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  3. You'll Never Run Out of Solutions for How to Tie a Scarf with This Easy Guide

You'll Never Run Out of Solutions for How to Tie a Scarf with This Easy Guide

By Andrea Cheng and Samantha Sutton Updated Nov 09, 2021 @ 12:00 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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The Pretzel
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com

Sure, we love our puffer coats and fuzzy bags, but if you ask us, no winter wardrobe is truly complete without the addition of a scarf. Aside from providing warmth, this accessory is often our outfit's missing piece, adding interest, color, or even a fun print. However, there are numerous ways for how to tie a scarf, and each twist or knot has the ability to transform a look, taking it from meh to whoa.

RELATED: 14 Sweater Dress Outfits That Aren't as Basic as They Sound

All in all, we've discovered a total of 18 ways to tie a scarf — which sure feels like a lot for such a tiny piece of material. We've also created a handy step-by-step guide using GIFs, showing you exactly how to play around with your average 30'' x 80'' design like a pro.

So, if you're hoping to go beyond that simple drape, read on for a few fun ways for how to tie a scarf, helping you make the most out of this little extra all season long.

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The Basic Drape

The Basic Drape
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com

Step 1: Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and let it hang. 

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Belted Drape

Belted Drape
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and let it hang. 

Step 2: Fasten a skinny belt over the scarf at the waist. 

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The Toss

The Toss
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf evenly around your neck.

Step 2: Toss one end over the opposite shoulder. 

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The Reverse Drape

The Reverse Drape
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and let it hang. 

Step 2: Toss one end of the scarf over one shoulder.

Step 3: Toss the other end over the opposite shoulder. 

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The Front Tie

The Front Tie
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf evenly around your neck and let it hang. 

Step 2: Cross and tie the two ends in the center. Adjust so that one is layered over the other, and fluff.

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The Basic Loop

The Basic Loop
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf unevenly around your neck (the short end should hit the chest area).

Step 2: Loop the longer end around your neck twice before letting it hang.

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Knotted Basic Loop

Knotted Basic Loop
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf unevenly around your neck (the short end should hit the chest area).

Step 2: Loop the longer end around your neck twice before letting it hang.

Step 3: Jauntily tie the two ends off to the side.

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Tucked-In Basic Loop

Tucked-In Basic Loop
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf unevenly around your neck (the short end should hit the chest area).

Step 2: Loop the longer end around your neck twice before letting it hang.

Step 3: Cross the two ends and tuck them under the loop. 

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The Loop Through

The Loop Through
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Fold your scarf in half and drape around your neck.

Step 2: Feed both ends through the loop and pull through.

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The Neckerchief

The Neckerchief
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Halve the scarf twice, so that it's a rectangle. 

Step 2: Fold the square diagonally for a triangular shape. 

Step 3: Take the two ends located on the longest side of the triangle and tie it around your neck. 

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The Faux Infinity

The Faux Infinity
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Knot the two opposite corners of the scarf together to create a circle. 

Step 2: Swing it over your head (with the knot at the back) twice.

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The Head Scarf

The Head Scarf
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Spread out the fabric and drape it over your head. 

Step 2: Toss one end over one shoulder.

Step 3: Throw the remaining end across the other shoulder.

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The Wrap

The Wrap
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Treat your scarf like a shawl—spread out the fabric and wrap it evenly around both shoulders. 

Step 2: Leave one end across your body. Throw the other one across the opposite shoulder. 

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The Wrap Without Tails

The Wrap Without Tails
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Treat your scarf like a shawl—spread out the fabric and wrap it evenly around both shoulders. 

Step 2: Tuck one corner underneath the scarf behind the opposite shoulder.

Step 3: Throw the remaining end across the other shoulder.

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The Figure 8

The Figure 8
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Fold your scarf in half and drape around your neck. 

Step 2: Feed the top end through the loop. 

Step 3: Twist the loop to create a second hole.

Step 4: Feed the bottom end through the second hole. Adjust accordingly. 

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The Neck-Tie

The Boyfriend Tie
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Drape the scarf around your neck. Make sure one end is longer than the other (the longer side will be the one to create the knot).

Step 2: Bring the longer end behind and then over the shorter end to create a makeshift loop. 

Step 3. Feed the longer end up and into this loop to form a knot. Tighten the knot and push up (like a tie). 

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Loop with Neck-Tie

Loop with Boyfriend Tie
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Loop the scarf around your neck once. Make sure one end is longer than the other (the longer side will be the one to create the knot).

Step 2: Bring the longer end behind and then over the shorter end to create a makeshift loop. 

Step 3. Feed the longer end up and into this loop to form a knot. Tighten the knot and push up (like a tie). 

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The Pretzel

The Pretzel
Credit: Sarah Balch for InStyle.com
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Step 1: Fold your scarf in half and drape around your neck. 

Step 2: Feed the top end through the loop. 

Step 3. Take the bottom end and bring it up over and through that same loop. 

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By Andrea Cheng and Samantha Sutton

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    1 of 18 The Basic Drape
    2 of 18 Belted Drape
    3 of 18 The Toss
    4 of 18 The Reverse Drape
    5 of 18 The Front Tie
    6 of 18 The Basic Loop
    7 of 18 Knotted Basic Loop
    8 of 18 Tucked-In Basic Loop
    9 of 18 The Loop Through
    10 of 18 The Neckerchief
    11 of 18 The Faux Infinity
    12 of 18 The Head Scarf
    13 of 18 The Wrap
    14 of 18 The Wrap Without Tails
    15 of 18 The Figure 8
    16 of 18 The Neck-Tie
    17 of 18 Loop with Neck-Tie
    18 of 18 The Pretzel

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