10 Tips for How to Wear (and Tie) a Blanket Scarf

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If you're not sure what a blanket scarf is (let alone how to wear one), you've come to the right place. We'll walk you through how to incorporate this versatile (and warm!) accessory into your wardrobe, how to tie and style it in different ways, and even how to make one yourself.

What Is a Blanket Scarf?

Blanket scarves are exactly what they sound like: scarves that are big enough to use as a blanket. Typically they are an extremely oversized square shape, which makes them different from all the other scarves in your closet.  They can be lifesavers during a long, cold winter. But if you're thinking, "what the heck do I do with all that fabric?" we don't blame you. Blanket scarves can be intimidating, but we've collected 10 different ways to wear this stylish garment.

RELATED: 7 Cozy Cold-Weather Accessories

Shawl

This first way might be stating the obvious, but yes, you can wear it like a shawl, as seen on Zeba from Ella Pretty Blog. Throw it over yourself like a blanket, letting it cover your shoulders and arms.

Belted Under a Coat

Surprisingly, a blanket scarf can be belted under a coat, as Emily from Life With Emily Blog has done. This is a great way to accentuate your waist, even under all that fabric. Just drape the blanket scarf over your neck, letting it hang down in front, then wrap your belt over it at your natural waist.

Cardigan

You can also transform it into a cardigan, like Amber from Style Plus Curves. This works best when you belt the oversized scarf over something fitted like a body-con dress or a tight turtleneck. Just be sure to leave space for your arms to fit through comfortably.

Wrapped and Draped

Thick blanket scarves look chic when wrapped and draped messily, like on Jessica from My Style Vita. Simply take all that fabric and drape it around your neck however it wants to go, letting the corners fall where they may. This style has a "the messier the better" attitude, so don't try to make it perfect.

Over Your Shoulders

You can also take your thick scarf and throw it over your shoulders like Davida from Vida Fashionista. In this way it serves as an accent to your outerwear look—think of it as the eye-catching icing topping your plain black coat.

Asymmetrical Wrap

You can wear a blanket scarf all year long—just drape it into an asymmetrical wrap like Sydne from Sydne Style does. This lends a glam, ladylike vibe to an otherwise simple outfit, like her all-black jeans-and-sweater ensemble.

Oversized Kerchief

Thanks to their square shape, blanket scarves easily can be worn like an oversized kerchief, pictured here on Jalynn from The Red Closet Diary. Simply grab two opposite corners of the scarf and cross them in the back of your neck, bringing them around to the front. Then just tuck the tails under the triangle.

Even Rectangles

One of the easiest ways to wear a blanket scarf is to fold it in half and let each side fall straight down the front of your body in two even rectangles, like Victoria from Vickys Style. This might seem too simple at first glance, but with the right scarf (think bold prints or a color block design) it can make a real statement.

Infinity Scarf

A blanket scarf can also double as an infinity scarf, as it does here on Amanda from Rose City Style Guide. Wearing it this way keeps it contained to your neck and doesn't overwhelm your whole outfit.

Uneven Tail

The size of a blanket scarf is so big that you can create an uneven tail in an exaggerated way like Wendy from Thankfifi has done. Fold your scarf in half the long way, wrapping one end around your neck. Then let the opposite end hang all the way down. Be sure to tuck in any loose ends so the long tail steals the spotlight.

How to Make a Blanket Scarf

Not thrilled about shelling out big bucks for a blanket scarf? Can't find one you like in stores? Or are you just a sucker for a DIY project? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we've got good news for you: "Blanket scarves are so easy to make," says Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs, co-founder of Livari Clothing. (They're also the perfect handmade gift for a friend, she says.)

The hardest part is picking the perfect fabric, but "rub the swatch against your face, and if you instantly want to cuddle with it, you have a winner," she says. When choosing a fabric, consider that a blanket scarf usually has a cozy, winter-y vibe, so prints like plaid, tweed, and windowpane work really well.

Here are St. Bernard-Jacobs' five easy steps to making your own blanket scarf at home, no sewing machine required.

Step 1: Choose the fabric that's right for your look, focusing on anything that's super-soft to the touch.

Step 2: Measure the amount of fabric you'll need by wrapping it around your torso so you're completely covered (no need for measuring tape!).

Step 3: Cut the fabric, then use a pin at the edge to pull out the first few lines of stitches. This will fray the ends a bit.

Step 4: Repeat Step 3 on all four sides of the fabric.

Step 5: Trim any loose or stray threads and voila! You've got yourself a blanket scarf with a boho-inspired frayed edge.