The Style Skinny

Accessorizing is the tiny golden key that unlocks the door to dressing with style. Go ask Alice, if you don't put on the accessory labeled 'WEAR ME' your outfit may shrink too small to be seen. Then again, you must refrain from reaching for that unsightly item just because it is labeled with the word  'ACCESSORY'. The lack of glamour will grow too tall that it will definitely be noticed with raised eyebrows. I suggest you spruce up your outfit with a foolproof piece, the scarf. You better get your accessory act together fast before fashionistas begin to chase you chanting, "Off with her head!"

The scarf materialized in ancient Rome making its mark on the accessory world. The legendary piece of fabric is not only timeless, it never discriminates. The scarf lives in closets everywhere regardless of the person's sex, race, income level, or age.  Many wear a scarf to simply keep warm while others take advantage of its fabulous ability to perfectly combine fashion and function. If you are going to wrap a scarf around your neck anyway, why not do it with a bit of panache? Better yet, ignore its utility all together and use it as a trendy trimming for your next ensemble. The list of scarf styles is just as long its existence so here's a brief how-to-wear it wrap up. 

Let's focus on the 'Fashion Scarf' which basically sums up this all fashion no function scarf. It will breathe life into your look and has vast versatility. Here are my four fave ways to wear it:

Fold a scarf into square and tie it around your neck on a diagonal like Rhianna did above. Prova for CO-OP Leo Sandinista Scarf ($395) or Old Navy Polka Dot Scarf ($12.50) are great scarves to get the killer cowgirlesque look. 

The traditional slipknot style like the Gossip Girl star, Michelle Trachtenbert, sports above is a great classic way to tie a scarf. However, I am sure most of you know how to fold a scarf in half and pull the ends thru the center of the loop. Okay so here's a twist, instead of pulling both ends of the scarf thru the loop take one and pull it over the bottom half of the loop. Then take the other end and pull it under the bottom half of the loop. This is what I like to call The Styled SlipKnot. Try Yarnz Russian Doll Scarf ($165) or grab Topshop's Clock Chain Scarf ($32).

Take a long large scarf like Madwell's Wild Rose Print Scarf ($48) and place the middle of the scarf in the front of your neck. Next take one end and pull it around to the front and do the same on for the other end. This type of tie is sometimes considered a boho look so go eco-chic like Rachel Bilson with TDM's Design Sarah Crinkle Darcy Scarf ($108).

Yep, you read it correctly it's faux on warmth but has real deal style. This is an intentionally messy, unkept look similar to bed head hair. Take a long gauzy scarf and start wrapping. Pull it around your neck as many times as you want. You can take the ends and push it up under the scarf or leave it hangin' like Miss Moss does. Get Kate's effortlessly chic style with Yarnz's Cameo Cashmere Scarf ($122.50) or Virgina Johnson's Waterfall Scarf (on sale-$139.69).

Any way you wrap it the scarf will bring a bold benefit to your wardrobe.