5 Simple Ways To Wear A Skinny Scarf

The skinny scarf trend is nothing new. Around 1984, Madonna started tying skinny scarves into bows over her voluminous curls. In 2004, model Kate Moss draped a long skinny scarf around her neck making it one of the hottest accessories that year. In 2014 the Prada runway show included solid skinny scarves for men and women.

So why am I talking about this scarf today? First, it continues to be a major accessory trend. Second, there are so many inexpensive and versatile options in stores right now. In today’s post, I wanted to show you some simple ways to wear a skinny scarf…

*Updated August 2021*

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1. The Choker

One of the reasons I don’t wear scarves as often as I would like is because my day is always one part messy, two parts hectic. A scarf often gets in the way. The newest skinny scarves, however, are short and just a couple of inches wide, which makes them wearable even for an active mom.

My skinny scarf is from Banana Republic from a few years ago. They currently have some similar Recycled Extra-Long Neckerchiefs that you can wear the same way. I folded mine in half and wore it as a choker with the knot in the back (eliminating the possibility that I would spill my dinner on the ends!) This is an easy way to wear a scarf under a collared shirt and blazer without add any bulk to your neck. It’s also a good look if you’re petite or have a shorter neck.

2. The Wristband

I’ve mentioned wearing your skinny scarf around your wrist instead of a bracelet. Here’s my dirty little secret for wearing it this way. I don’t like to take off my Fitbit, even when I’m dressing up, so I wear this scarf over it. If you wrap it around twice and tie it into knots twice, it will look like this (and yes I did it myself, so I’m sure you can too!)

For your wrist, you’ll want a shorter scarf. I love Rebecca Minkoff’s Shibori Tie Dye Reversible Silk Skinny Scarf available at Nordstrom. There are also some affordable options in 100% polyester satin, available at Amazon:

Hint: Keep your scarf tied to your handbag so that you always have it “on hand.”

3. The Anklet

For an even more fashion-forward option, consider typing your scarf around your ankle. The 90s anklet trend is back, so expect to see this part of the body get a lot more attention in the upcoming months!

4. The Hair Accessory

As much as I love fashion, I’ve never spent much time doing my hair or make-up. I’ve always loved the idea of a headband, but the ones that I tried were either too tight or too much like my daughter’s accessories.

Then I tried this look, and loved the color and vibrancy that it added to my style. (Not to mention, I didn’t have to spend a lot of time fussing with my hair.) You can wear your hair either in a ponytail or in a low bun. Secure your scarf with a few bobby pins.

If you like a little more volume around your face, keep your hair down. Hint: start with a ponytail, as it’s much easier to tie the knot at the nape of your neck without getting your hair caught in it.

You can also tie your scarf around a low ponytail, braid, or bun.

5. The Accessory

You can always tie your scarf onto the straps of your handbag.

Wear it as a belt with your jeans or pants.

Loop your skinny scarf through the straps of your top or dress and tie a bow on your shoulder.

Where To Buy A Skinny Scarf

Here are some great buys that I found online…

If you have the budget for a designer scarf, take a look at Burberry’s Montage Print Silk Skinny Scarf. If you’re looking for options under $50…

J.Crew has an oversized Skinny Silk Scarf In Polka Dot in a classic blue and white print.

Kate Spade’s pink Marker Floral and Spade Flower scarves come in fun colorful prints.

If you prefer cotton, take a look at Madewell’s Organic Cotton Long Skinny Bandana available at Nordstrom.

The skinny scarf is such an inexpensive, easy way to add color and vibrancy to your outfit.

Let me know in the comments below, how you plan to wear yours!

P.S. Did you know that scarfs and scarves are both correct plural versions of scarf?

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