Use Scarves as Accessories

A head scarf isn't just a scarf styling item; it's also ideal for use as an accessory on different parts of the body. This article shows just some of the ways that you can make your scarf go further.

Steps

  1. Use the scarf as a hair accessory. A scarf can be worn in a few styles for your hair:
    • If you're wearing a ponytail, tie a short scarf around the ponytail. Either leave the loose ends dangling down, or consider winding them around your ponytail for a tighter, neater ponytail look.
    • Wear it as a headband if it is long enough. Try to match it to your clothing colors. When wearing it as a headband, either knot up the extra scarf end left over or draw it around to dangle over one shoulder for a stylish look. This is a particularly good use for a very long scarf.
    • A broad scarf tied across most of the top of your head can give a "pirate" look to your style.
    • If you're braiding your hair, weave the scarf in an out as one of the hair strands for a particularly interesting hairstyle.
  2. Tie the scarf in a knot around your neck to achieve a look of 50s chic. This is ideal for shorter scarves, although draping the ends of longer scarves made of such fabric as lace or velvet down the length of your back can be very chic for evening wear.
  3. Tie it around your waist as a belt. This is an excellent way of getting more perfectly matched colors with your outfit. The scarf can be used simply rolled up and threaded through the belt loops of your usual clothing or it can be turned into something more fancy, as shown in this image, and pinned or tied into place.
    • If you do thread the scarf through your belt, leaving some dangling down can add a stylish touch.
  4. Hang a thin scarf from your wrist to create a fast and easy bracelet. This is a great way to show off a favorite scarf that doesn't get enough everyday wear, especially if you align the best pictures or patterns so that they show outward.
  5. Use to improve older shoes. Pairs of scarves can be added to shoes as ties or decorations to give the shoes a new lease of life. If you have shoes which have a ribbon or other fabric ties that have since worn out, replace these with scarves.
    • Scarves can be wound around shoe or sandal straps to make them more interesting or to complement an outfit.
    • In the same way, scarves can be wrapped around a bag handle or tied on as a bow to brighten up the bag.

Tips

  • Lots of scarves in pre-loved condition can be purchased from thrift stores. You can find all sorts of colors and designs to play with.
  • Some color tips:
    • If you have blond hair, avoid wearing orange or yellow colors.
    • If you have bronze or black hair, avoid wearing white or lighter colors unless you know they suit.
    • It you have black hair and pale skin, most colors will look good on you.
  • Silk, rayon, thin cotton and other thin, wispy fabrics tend to be best for the more delicate scarf accessories. Scarves made of thicker materials such as wool or made thick through knitting, crocheting, etc. may not repurpose as easily. Experiment to see what works out and what doesn't.

Things You'll Need

  • Scarves
  • Brooches or ties for scarves (optional)

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