Ways to Wear Scarves: 11 Tips Per a Fashion Editor

There are some things that you just can’t figure out how to wear. For instance, you might wonder how to wear a floral dress or if scarves are still in style. The answer to the latter is: absolutely. And for the record, scarves are more than just functional. They’re also an easy way to add pops of color, character, and visual interest to any outfit. Whether you’re cozying up in a chunky knit scarf during winter or styling a breezy square scarf for spring, this versatile accessory has an undeniable charm. However, scarves come in many shapes, sizes, and fabrics—which can make it tricky to decide how to wear them. That’s why we rounded up different ways to wear scarves.

No matter your personal style or the season, there’s always room to use a scarf to tie your look together (pun intended). Below, we dive into how scarves—from infinity scarves to blanket scarves—are still wildly popular. We also offer tips for styling different types of scarves in ways that are practical and fashion-forward. Whether you’re a minimalist looking for a subtle touch or someone who loves bold, eye-catching accessories, this guide will have something for you.

11 Different Ways to Wear Scarves

Do People Still Wear Scarves?

People definitely still wear scarves, proving that this type of garment has stood the test of time as a beloved accessory. While once associated primarily with cold-weather outfits, scarves are now a year-round staple. From lightweight infinity scarves in summer to oversized blanket scarves in fall, they continue to find their way into wardrobes worldwide. Thanks to their versatility, scarves are not just a functional item but a key piece for layering, adding texture, or creating standout looks. (I mean, Lenny Kravitz made blanket scarves his whole personality…)

Fashion enthusiasts also embrace scarves for their cultural and nostalgic significance. Iconic styles—like Audrey Hepburn’s chic headscarf or modern streetwear-inspired bandanas—show how scarves adapt to trends while remaining timeless. So, whether it’s a silk scarf knotted around a bag handle or a cozy winter wrap, scarves remain a go-to accessory.

Keep reading to learn what the different types of scarves are and how to best style them to live your best fashionista life.

Person wearing a gray cardigan and a red scarf, showing one of many ways to wear a scarf

How To Wear Different Types Of Scarves

Long Scarves

Because of the sheer length of this garment, long scarves can be styled in a couple of highly elegant ways. These include:

Belted Drape: Let the scarf hang loosely around your neck and secure it with a (complementary) belt at the waist. This adds structure and elegance to your ‘fit.
Over-the-Shoulder Toss: Speaking of elegance… To achieve a graceful-yet-effortless look, drape the scarf over your shoulders and toss one side over your shoulder of preference.
The Double Wrap: One of our favorite ways to wear a long scarf is by draping the garment over your neck. From there, take one side of the scarf and wrap it around your neck to create a circle at the chest.

Small Square Scarves

Perhaps counterintuitively, small square scarves are also quite versatile because of how small they are. Here are our two favorite ways to style the tiny-but-mighty accessory:

The Classic: Fold the scarf into a triangle (touch the corners to each other diagonally), then roll it into a band. Wrap it around your neck and tie a small knot at the front or side.
Wrist Wrap: Wrap the scarf around your wrist twice for a unique, bracelet-inspired accessory.

Person wearing a black beanie and a plaid blanket scarf, which is one of many ways to wear scarves

Blanket Scarves

If you don’t want to live your best Lenny Kravitz fantasy by just throwing on a blanket scarf, consider these two styling tips:

The Shawl: Spread the scarf out and drape it over your shoulders like a cozy wrap. This is the perfect look for chilly days and windy outings because it does a great job protecting you from the elements.
The Belted Poncho: This is similar to the belted drape we talked about for long scarves. To get the look, fold the scarf in half diagonally, drape it over your shoulders, and secure it with a belt for a chef’s-kiss poncho effect.

Bulky Scarves

What differentiates a bulky scarf from a blanket scarf, you ask? Well, while these are bulky, they’re not as large as blanket scarves. For that reason, consider styling them like so:

A Layered Loop: Wrap the scarf twice around your neck and let the ends hang loose for a full, layered look. It’ll add extra bulk, sure, but it’ll also keep you extra cozy.
The Tucked Drape: Simply drape the scarf around your neck and tuck it into a coat for a preppy finish.

Person looking to the side wears a circle scarf, also known as an infinity scarf

Circle Scarves (a.k.a. Infinity Scarves)

Indulge me in a moment of personality: The word “infinity” automatically reminds me of the Avengers because of the Infinity stones. Thank you for that! Your reward? Two ways to style circle scarves:

The Classic Loop: Wrap the infinity scarf around your neck once or twice for a cozy, polished look.
Shoulder Wrap: Spread the scarf wide and drape it over your shoulders for a dramatic yet functional style. Admittedly, this is a bit avant-garde, but we trust that you can pull it off.