How to Wear a Scarf: 3 Ways to Tie Your Hermès
You can never have too many scarves. They’re versatile, warm and can instantly transform workwear and off-duty looks alike. With an almost infinite number of ways to tie and style them, we turned to our resident scarf expert, Photo Editor Erika Kettleson, to show us how to wear a scarf three ways. Always clad in colorful silk Hermès, her scarf styling comes off as effortless, but obviously takes skill to tie.
“Scarves are like pieces of art,” Kettleson says. “It’s easy to fall in love with them, and once you start collecting, you always want more.” Her own collection, she explains, started early. “Every year since I was 15, my mother has gifted me a new Hermès scarf for my birthday. We would go to the Hermès boutique together and I would pick out a colorful new pattern. They make a great present as an annual treat.”
Whether you don’t usually wear them and are trying to work them into your style, or you’re a scarf expert looking for new styles to tie, we’ve put together a styling and how-to-tie guide based on Hermès’ knotting cards — their collection of cards illustrating ways to fashion scarves into everything from kerchiefs to capes to hair accessories.
The Scout
Hermès Scarf, orig, $435, now $275; Acne T-Shirt, $95
“This style is playful and great for transitional spring layering,” says Kettleson. “You could also wear it over a traditional button-up under a blazer to add pattern and color to workwear.”
How To Tie It:
Fold the top point of a square scarf down to meet the bottom point so you have a symmetrical triangle. Wrap the scarf around your neck with one point draping down your back and two points draped in front of you symmetrically. Tie the two points in front into a square knot a few inches from the bottom of the points. Optional: thread a decorative scarf ring onto one of the points before tying, so it rests above the knot.
Pair It With:
Minimal tops, tailored blazers and chunky knits.
Perfect For:
Putting a new twist on basics like tees and button-ups.
The Mini Choker
Hermès Scarf, orig. $435, now $225; Cedric Charlier Top, orig. $895, now $195
“This look is my favorite,” says Kettleson. “It’s also the most versatile. You can play around with how you tie it, and where you position the knot – in front, on the side, or at the back of your neck. It’s great for adding a bit of a formal feel to otherwise casual outfits.”
How To Tie It:
Start by folding a square scarf into the ‘pli de base’ or base fold. Lay it out with one corner pointing up, then without folding completely in half, fold the top corner down and fold the bottom corner up over that fold. Next, fold the top down half way and the bottom up half way. Fold this in half symmetrically, and voilá. Now, wrap the scarf around your neck and tie it in a knot.
Pair It With:
Striped bateau tops, colorful leather tees and classic Oxford shirts.
Perfect For:
Giving weekend wear a polished feel.
The Asymmetrical Drape
Hermès Scarf, orig. $435, now $275; Gucci Sweater, $155; Chloé Wool Pants, $195
“This was a style I hadn’t tried, but I love it,” explains Kettleson. “I plan on pairing it with really simple looks to let the scarf stand out.”
How To Tie It:
Start by loosely folding a square scarf into three folds, then grip the top leaving a bit sticking out. Wrap the top portion around your neck and tie a knot, leaving the loosely folded length of the scarf draped in front.
Pair It With:
Turtleneck sweaters, silk tanks and simple shift dresses.
Perfect For:
Elevating workwear and wearing outside your coat.
