Get Your Scarf Game On Point

The simplest way to stay warm and stay stylish in the winter is to accessorize your outfit with a scarf. They’re simple rectangles of fabric, but don’t think that just because they’re nothing more than textiles in oblong shapes, that they can’t do wonders for a look. If you’re starting to see the scarf at the end of the tunnel, but you’re still a little hesitant on how to wear one this winter, here are some tips.

Tie One On...Simply
Some people love elaborate ways to knot their scarves, and sometimes those can be great and look super stylish, but we recommend a “keep it simple” approach when starting out. If you’re comfortable with trying an elaborate knot, go ahead, there are plenty of videos online to help you with trying out different types of knots. But, the easiest and best way for beginningers to star their scarf wearing this season is the straightforward move of wrapping the scarf around your neck and letting the ends hang. Some men prefer to have the ends be symmetrical, some prefer to have them hand asymmetrically, with one lower than the other. Go with whichever way you prefer when you look in the mirror. As with most things, it all comes down to personal preference. Check out this video for our three favorite ways to knot up that scarf.

Loose Not Noose
If you do end up going with a more elaborate knot, the key is to keep it loose. No one looks good when they’re being choked by a scarf. Remember: a scarf isn’t a noose and it’s not a tie. Scarves are meant to flow and be a little free, not to be taut and inhibiting.

Make It Pop The main functional purpose of a scarf is to keep you warm, but the main fashionable purpose of a scarf is to add a little flair to your wardrobe. Think of it like a wintertime pocket square or tie. Winter can be drab, most often your winter coat will be a basic black, navy, charcoal, or brown, so you can use the scarf to add some color to really make your look pop. Single color scarves are great, but you can also experiment with plaids and other patterns.

Access With Other Accessories
As we mentioned, we like to think of scarves like wintertime pocket squares or ties, but sometimes in the winter, you’ll also be wearing pocket squares and/or ties. A lot of men make the mistake of thinking that if they have these other accessories, it’s too much to add a scarf on top of it, but you’re shortchanging yourself if you think this way. Trust us: you can pull off all these accessories at once provided they are thoughtfully chosen and aren’t too aggressive in color or pattern.

Over Or Under
Beginning scarf wearers tend to worry about whether they should wear the scarf under their overcoat or over it. A look on google at “men wearing scarves” and you’ll see all sorts of gents wearing scarves both ways. Either look is fine. Go with whichever you prefer, or go with whatever feels right for that outfit on that given day.