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

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

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I particularly enjoy discovering outfits that combine comfort with a trendy look. This notably relies on the choice of accessories, such as scarves, which should be both matching your style, practical and comfortable to wear.

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

There are many styles of scarves suitable for all seasons and tastes. Among them is the snood, the classic scarf, its oversized version to keep you even warmer, and its Eastern fabric variations such as the keffiyeh and the chèche. A scarf is an easy accessory to match, whether with your hair, your eyes, or an element of your outfit. Make sure to choose a colour that enhances your skin tone. Light complexions are complemented by soft, bright colours, while olive skin tones are best accentuated by bold, vibrant hues. Lastly, the scarf pairs wonderfully with bohemian fashion. If this aligns with your style, don't hesitate to accessorise your winter outfits with lovely scarves, elegantly tied!

Would you like to know more? Read on to find out:

  • What are the different types of scarves to help you find the one that suits you,
  • How to choose your scarf based on your complexion, eye colour, and hair type,
  • Tips for finding the scarf that matches your clothing style,
  • Video tutorials on how to tie it, whether you are male or female.

woman wearing a scarf

What are the different types of scarves?

An iconic winter accessory, the scarf is perfect for keeping you warm and highlighting your face. To begin with, I suggest exploring 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 piece of fabric, usually made of wool or cashmere. It is very warm and can be quite classic or have 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 plain colour.

Classic keffiyeh scarf

Fabric scarf, of the Keffiyeh or Chèche type

The Keffiyeh or Chèche: Scarves of Eastern Origin

Do you prefer wearing a fabric scarf? If so, consider the keffiyeh or chèche, scarves traditionally worn by men in the Eastern desert to shield themselves from the sun and sandstorms. These scarves are very lightweight and can be worn in mid-season or underneath a wool scarf in winter to keep you warm.

Their ethnic side pairs beautifully with the bohemian style: it is a lightweight and colourful fabric that you can wear to accessorise your bohemian dresses, for instance.

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The snood, a round scarf that keeps you warm

This type of scarf, which has been quite trendy in recent years, is particularly suitable for active individuals, athletes, and children. It is designed to be worn as a neck warmer, ensuring it stays in place and doesn't get in your way throughout the day.

Oversized Scarf or Shawl

When it's cold outside, it's often tempting to dream of wrapping up in a blanket at home. To recreate this feeling of comfort, consider opting for an oversized scarf! This is a piece of fabric that can be square or rectangular in shape, which covers your shoulders and wraps around your neck. You can use it like a blanket over your shoulders or double its thickness by folding it and wearing it like a classic scarf, with the added benefit that it will keep you even warmer.

👉 Just like the keffiyeh and the chèche, this type of scarf is excellent for a winter bohemian style. Choose a colour and patterns that complement your outfit and the rest of your accessories to achieve a trendy look, even when it’s very cold!

oversized snood scarf wrap

Oversized Snood / Scarf or Wrap

How to Choose a Scarf That Suits Me?

As with all clothing and accessories, there are some tips to keep in mind to ensure your scarf enhances your appearance. Let's explore these together in the following paragraphs!

By choosing one that complements your face

The scarf is an accessory that will frame your face and can truly enhance your features. To achieve this, it is essential to select a colour that complements your look:

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

If you have blonde, fine hair and fair skin, I recommend opting for pastel shades. On the other hand, if you have a darker complexion with dark hair, you can go for lovely 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 nice aesthetic reminder, instantly enhancing your complexion.

👉 Do you wear glasses? Instead of choosing your scarf based on the colour of your eyes, you could also try matching it to the shade of your frames.

women's fashion scarf

A Scarf to Complement 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 is long or thick, I recommend a rather thin scarf.

There are also anti-static sprays available, which you can find in craft stores and haberdasheries. Once sprayed on your fabrics, they prevent your hair from becoming charged with static electricity, thus stopping it from constantly becoming unruly. Handy, right? 😉

trendy women's scarf

A scarf to match your style

Finally, when selecting a scarf, I recommend considering your wardrobe. It's important to choose a material and colour that will complement as many of your clothes as possible. Neutral shades, such as navy, beige, cream, brown, burgundy, or charcoal grey, are ideal if you're unsure. They may not be the most original choices, but they have the undeniable advantage of being very easy to match with most styles and trends!

bohemian scarf women's fashion

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 items in your outfit. This could be a hat, shoes, or another piece of clothing. The secret to creating a lovely contrast is to ensure that the item of the same shade as the scarf is not in direct contact with it. Rather than opting for a jacket in the same tones, consider selecting a skirt, a pair of tights, or trousers instead. 😉

How to wear a winter scarf

How to Tie a Scarf?

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

how to tie a women's scarf tutorial

When You're a Woman

If you're a woman, a stylishly tied scarf will be perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your look. To achieve 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 also be worn by gentlemen, to add 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 interesting, feel free to explore our bohemian blog for more easy tips on how to dress stylishly in any situation, no matter your taste! 😉

Need some inspiration? Explore ways to style scarves with outfits for the ultimate bohemian look. View Our Boho Outfit Inspirations