by Kimberley Heit

Created on: June 21, 2009

Whether it's a simple hand knitted creation, or a luxurious silk Hermes, a scarf can help reinvent your look in an instant. There are countless ways to accent your look with scarves. This article explores ways to wear a scarf around your neck, on the head, around the waist and added to your handbag. It also looks at some additional tips for accenting your look with scarves.

Around the neck

The classic way to wear a scarf is in some way or other around the neck. Most scarves can usually be worn in a wide variety of different ways around the neck. Some of the most common ways include; tied in a knot, one side flipped over the shoulder, two sides flipped over the shoulders and worn open. Remember that a color that flatters your skin tone looks great when worn near the face. This is especially the case on mature skin, or if you look pale due to illness.

In determining how to wear your scarf around the neck you should give some consideration to your face and body type. If you have large breasts, or a full face you will typically look better with a narrow scarf tied lower on the body or left open. This is because it will help elongate the proportions of your upper body. In reverse if you have a narrow face and small chest a shorter, wider scarf, tied at the neck or chest, or flipped over the shoulders, is likely to be more flattering.

On the head

A scarf can provide the ultimate of rescues on a bad hair day. You can wear narrow scarves tied bandanna style just back from your hairline leaving a little hair around your face. Or try using a square style to completely cover the top of your head by tying it under the back of your neck. These looks often complimented by hoop earrings.

As a belt

Scarves can prove useful in highlighting your waist or hips. A loose, flowing dress or tunic top looks very feminine when nipped in at the waist with a skinny scarf. If you are fuller through the stomach region, but have narrow hips, you might like to try tying the scarf around your hips instead. Alternatively you can thread the scarf through your belt loops as you would another belt.

Attached to your handbag

Many fashion houses like Gucci have added scarves to their bags to create a fun, yet stylish look. You can try this yourself by weaving a scarf through any loops on your bag or tying it to one of the handles. Straw beach bags can look particularly effective with this technique.

Some additional tips for accenting your look with scarves:

-Use scarves to make your outfit look seasonal-a chunky wool scarf signals winter, a pastel scarf spring, a sheer scarf summer and a lightweight cashmere style is perfect for autumn.

-Think multipurpose-large, lightweight scarves often double as wraps, or can be tied around the hips to form a sarong.

-Experiment with color, texture and print to mix up your everyday look. This is particularly useful in making your work clothing, or travel wardrobe go the distance.

-Throw on a sheer, beaded or sequined style to go from work to play.

Scarves provide the ultimate way to showcase your own personal style and creativity. Don't be afraid to play around and come up with new ideas of your own!

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Heit.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.