Scarves can be a great addition to your wardrobe. They not only add flair and colour to any outfit; they’re also great for wrapping up on a cold winter day. A cosy scarf is also a good alternative to a heavy coat in between seasons. You can never have too many scarves in your wardrobe! More importantly, though, is how you wear your scarf. 

Are you guilty of just throwing it around your neck? To really add a bit of zing to your wardrobe, get creative with them. Wear scarves around your neck or be a bit more daring by using a thin one as a belt. Use them to accessorise different hairstyles or turn them into clothes. Let’s start with some more unusual ways to wear a simple scarf.

All it takes is a few simple steps to turn your scarf into a vest. First, get your hands on a wide, long scarf. Hold it lengthwise and fold in half. Tie the top two corners together with a knot. Pull up the centre and tie that in as well so that you create two armholes. Pop your arms in and you have a vest. Voila! Wearing brightly coloured scarf vests over plain T-shirts can be a cheap and cheerful addition to your wardrobe.

Turn a large scarf into a cape by draping it loosely over your shoulders. Or go one step further and tie it around your middle with a funky belt so that your cape doubles up as a cool jacket on a breezy summer evening. Your favourite scarf can easily be turned into a sarong by simply wrapping it around your waist before hitting the beach.

Have you ever been put off heading to the beach because of the damage the sun causes to your hair? Yes, we’ve all been there. Luckily this can be easily overcome by turning your scarf into a turban to protect it from the wind and rays. Take a long, thin scarf, fold it into a narrow band and have fun experimenting with different turban styles.

Do something similar for a cute bohemian look on an evening out. If you feel like trying out a more retro look, put your hair in a high bun and finish it off with a bright scarf. Scarves also make great belts. Roll one up and feed it through the belt loops on your jeans to make your outfit that bit more unique. Simple summer dresses also look with a scarf belt tied around your waist.

Everyone knows how to simply wind a scarf around their neck and let the ends hang down. Let’s face it though; this won’t make you stand out from the crowd. Try draping it around two or three times, (depending on its length) and then pull the ends through to give you little bunny ears. This is guaranteed to give you the wow factor without detracting from your top. Or create an infinity loop by draping a scarf around your neck and tying the ends together.

Cross the edges over and drape over your head once more. Keep going until the whole scarf has been used. A waterfall look with a brightly coloured wider scarf adds a summery splash to a plain dress. Loop it once round your neck, leaving one end much longer than the other. Grab this long end and fasten it loosely at your shoulder so the fabric has a waterfall effect. Finish off the look with a cute statement brooch.

These are just a few suggestions of ways to style your scarf but be as creative as you like – there really is no right and wrong way to wear a scarf! For more inspiration, a simple internet search will provide you will a wealth of ideas.

Scarves can be a great wardrobe accessory at any time of year and really finish off an outfit. Whether you’re going warm and cosy in the winter or floaty and feminine in the summer, don’t just throw your scarf around your neck. Be creative!