Pussycat Single
I love a pussycat bow on shirts and jumpers and it’s always flattering. I particularly like it because staring at myself like narcissus has made me very conscious that my neck is not as smooth as it once was, and this hides a multitude of sins.
Pussycat Double
This is a more flamboyant, bohemian take on the basic pussycat - give two scarves the flat fold treatment, tie them together at one end (this goes under your hair at the nape of your neck) and you can then make a much more extravagant bow, perfect for giving a boring white shirt a lift.
Knotted necklace
Sometimes scarves can be a little too, well, scarfy. This turns it into a necklace which works equally well with a light jumper as with a shirt. Starting from the flat fold, knot the scarf at regular intervals and tie the ends under your hair
The Bandeau
You will be able to make this look super chic and either a little bit sixties, or bang on the 70’s trend. I like it because it hides my dark roots (please will the government open the hairdressers?). You can keep the tails of the scarf at the back, or shift the knot round to the side a little and lay them over your shoulder.
The Talitha
Put it over your head in the manner of the Queen out riding, but tie the ends over the top of the scarf at the back. This is equal to the Bandeau for hiding one’s roots, but requires more seventies sprezzatura than I’ve given it here.
The Shawl
Probably the simplest way to wear any scarf, but starting it with the ‘uneven triangle’ gives it more volume and makes it more attractive. Drape it over your shoulders, and tie it in a very small knot, close to the ends of the scarf. This, as Carolyn pointed out, is just what you need if your zoom meeting is about to start but somehow you’re still wearing gym kit - the Shawl can transform you from downward dog to top dog in the time it takes you to switch on the camera.
The Capelet
Worn off the shoulder and over a shirt, the capelet can look very modern. When Carolyn showed me, it tied higher in front. Worth experimenting with.
The Boy Scout
Start with either Shawl or Capelet and pull it backwards off your shoulder: all the fabric is at the back, so all you have showing at collarbone level is a small edge of scarf - looks smart from the front, and gives a chic cape behind (though disappointingly, only you will know that.)
The Cowl Neck
This is where the volume of the unequal triangle comes into its own - the trick is to create an elegant fall of fabric at the front. A great way to show off a print.
I’ve used a scarf with Riccardo Tisci’s TB monogram print, inspired by an original drawing from the Burberry archive. There are some heavenly scarves on the Burberry website - my favourites feature an antique print of a troop of monkeys and a fabulous huge red heart inspired by an archive design. Huge thanks to Carolyn Landerhoff of Burberry for being so generous with her time on a video call, and for giving me lots more scarf styling ideas.
