Cozy Fashion: How To Wear A Winter Scarf

Winter has arrived, and the icy weather has everyone trying to figure out how to dress in cozy layers without looking like the Hulk! Enter the scarf—a much-loved but underused accessory that will keep you warm and elevate your winter style.

Scarves are the ultimate winter wardrobe heroes. Whether you’re running errands or heading out for a nice dinner, a scarf can make you look chic. This season, there are lots of ways to wear a scarf. Let’s take a look.

Mastering the Art of Cozy Fashion: How to Wear A Winter Scarf

How To Wear a Long Winter Scarf

When it comes to winter scarves, everything goes. You can wrap or double-wrap a scarf to keep you snuggly, wear it hanging straight down for a more dramatic look, or try styling one like this.

Wear a Scarf Tone on Tone for an Elegant Look

Tone-on-tone is associated with quiet luxury. I love this soft, elegant cream scarf with its gentle look and beautiful whipstitching. It looks gorgeous when worn tone-on-tone with this timeless camel coat. So you know, tone-on-tone works with any color. I recently bought a luxurious red Alpaca coat and paired it tone-on-tone with a red cashmere scarf. It’s stunning.

Wear a Scarf with Black Leather to Soften the Look

Have you ever thought of wearing a scarf with a black leather jacket? As you’ve probably know, black leather can be tricky to wear when you’re older since black plays up shadows and wrinkles. Leather can also feel a bit tough. So a soft, pretty cashmere scarf softens the look considerably and makes wearing black leather easier.  This scarf I’m showing comes in a few colors, but I like the bold pink because it’s vibrant and full of life. Did you notice the herringbone pattern? I like how they’ve combined a timeless pattern with such a bold color and then paired it with an edgy leather jacket.

I also like the combination of this serious-looking pinstripe suit with this vibrant scarf. The scarf has a similar effect. It adds life and femininity to this classic menswear look.

Wear a Scarf with Suede/Shearling for a Cozy, Textured Look

Suppose you want an earthy look. What about this fun,  long, colorblock scarf with the twisty ends worn with a shearling coat and brown flare jeans?  The double dose of texture and the warm colors are a nod to the 70s and Boho chic.

Create a belted layer look

Speaking of the 70s, how about 60s fashion? Tucking scarves into belts was hot in the ‘60s, and it’s trending again this winter. To get the look, drape a long scarf around your neck and let it hang down evenly in the front. Make sure it’s lying flat against your coat, and then add a decorative belt.

Drape Your Scarf

A classic way to wear a long winter scarf is to cross one end around your neck and down your back, leaving the other end hanging in front. This extra-long, gray, two-tone scarf does that in a high-fashion way. The pairing of brown, burgundy, and gray rather than traditional black also makes it look very modern.   

How To Wear a Short Winter Scarf

Short scarves, like this fine, black rhinestone one, also look nice draped around your neck and seem more appropriate for a cardigan than a big, thick scarf. 

Try a French Twist

To create a French twist on your short winter scarf, wrap it around once, leaving one end just a bit longer than the other. Then, tuck it into the loop at your neck. This is a  nice way to frame the face.

Create a bow out of it

This playful, feminine look is great for dressy occasions. Just tie your scarf into a small, loose bow, and adjust it towards the side of your neck.

Tuck it into your coat

Draping your scarf around your neck and gently tucking the ends into your jacket or coat looks lovely and sleek. For added structure, you can also tie it into a knot and then tuck it in. 

How To Wear a Square Winter Scarf

Square scarves are some of the warmest scarves you can get because they cover more of your neck, creating a pocket of warm air. You can:

Do a classic fold and tuck

Fold your square winter scarf diagonally, placing the wide edge along the front of your neck and wrapping the two ends around until they meet. Then, tie a loose knot to tuck underneath! 

Recreate an elegant side-knot

Using your square scarf to make a side knot elevates tailored coats or winter sweaters.  Fold the scarf into a triangle, wrap it around your neck, and tie the ends into a knot. Leave the ends to drape over your shoulders, and twist it just slightly to the side. 

Use it as a Faux Shawl.

Fold the scarf diagonally, drape it over your shoulders, and tie the ends in a loose knot. You can even secure the knot with a decorative ring brooch.  Or take a very wide rectangular scarf like this classic yarn scarf.

How To Wear a Thick Winter Scarf

Thick, chunky scarves are obviously warm, but they also add some nice texture to make your outfit more 3D. 

Choose the right fabric.

For winter wear, focus on high-quality fabrics that are warm and breathable, like cashmere, wool, or soft knit blends. I like this Glen plaid scarf, as well as solid-colored scarves and patterns, such as herringbone or plaid, which I consider classic staples.

Create a chunky double-wrapped look

For scarves with chunky knits but not bulky appearances, you can double-wrap them for a warmer and more chic appearance. 

For example, you can wrap this striped rib scarf around your neck twice, tucking the ends in for a more polished look or leaving them out for a more laid-back look.

How To Wear a Winter Scarf on Your Head

Headscarves are chic; just look at Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, who wore this timeless look beautifully.

To create a chic head wrap, fold a square wool headscarf into a triangle, place it over your head with the point of the triangle draping over the back of your neck, cross the two ends under your chin, and tie them loosely together.

You can also turn your scarf into a draped hood. Wrap it around your neck once, with the ends hanging down the front, and pull up the back of your scarf so it goes up and over the back of your head.  

How To Wear a Winter Infinity Scarf

Infinity scarves are popular because they always stay in place since the two ends of the scarf are knitted together. To style, keep it simple with a singular basic loop. Slip it over your head and fluff it up so it doesn’t look too flat—or double loop it.

On extra-cold winter days, try a larger infinity scarf made of a thicker knit. Just be mindful of what you wear it with. To keep your outfit balanced, pair a thick infinity scarf with an open jacket or cardigan rather than a thick winter coat.

Which winter scarf method are you using to tweak your chic this season?

Staying warm and looking fab in winter doesn’t mean frumpy, bulky layers; there are so many ways to style a winter scarf.

For more winter-related content, check out my post on how to wear white in winter! Also, be sure to visit my LTK shop to see all my favorite pieces in one spot.

Lastly, you can chat more about winter scarf styling methods with my other readers in the Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, my private Facebook group, which you can join here.