Welcome to our second Zara appreciation post in less than 30 days. Apologies for fangirling, but as mentioned previously, despite various well-documented missteps (and accusations of plagiarism), we hold the Inditex-owned fast fashion chain close to our hearts. Why? The retailer consistently packs its would-be shelves with chic, affordable runway dupes, plus its stylists are seriously gifted.
Case in point: whilst in search of cold-weather accessories to help keep our extremities warm this winter — that is, until we inevitably lose them, “them” being the accessories, not our fingers, toes, etc. — we were struck by the brand’s ability to imbue its patented cool-girl aesthetic into even the most seemingly humdrum items. Namely scarves.
Of course, such a feat is easier to accomplish with scarves than, say, gloves or hats. After all, scarves, while not wholly unnecessary, can be made redundant by turtlenecks and high collars and sweaters, allowing us to wrap, twist and tuck as we please, gaps in coverage be damned. For many (Rihanna is an obvious example), they’re more decoration than a means of insulation.
We could go on and on about the versatility of the scarf, the many ways to style and tie it but, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Click through the gallery above for 16 remarkably inventive ways to wear a scarf, courtesy of the stylists at Zara. Your winter accessorizing game is about to level up.
[ Next: How to Wear a Scarf When You’ve Run Out of Ideas ]
Scarf Styling Ideas
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Belt it — but only on one side.
Look at that. Someone at Zara caught A.P.C.'s Fall 2017 runway show. There, the "Hiver 87"-emblazoned accessories came half-tucked in jeans. We're living for this trench-coat-incorporating way to wear a scarf.
Soft-Feel Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Drape it diagonally.
Indoor scarves are now a Thing (even among the millennial, non-thespian set). Add further interest to your velvet flares/vyshyvanka-inspired blouse pairing with casually-draped-across-the-chest geometric twill.
Soft Scarf With Textured Weave, $35.90 at Zara
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Attach it to your shirtdress.
You know those dangly strips of fabric you'd normally knot behind your back to define your waist and give your shirtdress shape? Well, Zara's got another idea: bring them around the front and use them to keep your cozy, tasseled, shoulder-draped scarf firmly in place. Perfect for days when your office's indoor heating is on the fritz.
Soft Touch Blended Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Match it to your knit.
Scarf-and-sweater sets are the new, well, sweater sets. The busier the pattern, the better. It implies effort.
Multicolored Striped Scarf, $29.90 at Zara
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Swathe yourself in color.
Break up the monotony of a monochromatic (corduroy) suit by mummifying yourself in a multicolored wrap.
Multicolored Scarf, $29.90 at Zara
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Fan it out.
Pretend you're a rose. Let your head be the pistil of the flower, your scarf the petals and sepal. While some might argue this looks bulky, matching a sleek baseball cap to your minimalist, close-fitting coat will silence any objectors.
Houndstooth Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Use it as an elevating accent.
Your baggy jeans, graphic tee (please let that be a superhero, not luchador, reference), lackadaisically-tied-around-the-waist sweatshirt and bright purple beanie (perhaps concealing third or fourth-day hair?) combo could use some spiffing up. That's where metallic heels and a skinny, faux fur scarf come in. Wear yours draped over one shoulder, Rihanna-style.
Faux Fur Scarf, $25.90 at Zara
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Wear it as a shoulder sash.
Same principle. Generally speaking, on days when you're dressed more simply — i.e. a sweatshirt and jeans — a wide, bold scarf adds tension (and a pop of color) to your lewk. Loop it around your neck when it's time to head outdoors.
Soft-Feel Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Layer contradictory textures.
Opposites attract. Layer a cozy quilted scarf over a party-ready sequin suit. This unlikely pairing works because the scarf's diagonal hemlines and self-fastening abilities (i.e. front slit) make it look artsy, not bulky. Also, its stark shell provides a cool textural backdrop for the model's outsize silver hoops.
Quilted Scarf, $29.90 at Zara
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Dress up a plain white tee.
Slip on a plain white tee, then use a scarf in the pattern of the moment (check) to make a cowl neck of sorts. As you wrap the scarf around your nape, take a detour past your shoulder. This will prop up the lightweight material and create a cool, blocky silhouette.
Check Scarf, $25.90 at Zara
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Let it swing low.
A thin, ultra-long (we're talking ankle-grazing) scarf looks especially great with clavicle-baring one-pieces (jumpsuits, maxi dresses). That — and a headband — will dress up even the most pajama-esque outfits. (Side note: Long, skinny scarves play well with linear patterns; they're essentially a thicker, 3D stripe.)
Extra Long Knit Scarf, $39.90 at Zara
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Hide one half.
For this unique way to wear a scarf, drape an extra-long skinny scarf around your neck, allowing one side to fall against your skin (or simply underneath your outermost layer). To avoid looking lopsided, make sure the (ideally, fringed) end is visible, and lines up with its sister. Note that this trick works best with blazers or blazer-esque mini dresses.
Fringed Velvet Scarf, $19.90 at Zara
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Use it as a prop/one-hand warmer.
Alas, it's true: scarves distract coats. If flaunting your latest outerwear acquisition is your first priority, hang your scarf over one hand. This way, your citrus-hued coat remains in full view, you keep one hand warm and your cool-kid branded scarf gets to make an appearance (and, in dire emergencies, can assume its rightful place on your neck).
Scarf With Slogan, $25.90 at Zara
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Channel your inner Supergirl.
Not all heroes wear capes — some wear scarves. Loop a minimalist, soft-feel scarf around your neck, then brush the edges back over your shoulders for a windswept effect. For optimal Supergirl vibes, go red.
Soft-Feel Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
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Use an infinity scarf as an arm sling.
OK, so the scarf in the picture isn't technically an infinity scarf. (But you have to admit the styling creates a damn convincing illusion.) Anyway, our point is this: place an infinity scarf around your neck, twist it, then weave the nearest arm through the loop. It might be a bit constricting, but it'll look cool.
Soft Scarf, $29.90 at Zara
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Pay attention to texture and placement.
Bubble-sleeved velvet top plus fluffy, leopard-print stole? Yes, please. Note how the diagonal placement emphasizes the lines of the sleeves.
Animal Print Scarf, $35.90 at Zara
