Scarf Tying--How to Add That Special Touch to Any Outfit

Decorative scarves add so much to a wardrobe. Whether an elegant wrap for a high fashion ensemble or the finishing touch to a casual outfit of skinny jeans and cowl-neck sweater, scarves accentuate the look. Classy!

If you are new to scarves, tying them can be a real challenge. There are so many varieties of styles, dimensions and fabrics on the market, each one needing a little different technique to make it look "just right". Where to start?

Personally, I received a gorgeous accordion pleated scarf for a birthday present and had absolutely no idea how to tie it. It is large and long. Lacking a person in my home who could help me (the guys were no help at all) I took to the internet and found this easy-to-follow video by Gillian Young . She illustrates several different scarf-tying techniques. I opted for the first one and it came out great!

There are four basic ways to tie a rectangular scarf:

1. European Loop. As you will see in the video, this technique is a simple method that creates a very chic look. Take a long, rectangular scarf in hand and fold it in half, ends meeting. In one hand you will have a loop, in the other hand the loose ends. Lift the scarf over your head and lay it across the back of your neck. Pull the open ends of the scarf through the closed "loop" end. Pull the open ends through as you gently push the knot up to your neckline. Voila! A great new look.

2. Loose Neck Wrap. This technique creates a loose, billowy look. Take your scarf and place it around the back of your neck so that the ends fall down your front, one side longer than the other. Using the longer side, wrap the scarf loosely around your neck and, coming around front, bring that same end up and through the scarf near your neckline. Adjust the fabric so that the long parts of the scarf are covering you in front. Nice, cozy and warm!

3. Double Wrap. Similar to #2, take your scarf and loop it not once but twice around your neck and then bring it up and through the scarf near your neckline.

4. Ascot Knot: as you will see in the second video, using a long rectangular scarf, first find the middle of the scarf. Place the middle across the front of your neck, allowing the ends to drape behind your shoulders on either side. Reaching around, pull the ends across the back of your neck, around front and then cross the left side over the right. Pull the left up through the "hole", lightly tying it.Gently fluff the long ends out to make it look great!

How to tie a square scarf:

Triangle Scarf Wrap. This can be done with a triangular scarf but it can also be done with a large square scarf, folded in half to create a triangle. Holding two opposite ends of the triangle, one in each hand, bring them around your neck much like a bib. Pull the ends around you to the front and secure underneath the "bib".

Now that you know how to tie them, you will probably want to add more scarves to your wardrobe for every occasion! But where do you keep them? In a ball in a drawer? Not recommended!

The best way to store scarves is by hanging them in your closet. Simply fold each scarf in half and wrap them around the lower rung of a sturdy hanger, using the same method as the European Loop.

They will stay neat and will be ready for you, any time you need one.