How to Wear a Blanket Scarf

Get ready for one of the seasons top accessory trends – a blanket scarf. Cool, chic (and most importantly) warm, blanket scarves are a winter must-have. But learning to tie one the right way can be quite the challenge.

To avoid looking like you’ve just thrown on a blanket cape – which is also fine if that’s your style – there are a ton of ways to tie a blanket scarf all depending on your own personal style and aesthetic.

Aside from being able to throw it on over any winter outfit, the extra-large scarf is easily worn in so many different ways, depending on your mood or personal preference.

To inspire your winter wardrobe this winter, take a look at the various ways to tie a blanket scarf with easy step-by-step how to’s.

From simple scarf folds to belts, a blanket scarf can take any outfit from office to happy hour. The best part? You really are just wearing a wonderfully warm blanket, but in the most fashionable and on trend way. What more could you ask for from a winter outfit.

So many options…

Turning to some of the best in the business, there are so many inspiring ways to wear a blanket scarf. Just take a quick scroll through the latest fashion blogs and you’ll be inundated with the latest and greatest ways to rock the must-have winter accessory.

Whether you’ve just purchased a new blanket scarf or you’re already a blanket scarf enthusiast there’s always a new and exciting thing to learn about the trend – especially when it comes to tying one.

Don’t be nervous or apprehensive, the style is super easy to manage and if you feel like a certain way doesn’t suit you, just go back to wearing it the old fashion way – around your neck for optimal warmth.

Give your winter look an overall polish by wearing a belt at your waist and wrapping it over the scarf. Otherwise opt for a cozy shoulder wrap for a classic and elegant finish. For those rushing out the door, quickly throw on an extra layer. Prepare to be trendy and warm at the same time. Score!

This guide that will show you how to wear a blanket scarf in any style, and how to make sure you’ve picked the right one for you.

First, what is a blanket scarf?

Blanket scarves are exactly what they sound like: scarves that are big enough to be used as blankets. Typically, a blanket scarf is extremely oversized and square in shape, which is what differentiates them from all the other scarves out there.

It might seem odd and peculiar to wear a scarf that big, but during the cold winter months they can be wardrobe musts. And wardrobe lifesavers too! But if you’re feeling a little lost underneath all that fabric, because it is a lot after all, take a deep breath.

Blanket scarves don’t have to be intimidating. Lucky that we now have countless ways to tie a blanket scarf, even the most clueless of us can find a simple and easy way to incorporate it.

How to choose a blanket scarf

Scarves are a staple winter accessory for both function and fashion purposes. However, you may be weary of wearing scarves for a number of reasons, one of which might be you don’t know how to choose the best one for you.

Buying the right one is a mission in itself, but once you find the right one – it’s magic. From selecting the right colour to the best length, here’s a breakdown of things to consider when buying a scarf.

1. Picking the right material

With winter well and truly in swing, finding the right material is make or break when it comes to buying a scarf. Different scarves are best suited to serve different purposes.

Whether you need a functional accessory or finishing piece, there are some key tips to follow. For something warm and comfortable, there are many options for choosing the right material. A couple of choices that you can’t go wrong with are cashmere and wool.

Wool

Wool is a classic fabric that is made from the fleece of sheep that is not only a great insulator, but is also durable and water resistant. Perfect for those rainy days! Some pure wool can be slightly uncomfortable, so an alternative would be a wool blend that combines wool with man-made fibres like cotton or polyester. These wool blends provide warmth and a much-needed softness that is great for winter.

Cashmere wool

Cashmere wool is a fiber obtained from cashmere goats or pashmina goats and other types of goat. Cashmere is a type of wool that is generally more expensive and is finer and softer than regular wool.

A scarf can also be a great addition to a formal wear look, especially winter formal wear. A great selection of fabric for a formal occasion is silk. Silk blanket scarves are often perceived as a more old fashion accessory, but if you find the right one it can be a great addition to any wardrobe.

The best thing about silk blanket scarves is also that they aren’t bulky, meaning it won’t be as severe to carry around as a wool or cashmere blanket scarf.

2. Picking the size

Scarves come in all sizes and shapes, from the traditional rectangular scarf to the square scarf. Deciding how you want to wear your scarf is the best way to ensure you find the right size. From wrapping it around your neck several times to wearing it as a throw, styling your scarf is a big consideration for length of scarf.

While blanket scarves are generally similar in size, there are a few different options to choose from. A standard rectangular scarf ranges from 50 inches to 90 inches in length and 6 to 14 inches in width. A square scarf is a unique way to add an extra detail to any outfit.

3. Picking a colour

When choosing a scarf, you need to think about your complexion. Some colours look great on everyone while others need to be determined by a person’s skin tone.

For warmer skin tones, colours like mustard, olive, cream, mint green and orange look great. For cool, pale skin tones, choose colours like blue or grey. You also need to consider your existing wardrobe. If your current closet consists of neutrals, add bold coloured scarves.

Alternatively, if your closet is already full of bold and vibrant patterns and colours, ground your looks with a neutral scarf.

How to wear a blanket scarf

Undoubtedly the most simple and classic way to wear a winter scarf – and the easiest to pull off. Start by grabbing the ends of the scarf and holding it behind your neck/back, giving yourself more scarf on one side.

The Classic

Then throw the longer side over your shoulder and straighten out both ends on either side. This leaves you with enough room in the middle for warmth and style.

The Shawl

One of the best, and easiest, ways to tie a blanket scarf is as a shawl. This may seem obvious, but it’s a great way to stay both warm and stylish in winter.

It’s also a great addition to a little black dress on a winter’s evening, or alternatively with a bright, vibrant dress and classic black scarf. Simply throw it over yourself, letting it cover your shoulders and arms – that’s it.

Belted Under A Coat

For the seriously stylish! Try using your blanket scarf belted under a coat. This is not only a great way to accentuate your waist (even under all the fabric) but it’s super simple to pull off.  

Just drape the blanket scarf over your neck, letting it hang down in front, then wrap your belt over it at your natural waist. The easiest way to do this look? With a pair of simple jeans and basic t-shirt.

Wrap It And Drape It

Thick blanket scarves look elegant wrapped and draped in a messy kind of way. Grab the blanket scarf and drape it around your neck and let it naturally fall into place.

When trying to convey this style a motto of ‘the messier the better?’ is great to remember. Don’t try and perfect it, it looks best when just thrown together.

Throw It Over Your Shoulders

A killer way to wear a thick blanket scarf? Throw it over your shoulders. Simply take the scarf from both ends, place it behind your neck and swoosh one side over a shoulder. This way it serves to accentuate your outerwear look and think of it as an eye-catching addition to your plain winter clothes.

Wear It Oversized

Thanks to their square shape, blanket scarves can easily be worn like an oversized bandana. Simply grab two opposite corners of the scarf and cross them in the back of your neck, bringing them around to the front. Then just tuck the tails under the triangle.

Infinity

A blanket scarf can also double as an infinity scarf. Wearing it this way keeps it contained to your neck and doesn’t overwhelm your whole outfit. Simply circle the scarf around your neck until it can’t anymore, leaving room for it to hang, and tuck the ends inside. Voila!

Go Cowboy

Take a glam approach to bandana vibes by folding a square blanket scarf into a triangle and then wrapping the corners around the neck. Best in a plaid print too!

The Cozy Wrap

For the really, really cold days. Start by draping your unfolded scarf evenly over both shoulders. Pull one of the front corners back behind the opposite shoulder and tuck it underneath the scarf. Take the remaining front corner, place it over the opposite shoulder and tuck it behind your neck to keep it in place.

Just Like A Cardigan

You can easily transform a blanket scarf into a makeshift cardigan. This is best done by belting the scarf to the body over a body con dress or turtleneck. Just be sure to leave enough room for your arms to fit through comfortably.

Even On Both Sides

An easy, and fashionable way, to rock the blanket scarf is by simply draping it evenly over both sides of your shoulders. This is best done with bold printed scarves for the most attention grabbing effect. Start by making your scarf one big rectangle, then neatly place the scarf over your neck and let hang.