6 Ways to Wear Your Favorite Long Scarf Beauty & Style

6 Ways to Wear Your Favorite Long Scarf

Add instant style to your outfit with a few simple twists

Alamy Get in front of the mirror and start practicing several different ways to tie your scarf. Do you secretly think you're all thumbs when it comes to wearing scarves? Don't fall for those YouTube videos and Pinterest tutorials showing dozens of complex techniques. Scarves are the wardrobe ingredient that spice up neutral outfits, give jeans and tees a fashionable twist, and frame our faces with flattering color (no red lipstick required). You don't need to be a fashion stylist to get it right. These six ways to wear them are simple, easy and effective — as the accompanying DIY celeb photos prove. Start with a long, soft scarf. These look more contemporary than the print "designer" squares we craved in the '80s. (But check tip No. 6 for what to do with those, too!) Pick a blend of natural fibers like cotton, silk or cashmere; man-made ones like rayon or modal (derived from wood pulp); or synthetics like acrylic or polyester. This helps the scarf drape and resist wrinkles. Stick to lightweight blends for seasonless indoor-outdoor versatility. Then choose your fast fix. of

Do the basic dangle

This is a goof-proof way to create the illusion of a long, slim silhouette. Just center the scarf behind your neck and let the ends fall free — like Lauren Hutton. Select an interesting color or print that pops against your clothing. of

Use the one-shoulder toss for rock-star attitude

What works for scarf-master Judi Dench works for us, too. Simply center the scarf behind your neck and bring both ends forward. Let one end dangle, and rakishly toss the other end over the opposite shoulder. of

Wrap and dangle

One extra small step anchors that dangling scarf and creates another look. Center the scarf in front of your neck, bring the ends back to cross at the nape and then forward again, letting them dangle in front — like Christy Turlington. of

Swivel to one shoulder

This is a super simple twist on the wrap and dangle. Center the scarf in front of your neck, bring the ends back to cross at the nape and then forward again. Make a soft knot and then swivel it to one side, letting the ends fly. The longer the ends, the more dramatic the look — as Jane Fonda demonstrates. of

Do the fold loop and dangle

Do the fold loop and dangle. This trick lets the scarf take center stage, since it covers more of your chest. It's a great filler when wearing open jackets, or as a cool update for dresses and tops. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and wrap it around your neck so that both ends fall in front. Make the loop end shorter than the other one, and pull the longer end through the loop. Adjust it to your liking. Softly knot or let ends go free the way Elizabeth Hurley does. of

Turn it into a statement necklace

This scarf trick is a great alternative to a whopper necklace or earrings and one that brings flattering color near your face. It also does the business of a turtleneck without obviously being one. Loosely twist a long scarf into a soft rope before wrapping. Center the scarf high in front of your neck right beneath your chin, and bring the ends back to cross at the nape and then forward again before making a soft knot. Tuck the ends into the neckline of your top — like Isabella Rossellini — or let them show. Use this same trick to give your square, printed scarves a new twist, too. Fold the square in half to form a triangle, then roll to a narrow shape — point end in. Wrap as above. And remember: When it comes to scarves, don't aim for precision or perfection. The casual "fling and go" makes it modern. For more beauty and style tips for women age 50+, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson and .

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