Scarves. The street style set can't get enough of them. In fact, everyone can't get enough of them. I personally have a stash pushing 50, which is sufficient to get started on my plans to open a sizeable scarf museum.
The reason you've probably got more scarves than anything else in your wardrobe? Their versatility knows no bounds. From holiday turban to faux roll-neck, makeshift bandeau to, well, just an actual scarf for when you feel a chill in the air, there are 101 things you can do with these simple foulards. They are by far one of the safest buys every season and every shopping trip.
What's not always so safe is how to tie or wear your scarf when the sartorial mood changes. Think it's all about a double-wrap with the ends hanging loose? No, we're afraid not. Does a skinny scarf still cut it? Yes, but you may need to consider wearing it around your waist rather than your neck. You see, the tides of scarf-styling have changed yet again, so we roamed around Instagram to find you a crop of pitch-perfect references.
So go through the gallery to see the latest ways to wear your scarf (or hundreds of scarves), and then shop from some new-in styles, just in case.
Style Notes: What makes this French, we hear you ask? Well, it's mainly to do with the inclusion of the beret but the front knot also adds a je ne sais quoi to the look.
Key Buy:
Keep it simple and chic with polka dots for the French scarf style. Just remember to wrap it around enough times to keep the ends short.
Style Notes: Want to appear as if you've even forgotten you've got a scarf on? Simply tie the ends at the front and leave the rest of it dangling behind you.
Key Buy:
These neutral colours will go with everything.
Style Notes: If you've got a blouse that you want to make it look like it has an attached necktie, then simply match up your scarf to your top. We suggest leopard print is the easiest to do with this tip.
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This one could even double up as a belt if you were feeling adventurous.
Style Notes: So it's now less about the side-knotted jaunty thing and more of this cowboy-inspired front-peak bandana styling, please. Camille Charrière has this look down pat.
Key Buy:
At only £25, this is a bargain.
Style Notes: If your denim shorts look in need of a reboot (or if you're off on a long haul holiday during the winter), then loop a printed silk scarf in the place of a belt, and tie at the side.
Try a leather one to belt around your trousers, but you can also use it to tie around your neck as well.
Style Notes: What did we tell you about cowboy vibes already? Blogger Anum Bashir of Desert Mannequin takes the idea a step further by adding a western-inspired bolo-style brooch.
This will also look great with a leather jacket.
Style Notes: Take your outfit assemblage to the next level by matching the print of a statement jacket, blouse or dress to your scarf. Pandora Sykes artfully ties her looks together with a set from Magda Butrym.
Key Buy:
What with yellow being such a key colour this season, you can match this scarf with this Topshop suit jacket.
Style Notes: The next stage in tying is to elaborately knot one as a thick choker, leaving the tails trailing behind you. Perfect for not interrupting an outfit's all-important lines, like this trackie on Man Repeller employee Elizabeth Tamkin.
We can't get enough of this Balenciaga scarf.
Style Notes: If you want your scarf to stand out, then make sure you've contrasted it with the rest of your outfit à la Olivia Palermo.
Try this with a red coat or a checked blazer.