6 Ways to Style A Vintage Scarf

I absolutely love vintage scarves. They're so beautifully, made, the attention to detail is impeccable, the edges are often hand-rolled, and the patterns add such a fun pop of color to any look. Naturally, when I came across this vintage Hermes scarf (at a steal!), I knew I had to have it. I promised myself this piece of fashion history wouldn't just sit in my closet, collecting dust. Instead, I wear it as much as I can because it brings me so much joy. Rounding up six ways to style a vintage scarf that still feel fun and current in 2021.

1) Hair Kerchief

Starting out my scarf styling list with the most classic Old Hollywood look of all. Growing up, my Grandma Marilyn always wore her scarves like this--especially in the rain. I love this memory of her because I always remember her looking like she stepped out of a black and white film (or "picture" as she called them!). While this look is very retro, there's something so fun and classic about it. If it feels too much like too much of a costume to you, you can always try out this this look for Halloween! I happen to love it--especially for styled Instagram photos.To get this look, fold your scarf in half into a big triangle. Drape it over your head with the top of the triangle pointing towards the back of your head. Tie the ends of the triangle beneath your chin and voila, you're good to go.[show_shopthepost_widget id="4611149"]

2) Draped Around The Neck

I love draping my scarves around my neck in this way. It's the way I use my scarves most. There are a couple of different ways to achieve this look. For the first option, fold your scarf in half so that it looks like a triangle and then drape it over your shoulders for a more laid back look.Another option which happens to be my personal favorite is as follows: lay your scarf down in a safe, dry place. Fold opposite corners of the scarf in towards each other so that the points touch at the middle of the scarf. Then, start rolling the scarf on one side toward the other side until you reach the end. You should have a long, thin scarf that stays in place.This is the classic fold for vintage scarves that becomes the base of other folds. Drape the folded scarf around your neck and you're ready to go. I love how this dresses up any simple t-shirt. It also looks chic beneath a blazer.

3) As A Belt

Throughout the Pandemic, my style has become even more simplified overall. I love a good white tee and classic jeans and find myself wearing this look multiple times a week. I love pairing vintage scarves with this basic look--especially as a belt. To achieve this look, follow the steps I shared above in the second paragraph of "2) Draped Around The Neck." Once you've folded your scarf in the "classic fold," simply loop the scarf through your belt loops and tie the ends in a knot. I like to tie the knot one belt loop over from the front of my jeans but you can also tie the knot at the center button if that's your preference.

4) Around The Neck: French Twist

The "French Twist" is another classic way to style your scarf that's truly timeless. To achieve this look, start with the "classic fold" described above. Tie the scarf around your neck.From there, tie a knot and pull the ends. This makes such a pretty, feminine statement which looks beautiful under a denim jacket or blazer. I love wearing this look with a basic tee too to add a pop of color (and in the case of this particular scarf, texture).  Sometimes, I wear the french twist knot to the side as I did today and sometimes, I wear it in the center, more like a tie. You can also wrap the scarf around the neck one more time before tying a knot so that it doesn't hang down so far.

5) Tied in A Bow Around A Purse

I love accessorizing my purses with my vintage scarves. Tying a bow around them is truly the perfect pair. To tie the perfect vintage bow,  start with the "classic fold" set forth above. Loop the scarf around the strap to your purse. Bring both ends to the front, fold each side down to make a loop and then tie a bow. 

6) Hair Scarf

I love tying vintage scarves in my hair. An easy styling trick is to start with the "classic fold" set forth above. Put your hair in a high or low bun. Drape the scarf around the bun from the front. From there, loop both sides of the scarf around your bun from back to front and front to back until you have only small tails of the scarf left which should be large enough to tie. Tie these two ends in a knot at the back of the bun and you're good to go. Photography: Azusa Takano