Scarf tying tips

Work it, girl. Don't spend 20 seconds, spend 20 minutes. Twist, fold, try and try again until it works. Do this in front of a mirror. Try the looks in this feature. Tear out pages in magazines that have cool looks and figure them out. Once your comfort level improves, you'll wear your scarves more often.

Fabric matters. Silk behaves differently from cotton. Ditto knits vs. jersey. If you can't figure it out, take it into StyledLife for a free consult.

The hardest scarves of all are the big silk squares. They are hard to tie, slippery and won't stay put. Spring's cotton, linen and knits are far easier to use. You'll only get frustrated trying to make a big square work. That shape is only for scarf Ph.D. candidates.

Don't try too hard. If it looks contrived, conventional or symmetrical, then it isn't working for spring and summer. Change it up and don't let yourself look like you just received the Girl Scout service badge.

If you don't know what to do with scarves that are not oblong, tie one on the side of your handbag, wrap and tie it on your wrist (perfect for hubby's pocket squares) or even belt loops. Look for scarves that are chiffon-like, skinny or small for these ideas.