As with a lot of “trends” this year, I was slow to decide to give into this one. They’ve been around forever and I actually have 2 vintage neck scarfs that I picked up at shops in Dallas years ago, but thanks to Pinterest and Instagram there are fresh new ways to wear them and inspiration for anyone else who has hesitant to give them a try:

1. Simple Knot

A simple, sophisticated way to pull off a neck scarf is just what I refer to as the simple knot. Fold or roll your scarf until it’s about 1.5″ wide and then knot it near your neck. Leave the ends hanging free so that the colors and pattern can complement your outfit. You can wear it centered or pull it off to the side like I did this day for work.

Inspiration: Olivia Palermo and this safari look

2. French Twist

If you’re looking to channel the ultimate Parisian vibe, try the french twist. Once you have the scarf at 1-1.5″ wide, start from the front of your neck, wrap the scarf around the back and knot it back in the front. The result looks like this and worn with a crisp white shirt and blazer or striped tee for some pattern mixing, you’ll be looking like Emmanuelle Alt in no time. Inspiration: WhoWhatWear

3. Bandana

For an edgier look, you can style the scarf in a looser manner with some of the widest part of the scarf showing in the front – looking more like a bandana. You’ll still knot it in the front or on the side, or you can push the knot in the back to show off more of the scarf, like this.

Inspiration: Chriselle Lim and Lily Donaldson

Sounds so easy right? It really is a simple (and inexpensive) way to up the ante on a regular daytime outfit. I was sifting through blouses last week and when I realized that this blouse would go perfectly with a scarf I picked up recently at Ann Taylor. It was a Wednesday and that was about the extent of the effort I could put into my outfit that morning. So easy and actually made me feel put together!

In other news, it’s finally fall here! We came back last night from a work girl’s trip to Dallas, stepped off the plane, and can’t tell you how nice it was to walk outside and feel a little chilly. I’m sure I’ll be eating those words soon enough when it really gets cold, but for now I’m happy to layer up a little bit. Fingers crossed that this is the week I can share some more of our apartment with you guys and some new looks for fall!

SHOP THE POST

TOP: Equipment blouse • JEANS: Rag and Bone skinny jeans • SCARF: Ann Taylor neck scarf (similar here and here) • BAG: Old Navy tote c/o • SHOES: Aquazurra sexy thing booties • WATCH: Cluse watch c/o • BRACELET: Monica Vinader fiji bracelet c/o • RING: Gorjana elea ring c/o

Photos by Marisa Plesica