How to Wear a Scarf Like French Women

Put on a scarf to add a touch of sophistication to your outfit.

Noted designer Coco Chanel once said, " A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." While the French have long been known for their exquisite food and classic fashion, women around the world can add to their elegance with the simple French scarf. Turn a plain scarf into a fashionable European accessory by folding it attractively around the neck and head. With a few simple folds and twists, every woman can achieve a look that is classy and fabulous.

Things You'll Need

• Large neck scarf

Instructions

French Twist

1. Place scarf on a large flat surface and position it in a diamond shape; two of the points horizontal and two vertical.

2. Fold the two vertical corners of the scarf in, overlapping the bottom corner over the top corner. The point of the bottom corner should not exceed the folder edge of the top corner.

3. Fold the top half of the scarf vertically to the middle of the scarf. Fold the bottom half of the scarf to meet the top folded half. Repeat this fold once more to achieve a two-inch wide band. This creates a basic fold.

4. Place the scarf around your neck with the center meeting the middle of your Adam's apple. Wind the scarf around the back of your neck, crossing each end and pull them both forward.

5. Tie a single knot in the center with each end. Twist the scarf to one side of the neck. Tie another knot over the first one and tighten firmly. Fluff the ends of the knot and let them dangle over the shirt or outfit.

European Loop

1. Create a basic fold of your scarf forming a two-inch wide band. Fold the scarf in half horizontally to form a loop.

2. Place folded scarf around the neck, positioning the ends to hang off-center on one side of the neck.

3. Put both ends of the scarf through the loop. Pull the ends tightly to secure the knot and let the ends hang over the outfit. Fluff the loop out to create a more bulky effect around the neck.

Head Wrap Scarf

1. Fold the scarf in half to form a triangle. Place the wide end of the scarf to meet the forehead or bang line of your head. The narrowest point of the triangle should hang down covering your hair.

2. Wrap the right end of the scarf over the left end.

3. Tie each end behind your neck with a double knot. Allow breathing room to move about in the scarf comfortably.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with your scarf to create different folds for your neck. Twist your scarf to use as a headband or belt.

References

• Joy: Tying a Scarf Like a French Woman: Linda Mounts: 2007
• Texere Silk: Scarf Tying Guide
• Hermes: J' aimemon Carre: Paris: Knots
• Brooks Brothers: French Twist
• Think Exist: Coco Chanel Quotes