One Scarf, Four Ways

A 20-inch chiffon square is small enough to forget in a bag and big enough to change an outfit. EighteenFortyTwo designs ours in Austin, and the maker lists four ways to wear one: at the neck, in the hair, on a bag, or as a top. Here is each, in plain steps.

1. At the neck

Fold the square corner to corner into a triangle, then roll it from the long edge into a band. Wrap it once around the neck and tie a small knot to the side. Leave the ends short.

2. In the hair

Use the same rolled band as a headband and knot it at the nape, or tie it around a ponytail and let the ends hang. Want less fabric? A chiffon scrunchie from the same maker does the job in one twist.

3. On a bag

Thread the rolled band through a handle and tie a bow, or wrap it around the handle end to end. It is the quickest way to make an old bag look new.

4. As a top

This one needs a bigger square. Our larger scarves run 35.5 and 39 inches. Fold to a triangle, tie the two long corners behind the neck, and the remaining corners behind the back.

Where to start

• The Wagon Chiffon Scarf: a small covered wagon repeated on light chiffon. 20 by 20 inches, $99.
• The Checkered Flag Chiffon Scarf: black and white check. 20 by 20 inches, $99.

Want a bigger square for wind and dust? That is a wild rag. Our wild rag guide covers sizes and knots.

Tie it once. Wear it all season. Shop all Scarves.