Vintage scarves, next to obi belts are one of my favorite go to accessories for changing up a look. There are so many shapes of scarves available and they can be worn in a number of fun ways, giving you a different look each time. Scarves are a great way to add a punch of color to an outfit; try out a new print, color or style without spending a lot of money or committing to a whole outfit.
My personal stash contains a mix of vintage and new scarves. Tons of different shapes and a rainbow of prints and colors. Here are several ways to style different shapes of scarves.
SQUARE
These are my three favorite ways to style square scarves. I know there are others but these are my standbys.
To achieve this look, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. With the fold facing your neck and while holding both points of the fold, allow the triangle to fall in front of you. Wrap the points behind your neck and allow them to fall back in front. This is a great look to use when layering your outfits. I especially like it in winter as it adds warmth at your neck, particularly for shirts with lower necklines.
Hip scarves are a fun way to change the look of an outfit. Again, fold the scarf in half into a triangle. Wrap the folded side around your waist and tie in knot at your hip.
Square scarves can be worn as headbands too. Again, fold in half into triangle. You can fold it over itself several times from either direction. About 2" is a good width of fold. Tie ends below hair at nape of neck. If it is long enough, the same method can be used to tie it around your waist as a belt.
Available at YazBerry: 1960s Paisley Scarf - Lavender - YazBerry - Vintage
LONG RECTANGLE
This is probably one of the most versatile scarf shapes. You can use it in all of the styles listed above for the square scarf, only you don't have to fold it in half into a triangle. You may wish to fold it in half lengthwise somewhat depending on it's width.
One of my favorite ways to wear a long rectangle scarf is as an obi style sash belt. This is a great solution (like the obi belts) to quickly custom tailor a look that is too big in the waist. I especially like it on tunic length shirts and on dresses. 
1980s Pansy Scarf - Magenta and Purple - YazBerry - VintageLong rectangle scarves can be folded into belts too. A fun alternative to a 'regular' belt. 
Another way to wear it around your neck is what I call the noose style. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise, hold the loop in front of your neck, wrap the ends around the back of your neck and feed them through the loop in front. Pull tight (not too tight or the noose might work).
TRIANGLE SCARF
Many shawls are this shape, though I have also found hip scarves in this shape as well. All of the styles used for the square scarf work perfectly for triangle scarves. They can also be worn like a belt if you fold them over themselves. What's nice is that they are often longer than your square scarves giving you a different look. If the are large enough to be a shawl they may not work as a headband or belt, but could be styled all of the other ways.
Have fun, be daring and creative. Go find some scarves and let them surprise you. I promise people will be impressed with the fun flare a scarf adds to your outfit.
For more images of ways to style scarves and to view my collection of vintage scarves, visit my YazBerryFashion.Etsy.com store.
