to your eyes.

If you have blonde, fine hair and fair skin, I recommend pastel tones. On the other hand, if you have a more olive complexion and dark hair, you can feel free to choose lovely vibrant colours.

If you're in any doubt, don't hesitate to choose a scarf that matches the colour of your eyes. This will create a very pleasing visual effect, instantly brightening your appearance.

👉 Do you wear glasses? Instead of basing your scarf choice on your eye colour, you might also consider matching it to the shade of your frames.

A scarf that complements your hairstyle

It's not just the colour of your hair that you need to consider. A scarf should be comfortable to wear, easy to put on and take off. If you wear your hair down and it's long or thick, I recommend going for a thinner scarf.

There are also anti-static sprays available at craft stores and haberdasheries. When sprayed onto your fabrics, they prevent your hair from becoming electrically charged, which means it won't go out of place constantly. Handy, right? 😉

A scarf to match your style

Finally, when choosing a scarf, I recommend considering your wardrobe. It's important to select a material and colour that pairs well with as many of your clothes as possible. Neutral colours like navy blue, beige, cream, brown, burgundy, or charcoal grey are perfect if you're unsure. They may not be the most original options, but they have the undeniable advantage of being very easy to match with most styles and trends!

Make Your Scarf a Reminder of the Rest of Your Outfit

Another technique for matching a scarf is to choose one that is the same colour as one or more elements of your outfit. This could be a beanie, shoes, or even a piece of clothing. The key to creating a nice contrast is ensuring that the item in the same shade as the scarf is not in direct contact with it. Instead of opting for a jacket in matching tones, consider a skirt, a pair of tights, or some trousers. 😉

How to Tie a Scarf?

Have you found the perfect scarf to keep you warm this winter? There are countless ways to tie it, allowing you to add some style to your outfit. Since a video explains how to make knots much better than a long text, I’ve put together a handy selection of video tutorials for you to check out in the following paragraphs.

When You're a Woman

If you're a woman, a stylishly tied scarf will be perfect for adding a touch of elegance. To help you with this, check out a variety of unique knot ideas by watching this video tutorial:

When You're a Man

The scarf is an accessory that can certainly be worn by men as well, adding a touch of class to a suit or any winter outfit. There are specific knots for these, which you can discover in the following video:

I hope this article has answered all your questions about scarves and how to choose and tie them. If you found these tips useful, feel free to check out our bohemian blog for more simple tips on dressing stylishly for any occasion, no matter your style! 😉