8 Chic and Simple Ways to Wear a Scarf

Channelling effortless style with the art of silks.

Unlike other accessories, the scarf is by far one of the most unique wardrobe extras. You can tie it around the waist to mimic a silky sash belt, frame the face to cop a glamorous head wrap, or for a touch of modesty and poolside panache, cinch it around the body as a chic cover-up.

The ways to wear a scarf are infinite but it is pulling it off with style that can be the real challenge. A quick and easy method is to — but, of course — throw it nonchalantly around your neck and simply call it a day. But that’s not really championing stylistic flair, or for that matter, tapping into a scarf’s full and creative potential, is it?

To embrace the scarf, you’ll have to first overcome its curious and sartorially daunting effect. Convince yourself that learning to wear one isn’t anything close to taking a semester in rocket science. Instead, there should be a spirit of sassiness and joy when experimenting with scarves. Pick your favorite print, colour, style and let the fun begin.

The Smooth Operator

In the world of scarves, Hermès is king and renowned for its artisanal prowess.

The French company created its first scarf in 1937, and to date boasts over 2,000 colourful designs in flora and fauna, as well as graphic/vector prints. The range of scarf styles is also the other reason why the equestrian house is a go-to for innovative silks. Fancy a piece as elaborate and bold as an ornate bracelet trimming a delicate wrist? Well, there is the Twilly, a simple yet peerless piece, which you can also knot into a mini cravat (on an everyday shirt), or simply tie it around the neck to mimic a cool cowboy-knot necktie.

Bobcat Twillon in silk twill (won on ponytail), Carré Wash 90 Manufacture de Boucleries Détail scarf in silk twill and Carré 90 Étries Tattoo scarf in silk twill (tied together and worn as a halter top); Rocabar Twilly in silk twill (worn on the wrist); and silver Loop earrings, all by Hermès.

There are two new style releases this year, namely the Twillon and Carré Wash. The former is a two-sided bias strip of silk fabric, while the latter is a lightweight and machine washable version of the regular Carré (French for “scarf”), which requires general dry-cleaning.

Both styles offer a less intimidating and friendly approach to dressing up a scarf ensemble, thanks to its fuss-free design and easier-to-handle fabric textures. The Twillon is long enough to go around the waist, knotted as a tie or used as a pretty ribbon trim for a ponytail, while the Carré Wash with its smoother and softer touch makes folding and knotting tricks a whole lot easier and achievable.

It’s A Wrap

Carré Wash 90 Pani La Shar Pawnee scarf in silk twill and felt hat with silver stud, both by Hermès. Top, by Sandro.

Classic square scarves offer a multitude of styling options – think headband to head wrap, cummerbund to halter top… There’s also an ingenious way of tying two scarves (worn in the front and back then casually knotted at the shoulders) to create a Roman-inspired tunic/smock top. Look to the smaller sized squares for more achievable and less constricting (read: comfy) necktie styles.

Lettres et Pois Maxi Twilly in silk twill (worn under blouse) and Carré 90 La Serpentine de Pierre Charpin scarf in silk twill, both Hermès. Silk pussycat bow blouse and denim jeans, both by Sandro.

Stoles, or mufflers are also easy-to-wear scarves to consider. Perfect for layering over (or under) feminine shirts/blouses, or tied around the waist, they lend interest and provide styling definition.

Image credits: Styling by Sharon Tulasidas, Photography by Wee Khim, Hair & Make-up by Marc Teng/Atelier, using Sebastian Professional and Armani Beauty respectively, Model Masha from AVE. Silk scarves from Hermès.