Scarves are a wardrobe secret weapon. Small but mighty, they can be the perfect finishing touch for any outfit because they’ll elevate your look and make you feel more luxurious. Obtainable in an array of beautiful fabrics such as silk, cashmere, and wool, adding a scarf brings an easy touch of elegance without breaking the bank. While they’re perfect for staying warm, scarves are versatile accessories that work year-round. When Lenny Kravitz steps out in his iconic oversized winter scarf, it’s your signal to bring out your favorite cozy fall scarves (and of course, all of your knits) too!

The best part about styling them is that there’s no wrong way to make it your own and they’re so versatile that you can easily switch up the look on the fly. With endless possibilities for styling, this accessory lets you get creative with your outfits. Whether you’re wearing a chunky sweater and want to wear your scarf as more of a shoulder wrap, or finally want to nail down the balaclava trend, you’ll find 20 fresh ways to wear them below.

1. The Classic Drape

It doesn’t get easier than this!

1. Simply drape your scarf around the back of your neck.

2. The Simple Loop Through

Here’s a two-step situation that’ll make your scarf look polished in a pinch.

1. Fold the scarf in half and drape it behind your neck.
2. Loop one hand through the folded side of the scarf.
3. Pull the tails or remaining scarf through the loop.

3. The Balaclava

The balaclava has been a huge trend the last few winters—here’s how to create it using a regular scarf.

1. Loop your scarf around your neck once and pull the two ends together in front of you to ensure they are even.
2. Tuck both ends of your scarf into the loop.
3. Pull the back of the scarf up over your head, like a hood.
4. Adjust as needed.

4. Bundled and Tucked In

For those days when you need to be extra warm and toasty, bundling up in a scarf keeps you comfy and cute.

1. Loosely wrap your scarf around your neck until only short tails remain out.
2. Tuck in the tails and adjust as needed so they’ll stay secure.

5. As a Shawl

Feeling fancy? A shawl is a foolproof way to make anything look more elevated.

1. Wrap your shoulders in the widest section of your scarf.
2. Gather the scarf in the middle and tie it in a simple knot.

6. With a Belt

Spice up any blazer or jacket by draping the scarf across one of your shoulders. Then, cinch it in with a belt.

1. Place your scarf on your shoulder on just one side of your blazer or jacket, ensuring both sides of the scarf are equal.
2. Cinch in at the natural waist using a belt with notches.

7. Shoulder Wrap

For those days when you don’t want to wrap a scarf tightly across your neck, a pretty shoulder wrap is still a cute option.

1. Drape your scarf around the back of your neck, ensuring both sides are equal.
2. Toss one side of the scarf to the shoulder and adjust.

8. Into a Button Up

Button-up shirts and silk scarves are a match made in heaven. Try this style for an even cuter everyday look.

1. Fold a square scarf into a triangle.
2. Drape across your shoulders and back.
3. Place the tail of the scarf over the buttons in the front of the shirt, then button as usual (the color of the scarf should poke through and cover the regular button).
4. Tie the scarf ends together and adjust as needed.

9. As a Neckerchief

1. Fold your square scarf into a triangle.
2. With the middle piece centered in the front, wrap the tails around your neck once or twice (depending on how big your original scarf is).
3. Tie it into a knot in the back to keep it in place.

10. As a Bandeau Top

You don’t have to wait until summer to wear a scarf top. Layer it over a long-sleeved shirt for a cool multi-dimensional look.

1. Fold your scarf into a triangle, and drape around your back.
2. Gather both ends and pull knot it taut to your chest in the front.
3. Twist the scarf to the back and adjust.

11. Open to the Side

No matter what you’re wearing, a scarf bow is always appropriate and pretty.

1. Fold your scarf as many times as you’d like. The more folds, the skinnier your bow!
2. Tie tightly at the nape. Voila!

12. Add to a Purse

Not in the mood to wear a scarf around your neck? Accessorize your bag for a nice twist.

1. Gather your scarf to a manageable size and drape across a handle.
2. Make sure both sides of the scarf are even.
3. Tie into a knot to secure.

13. Wrapped Around a Purse Handle

If you’ve spotted scarves wrapped around designer bags lately and want to try out the look for yourself, all you need is a scarf and a top-handle bag.

1. Tie a knot at the bottom of the scarf at the end of a handle.
2. Wrap the scarf tightly around the handle of the bag, smoothing any bumpy fabric that might bunch.
3. Tie a knot at the other end of the handle to secure in place.

14. As a Bandana

One of the chicest ways to wear a scarf in your hair is as a bandana. Whether you’re cleaning and just want to put your hair up or you’re trying to channel your inner vintage bombshell, the bandana is a classic.

1. Fold your scarf into a triangle.
2. Fold again into a smaller triangle.
3. Place a flat side on your head and make sure it’s snug.
4. Tie it in the back under the hair.

15. Wear as a Headband

Consider your scarf as your styling secret weapon for all hairdos moving forward.

1. Fold your scarf two or three times until the desired width is reached.
2. Place the scarf where you want it to sit on your head.
3. Tie in the back. Double knot so it stays in place.

16. Try an Infinity Loop

Never worry about your scarf coming undone again if you wear it as an infinity loop.

1. Fold square scarf into a triangle.
2. Tie the two corners together.
3. Loop around the neck twice.

17. Secure With a Brooch

Jewelry makes everything better, and that includes styling scarves! Adding a brooch (or, in a pinch, a barette or an earring) adds another layer of interest and works beautifully for a dressier occasion.

1. Fold your scarf in a triangle.
2. Drape across your back and shoulders.
3. Gather the two loose ends and pin them with a brooch to hold them in place.

18. As a Choker

Yes, you can even wear a scarf as a necklace. Try this the next time you’re wearing an all-black look and need something extra.

1. Fold your scarf horizontally three or four times depending on the desired width.
2. Place it on your neck.
3. Tie in the back.

19. As a Belt

Want to switch things up? Try wearing your scarf in your belt loops instead of a regular belt.

1. Fold your scarf until you get the desired size for your belt loops.
2. Weave into belt loops.
3. Tie at the front.

20. In a Ponytail

Don’t stress if you forgot to pack a hair tie. You can always use a scarf!

1. Fold your scarf horizontally until you get the desired width.
2. Place the folded scarf under your hair.
3. With hair gathered inside, tie the ends of the scarf together in a knot.