How to Wear a Scarf: Styles, Colors, and Types

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

I will assist you.

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

Today, I'm sharing all my tips on how to find the scarf you'll never want to take off this winter!

There are many styles of scarves that are suitable for all seasons and fashion preferences. Some of these include the snood, the classic scarf, and its oversized version for extra warmth, as well as the Eastern styles made from fabric, such as the keffiyeh and the chèche. The scarf is an accessory that can easily match with your hair, eyes, or any part of your outfit. Be sure to choose a colour that enhances your skin tone. Lighter skin tones will be complemented by bright and light colours, while medium tones look their best with vibrant hues. Finally, scarves pair beautifully with bohemian fashion. If this aligns with your style, don't hesitate to accessorize your winter outfits with lovely scarves, artfully tied!

Looking for more details? Keep reading to find out:

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

woman wearing a scarf

What are the different types of scarves?

An iconic winter accessory, the scarf is perfect for keeping you warm while highlighting your face. To start, I invite you to 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, narrow piece of fabric that is typically made of wool or cashmere. It is very warm and can be quite classic, or it can feature patterns or fringes. It can be paired with a beanie and gloves, and it complements all styles and outfits, especially if you opt for a solid colour.

classic keffiyeh scarf

Fabric scarf, similar to a Keffiyeh or Chèche

The Keffiyeh or Shemagh: Scarves of Eastern Origin

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

Their ethnic side blends perfectly with the bohemian style: it’s a light and colourful fabric that you can use to accessorize your bohemian dresses, for example.

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

The snood: a cozy circular scarf

This type of scarf, which has been very trendy in recent years, is particularly suitable for active individuals, athletes, and children. It is designed to be worn around the neck, ensuring it stays in place and doesn't interfere with your day.

The Oversized Scarf or Shawl

When it's cold outside, we often find ourselves dreaming of curling up in a cozy blanket at home. To recreate that sense of comfort, don't hesitate to opt for an oversized scarf! This is a piece of fabric that is square or rectangular in shape and covers your shoulders and wraps around your neck. You can use it like a blanket over your shoulders, or you can fold it to double its thickness and wear it like a traditional scarf, except that it will provide even more insulation from the cold.

👉 Just like the keffiyeh and chèche, this type of scarf is perfect for a winter bohemian style. Choose a colour and patterns that match your outfit and accessories to achieve a trendy look, even in the coldest weather!

oversized snood scarf wrap

Snood / Oversized Scarf or Shawl

How to Choose a Scarf That Suits Me?

Just like with all clothing and accessories, there are tips to know to ensure that your scarf enhances your look. Let's explore them together in the following lines!

By choosing one that matches your face

A scarf is an accessory that frames your face and can truly enhance your appearance. To achieve this, it's essential to choose a complementary colour:

  • to your skin tone,
  • to your hair,
  • and to your eyes.

If you have blonde, fine hair and fair skin, I recommend wearing pastel shades. On the other hand, if you have a medium complexion and dark hair, you can pull off beautiful, vibrant colours.

If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to choose a scarf that matches the colour of your eyes. This will create a visually appealing connection that will instantly brighten your appearance.

👉 Do you wear glasses? Instead of relying solely on the colour of your eyes to choose your scarf, you could also consider matching it to the shade of your frames.

women's fashion scarf

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 have long or thick hair and wear it down, I recommend opting for a rather thin scarf.

There are also anti-static sprays available at craft stores and fabric shops. When sprayed on your fabrics, they help prevent your hair from becoming charged with static electricity, keeping it looking neat. Handy, right? 😉

trendy women's scarf

A Scarf That Matches Your Style

Finally, when choosing a scarf, I recommend considering your wardrobe. It’s important to select a material and a colour that will match with as many items in your closet as possible. Neutral colours, such as navy blue, beige, off-white, brown, burgundy, or charcoal grey, are perfect if you're unsure. They might not be the most original choices, but they have the undeniable advantage of being very easy to mix and match with most styles and trends!

bohemian scarf for women

Make Your Scarf a Reminder of Your Entire 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 hat, shoes, or another piece of clothing. The secret to creating a nice contrast is to ensure that the clothing item in the same shade as the scarf is not in direct contact with it. Instead of a jacket in the same tones, opt for a skirt, a pair of tights, or pants. 😉

winter scarf how to wear it

How to Tie a Scarf?

Have you found the perfect scarf to keep warm this winter? There are countless ways to tie it in order to add style to your outfit. Since a video demonstrates how to create knots much better than a lengthy text, I've prepared a small selection of video tutorials for you to explore in the following paragraphs.

how to tie a women's scarf tutorial

Being a Woman

If you're a woman, a stylishly tied scarf will be perfect for elevating your look. To help you with that, check out the many creative knot ideas in this video tutorial:

When You're a Man

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

I hope this article has answered all the questions you have about scarves and how to choose and tie them. If you found these tips helpful, feel free to browse our bohemian blog, to discover more simple tips for dressing stylishly in any situation, no matter your taste! 😉

Need some inspiration? Explore ways to style scarves with outfits for the perfect bohemian vibe. View Our Boho Outfit Inspiration