How to Tie a Scarf As a Skirt

Co-authored by Hannah Park and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: December 29, 2021 References

While scarves are great accessories for cool weather, they can seem pretty impractical when warmer temperatures arrive. Thankfully, you can easily repurpose your scarves, as long as they’re at least 2 yards (1.8 m) long. It only takes a few minutes to tie your large, flowing scarves into long and short skirts that are perfect for a variety of occasions.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Breezy Skirt

1
Knot a large scarf around your waist to create a wrap skirt. Hold the scarf lengthwise in both hands and drape it behind your waist. Wrap the scarf around the front of your waist, then loop both ends of the scarf behind your back. Tie the 2 upper corners of fabric together, securing them in a double-knot so the skirt doesn't accidentally come loose while you're wearing it .^{[1]
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- Use a larger scarf if you’d like the skirt to reach your ankles or feet.
2
Tuck in the dangling sections of a wrap skirt to make a crossover skirt. Grab 1 corner of dangling fabric from your scarf and fold it into the front waistband of your skirt. You can leave just one side tucked in, or you can tuck in the other end as well to create a more exaggerated, open look.^{[2]
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- There should be 2 corners of fabric dangling in front of your waist whenever you create a scarf skirt.
- Always fold the fabric upwards. For instance, if the corner of fabric is dangling in front of your left leg, pull it up and tuck it into the left side of your waistband.
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3
Create a tulip skirt by tucking the fabric along the back of your waist. Form a simple wrap skirt as a base for your outfit. Once you’ve done this, tuck both ends of the scarf fabric into the back section of your waistband. Note that the back of this skirt will be longer than the front portion.^{[3]
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- Tuck the fabric on the side that it’s dangling on. For instance, if 1 corner of fabric is dangling in front of your right leg, you’d wrap and tuck it behind your right leg.
4
Tie your scarf on the side of your hips to make a shorter skirt. Wrap the scarf lengthwise around your body, letting the loose ends and corners of the fabric dangle along your hip. Secure the scarf in a double-knot along your hip, creating a loose, knee-length skirt.^{[4]
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- If you’re using an especially large scarf, consider folding the material in half before wrapping it around your waist.
5
Wrap a belt around your skirt to secure it into place. Find an accessorizing belt that matches the color scheme or style of your skirt. Arrange the belt around your waist and tighten it into place to create a nice sense of division between your top and your scarf skirt.^{[5]
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- For example, if you’re wearing a coral top with a light green scarf skirt, you could use a light brown belt as an accessory with the outfit.
- You can use a red scarf for the skirt. Red clothing, accessories, and shoes suit almost everyone.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- Medium pink tones are good for lighter skin.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}
- Generally, neons are suitable for all skin tones.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Hannah Park
  Professional Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 February 2019.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Creating a Pleated Skirt

1
Wear a slip to keep your midsection covered. Find a dark or neutral-colored slip that covers your midsection without showing through the fabric. That will help keep you covered in case the skirt shifts while you're wearing it.^{[9]
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- Make sure the slip is a little shorter than the width of the scarf you're using. Otherwise, it may show under your skirt.
2
Slide a large elastic wrap around your waist. Use a soft measuring tape to figure out the circumference of your waist. With this measurement, search online for a large elastic band that will comfortably fit around your torso. Arrange this band around your waist, or wherever you’d like the waistband of your skirt to go.^{[10]
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- Make sure that the elastic wrap fits snugly without being painfully tight.
- Try to use a neutral-toned elastic band that won’t distract from your skirt, like brown, black or tan.
3
Fold the scarf accordion-style into pleats. Hold your scarf fabric lengthwise in both hands and start pinching the material into pleats. Stack the pleats behind one another to create an accordion of fabric. As you fold, try to make each pleat around 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) wide, or however large you’d like your pleats to be.^{[11]
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- Your fabric will look like a folded fan once you’ve arranged it into pleats.
4
Tuck the pleats into the elastic band around your waist. Take the top 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) of scarf fabric and fold it over the top of the elastic band. Pinch and expand the scarf fabric along the circumference of the band to assemble the skirt and make the pleats more visible.^{[12]
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- If you want your skirt to be shorter, fold a larger amount of fabric over the waistband.
5
Secure the slit of your scarf skirt with safety pins. Fold and pinch the slit of your skirt together to form an impromptu hem. Use at least 1 small safety pin to connect both sections of the scarf together. Enjoy wearing your pleated scarf to a variety of casual or formal events!^{[13]
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- For extra security, consider pinning the folded fabric into place behind the elastic band.

Expert Q&A

Question

Does red look good on most skin tones?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

Red looks good on almost everyone. Red clothing, shoes, and accessories suit all people. However, red lipstick is better for those who have a darker skin tone.
Question

Which shade of pink should I choose if I have lighter skin?

Hannah Park
Professional Stylist
Hannah Park is a professional stylist and personal shopper with experience in e-comm styling, celebrity styling and personal styling. She runs an LA-based styling company, The Styling Agent, where she focuses on understanding each individual she works with, and crafting wardrobes according to their needs.

Hannah Park

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

You can choose different shades of pink according to your skin tone. Generally, neon pink looks good on dark skin. Medium pink tones are suitable for lighter skin.