In case you haven’t heard, the blanket scarf is the IT accessory of the season. The bigger, the better. Go big, or go home.
I have often confessed my love/hate relationship with scarves. I like them on everyone else, but not so much on myself. I’ve decided it is time to make peace with the scarf because it is such a fun and affordable fashion accessory, and how can you not love having an excuse to wrap up in a blanket on those cold winter days!?!
If you struggle with how to style a scarf, this post is for you. I did some research and practiced a bit so I can bring you 3 easy ways to tie a blanket scarf.
3 Easy Ways to Tie a Blanket Scarf
First, what is a blanket scarf? A blanket scarf is a thick, oversized scarf, usually in the shape of a square. If you’re especially budget conscious, you can easily make your own. My friend Amy at Mom Advice has a great tutorial on making your own blanket scarves.
Here are 3 easy ways to tie a blanket (or oversized) scarf.
The Loop
This is a fairly traditional method, and it works with a long oversized scarf or a square blanket scarf. Here’s how you do it.
- Fold it in half, lengthwise.
- Gather it together.
- Place it around the back of your neck, leaving one side longer than the other.
- Take the long side and wrap around the back of your neck and bring it back to the front.
- Take that end and slip it through the loop.
- Adjust to your liking.
grey cashmere crew // white jeans // denim jacket // snake print booties // grey crossbody (old) // scarf
The Poncho
This is another fun way to wear an oversized scarf, and I love this because you can totally wrap up in it and stay warm if you’re at an outside event, or even inside when it’s chilly. I’m always cold. Here’s how you do it.
- Hold the scarf out wide and scrunch the top just a bit, folding the fringe under.
- Drape it over your shoulders.
- Bring it around so the ends are in front.
- Adjust to your liking. You can also belt it if you’d like.
The Kerchief
This is the most common way I see people styling the true blanket scarf. This definitely works best with a square, although it can be done with a rectangle, or so I hear. I am not that coordinated.
Here’s how:
- Fold the scarf across to create a triangle.
- Grab the two far ends of the triangle with each hand.
- Cross the two ends behind your head.
- Pull them around to the front.
- Tuck the two ends under the rest of the scarf, or leave them dangling to each side. It’s up to you. Style as desired.
scarf // chambray top // slashed black jeans
So there you go — 3 easy ways to style a blanket scarf, or oversized scarf if that’s what you have. Which is your favorite!?!
You may also like this post: Are Blanket Scarves Still In Style for 2018?
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Thanks for posting this! It looks adorable all 3 ways! I’ve been contemplating getting a blanket scarf myself, but didn’t totally know what all I’d do with it. This post makes me more confident about how to style it.
I’m new to your blog. I love that you are highlighting how women like me (in our 40’s), can still be stylish and on trend while remaining classy. Thanks! 🙂
Hey Melissa! I’m so glad it’s helpful! 🙂
I just got one for Christmas today from my Hubby. I had no idea about them and I said we could use it as a picnic blanket! ???? So I just googled how to wear and yours came up first. I can’t wait to wear it now. Although we live in Oklahoma and it was 70 degrees today & last weekend it was 5 degrees. So send some cold weather our way so I can start wearing! ????
Ooooh, have fun with it! Hope you get some cold weather soon. 🙂
1000% agree. I won mine in a contest and it sat in the closet all year. Now I know what to do with it. Thank you.
YAY! So glad!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I am terrible at styling scarves. Question regarding the first way to style the blanket scarf – since you would probably remove it inside, would you wear any type of necklace? My neck gets really hot in no time, even during the cooler months, so I don’t wear them too often. But now I know new ways to fix them.
Have a blessed day!
Hey Ginger. Yes, I’d definitely wear a necklace. I think of that scarf like any winter scarf that I’d wear with my jacket to take off inside, so I’d accessorize underneath as usual. I’ve also seen people wear pendant necklaces that intentionally hang below a fashion scarf, so that both are showing. I struggle with that trend, as it is busy for me, but I know it’s an acceptable accessorizing method these days. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Yes, that does help Jo-Lynne. Thank you!
Thank you for the scarf tying tutorial. Never really got into wearing scarves until this year when I fell back in love with plaid and the blanket scarf. One question, when belting the “poncho” scarf, would you place the belt over the scarf in the back or underneath. Love your blog. Great information and inspiration.
For belting, I thought it went over but I haven’t tried it. I hate belts, lol. Search pinterest. There are lots of great ideas on there and links to tutorials that might answer that question for sure.
It’s like you read my mind! I was just searching for this information yesterday. The whole ‘is-it-a-blanket-scarf-pashmina-rectangle-what??’ thing was confusing. You made it so simple and I love all the looks! Thanks for being a blessing 🙂
So glad I made it simple! 🙂 I’ve been obsessed with figuring this out for a while. There are tons of tutorials and outfit ideas on Pinterest. 🙂
Good Morning — I really like the last method the best, super cute and love the entire outfit you put together. Please be careful wearing those heels with your feet, I worry about you, LOL. My foot DR says “no heels, ever” (for runners especially). I will sometimes do a 2 inch heel, something similar to the black booties you’re sporting in these pics, but I notice for sure when I try and run that evening that I’ve worn a shoe with a heel. It just gets everything out of whack (feet, calves, shins — you name it).
Good idea for a post though, gives me some ideas for the over sized scarves, thanks.
Girl. I wore them for like 10 minutes. HA! I can hardly wear heels anymore. I do wear wedges for a few hours to church or to dinner, but no more than that. And I can definitely tell that I’ve been wearing them. I don’t think I”ll eve be able to wear heels all day like I used to.
Thank you for your posts! I have enjoyed looking at all your different fashion ideas. I was wondering do you ever dress in active wear? I find active wear to be sooo comfy when you just don’t feel like wearing jeans! I’m not talking about skin tight spandex, just something that fits well. I am a 51 yr old grandma of two, I am a runner, active wear is my go to outfit. Just wondering if you have any fashion ideas for that look.
Omygoodness, YES. Yes, I do. I love Athleta!! I can definitely do a post. I used to post my activewear outfits when I did Daily Mom Style posts – I would post everything I wore that week. I don’t dress in activewear as much right now, but I did a lot in the winter.
The one good thing about the cold weather is I can break out all my scarves 😉
I struggle with all the bulk the blanket scarves have. I love the look, at least on others, but sometimes find myself yanking them off mid way through the day.
You look fabulous styling the 3 different ways! This post is definitely for me! I am wearing a blanket scarf today and it feels like an anaconda is strangling me. Thanks you!
HAHA! They can definitely feel that way.
I need to ask since it wasn’t mentioned…any issues with wearing a bulky scarf and having a larger chest? Sometimes I feel like there is way too much bulk on top if I don’t wear a thinner scarf. Just wondering your thoughts!
Yeah, it’s definitely an issue. I think scarves are more flattering on smaller chested ladies, but I do think the rest of us can wear the trend. When I style it, I just try to arrange it in a way that is flattering. Depending on the way the scarf is styled, you can usually manipulate it so it doesn’t add more bulk to that area than necessary.
I was wondering the same thing. I’ve picked up the blanket scarf and almost made to the register but never because of my fear of looking to top heavy. Looks great on you Jo Lynne!
This is a terrific tutorial. I may have to try a blanket scarf. Also, appreciate the link for instructions on making one. I might be able to find more hot-flash-friendly fabric, which gives the look w/o as much weight. You look so cute in those outfits, J!
Super cute looks and I love the tutorials on how to tie a blanket scarf!
I am going to try the poncho look this year. Last year I mostly did variations of tying (thanks to the bloggers who did video tutorials!)
For those of you struggling with the bulk, jane.com has had infinity scarves made out of the same material.
JoLynne, I am absolutely loving my green military vest I got from Nordstrom Rack when you posted it. Still hot here in Texas, but I have grabbed it both (yeah, there’ve been two so far! HaHa) days it’s been cool enough so far. Thanks for the tip.
I want an inexpensive Moro jacket. Share if you see any, ok?
So glad you love it! I’ll keep an eye out for the Moto Jacket. Mine isn’t leather – it’s coated cotton. It’s a much better price point, but I haven’t seen one this season. I’ll keep looking!
I’m fine with faux. I don’t know anything about coated cotton; maybe I’d be fine with that, too.
This is Great! Thanks for sharing!
This looks so cute on you and the explanations are great! Hot flashes area a daily occurrence for me so this one I will have to pass on.. Lol…but you look great!
Thank you for the excellent tutorial. I bought a big scarf but never wore it, because it just didn’t look right. Now, I’m all set to step out in style. Lol
So so cute!!!
I got a plaid scarf that is a rectangle instead of square. I’ve been in Northwest Montana and Canada. It’s been warm & cozy on those chilly days.
I love the post so much! Have a wonderful weekend:)
irenethayer.com
What, no back view of the third style? I thought that was the whole point of getting those AG jeans! ???? Seriously though, on the 2nd style, do you let the scarf go all the way to your waistband? I just bought a large rectangle scarf and I love the poncho look, but I’m not sure how it is supposed to look in the back. I’m so glad you’ve made peace with scarves…can’t wait to see more!
Haha!! Well, the shirt covers the rear view anyway. With today’s styles, I’m not sure it matters how jeans fit in the back. I think the poncho is supposed to just hang in the back. I think mine was almost to the waistband. We should have gotten some shots from the back, I guess. I’ll pay more attention the next time I wear it that way.
Beautiful scarves!
I love all three ways that you styled your scarves! But I would have to save the loop for days that were really cold or it would drive me crazy. Those are great scarves, too. I have a boysenberry plaid blanket scarf (or maybe I should say it’s oversized, because I think it is rectangle). This post makes me want to wear it the next time it’s chilly!
I also LOVE your split ring!! I am planning to order a tunic and scarf I just saw in one of my catalogs and that ring would be perfect. Does Stella & Dot still have any? How much do they cost?
I saw your post in the What I Wore linkup. Here’s my What I Wore post…
http://www.midlifemakeover.me/2015/10/sweater-weather-reunited-with-orange.html
Have a great day!
Jeanine
Hi Jeanine! I’m so glad you found me at What I Wore. The ring is still available. I don’t know why I forgot to link to it in the post! DUH. Here it is: http://www.stelladot.com/shop/en_us/p/jewelry/rings/rings-all/veda-split-ring?s-jolynne and it’s $39. I’m a S&D Stylist, so let me know if I can be of more help!
I agree about the scarf – I would only wear it that way if it’s cold, and I would take it off inside. I’m not eager for it to get cold, but when it does, I’ll be prepared to look chic! LOL
I know how to tie the scarf like in the last picture, but I don’t know if it’s that I just have a short neck, or if everyone else feels like they’re suffocating in it. I feel like I have one of those wrap-around travel pillows around my neck. Maybe mine is just too thick? The scarf seriously looks like a giant roll in the back of my neck and it’s just too much. It feels like I’m wearing a neck brace. Tell me, is it just me??
Hm, I will have to try it again and see. I didn’t feel that it was too bad, because I didn’t tie it back there, just brought the sides around to the front. It definitely will depend on the scarf. Some are bulkier than others. I always feel like I’m wearing a neck brace with scarves. They’re not my favorite, honestly. They’re cute for pictures, and if I am going out in the cold, but as an accessory to wear indoors, I’m not really a big fan. 🙂
I love everything about the last look. I need to give scarves another try. I always think they make my face look too full.. but it might just be I’m not doing a look that’s best.
Just got my first blanket scarf after wanting one for a while. Got to work with it in my bag and promptly realized I had no idea how to wear it. Thank you for your lovely and perfect instructions. Now I look like I’m walking right out of Pinterest, lol. 🙂 Have a great day!
LOL! I am so glad to help!
Thank you for sharing this post. I purchased a blanked scarf last year, but I feel I do not carry it well. I’m petite 5’0 and I feel the blanket scarf can be bit overwhelming for a person my size as its bundles up too much at the top. Between the 3 method you mentioned above, which do you believe would suit a petite woman such as myself? would you suggest purchasing a blanket scarf with probably a lighter material and weight and not as thick? I appreciate your feedback! Thank you.
Hi Fatima. I do think it’s hard to pull off this look when you’re petite. I’d definitely recommend trying to find one that isn’t as thick. I also saw a petite fashion blogger show how she rolled it a couple of times before putting it around her neck (that’s for Look #3) and that helped make it shorter. I think the easiest look to pull off – especially if you’re petite – is #1. And go for more lightweight scarves that are oblong and not square. Hope that helps!.
Thanks for posting! I actually have the exact same square scarf that I picked up from Target for $7 in their bargain section! $7.42 after taxes!
Thanks so much for the easy to follow instructions. I have had a blanket scarf for a year now but never felt that it looked good when I would try to put it on. Now I have warmth without losing fashion and am confident enough to go out in it. Love it thanks to you!
So glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great tips on blanket scarves. I just got one for Christmas and needed some quick ideas on how to wear them.
THANK YOU! I did not know how to tie a larger scarf and the 3rd way is awesome and easy to understand. Perfect for work as well.
I’m so glad it’s helpful!
Thank you! I just bought one and had no idea what to do with it!
Glad I could help! 🙂