Scarves are probably the most versatile clothing accessories for men and women alike. As well as providing warmth and cover, they represent an easy way to transform an outfit whatever the time of year. They can give you a touch of swagger or add interest to a plain outfit, and they will instantly revitalise a wardrobe and add variety to it.

When coordinating a scarf with your outfit contrast textures or play with colours by going tonal or matching one of the accent colours in your scarf to one of the colours in your outfit.

You can also create different looks by wearing your scarf in many different ways – looped around your neck, tied, knotted or draped, as a turban to keep your hair in place, or even around your waist as a belt.

This autumn make the most of your shawls and knitted scarves by experimenting with various styles.

Long scarves:

Slip knot: fold your scarf in half, then wrap around your neck and pull the loose ends through the loop (as tight as you like). This classic knot looks pulled together and works well with casual and business outfits.

Neck warmer: just keep wrapping and let the ends do their thing, or tuck them underneath for a snugger fit (or go for a low-maintenance tube scarf!)

Straight hang : strictly for decoration purpose, this one is great for elongating the silhouette.

Side hang : wrap the scarf around your neck, leaving one end in the front and the other in the back for a elegant and effortless look.

Ascot knot : let the scarf hang with equal length on both sides. Cross one end over the other end, then back under before looping it around the front of the knot.

Bow tie : wrap around your neck and tie a bow at the front for a dandy chic look (works better with a lightweight scarf).

Shoulder tie : tie it in a large knot at the nape of your neck.

Twist and tie: be more creative and twist tightly, then loop around your neck and knot.
Square scarves :

Wrap around : fold into a triangle and place around your neck with the point facing down the front, then pull each end over the opposite shoulder. Let the lengths hang for a laid-back look. For a more creative variation, tie the ends of the scarf in the front.

Cowboy kerchief: fold into a triangle, place it at the back and knot in the front, or do it the other way around.

Don’t forget that, worn close to your face, the colour of your scarf will have a major impact on how well you look so choose a hue that is flattering for your natural colouring!

By Alexia Jacquot