Tie the Knot
I have heard it said that if a woman, when she is applying for a job at Vogue, does not know how to tie a scarf she stands no chance. It’s an amusing little quip, but what I want to know is this: how does Vogue know? Unless the applicant is actually wearing a scarf, do they ask her to perform a small number of manual tasks as part of the interview process?
‘Right, now, you’ve proven you know the maximum quantity of rings per finger, and how to seat two ex-wives at their ex-husband’s third wedding, but do you know how to tie a scarf stylishly? Please choose a scarf from this selection and tie the knot of your choice. Points will be allocated for ratio of correct scarf weight to knot style, speed, and dexterity. You have 90 seconds, and you may begin now.’
I’m sure that I would fail such a test under these harsh and repressive conditions. In fact, while I have a simply enormous scarf collection, I am always in far too much of a hurry in the mornings to choose one, let alone wrap it stylishly around my neck. I am more likely to choose a necklace, and adding a scarf on top of that would (usually) be superfluous and inelegant.
a beautifully knotted scarf is an elegant accessory, and does indeed separate the Voguettes from the rest of us hoi polloi
However, a beautifully knotted scarf is an elegant accessory, and does indeed separate the Voguettes from the rest of us hoi polloi. Unfortunately, more often than not I merely fling a scarf around my neck as I run out of the door, either wound around or casually knotted, or if it’s a windy day, in an easy European Loop. But when I take the time to tie a scarf properly, it truly does add that extra touch of polish.
But if, like me, you need a little help, you can do no better than consult the Scarf app from Japanese developers CenterWave (available for iPhone and Android) – it’s 99c I’ve not regretted spending. The app has a colourful step-by-step guide to tying 25 different knots – here are some of my favourites. (I do apologise for the inappropriate blouse – I wanted something plain to showcase each scarf, but I can’t claim to own a single white shirt!)
Half Butterfly
This casual style of wrapping a knot looks stylish, and shows off a scarf to great effect.
This is such a pretty, loose knot that really will show off a fluttery silk scarf.
Double Ascot
A somewhat formal knot that makes a stylish impression. If you tuck the scarf into a shirt, the mood changes to something extra special.
This is the classic scarf knot you see glamorous fashion editors wear in films. I love this one for its formal but stylish look.
European Loop
The impression changes with the position of the loop. It’s suitable for high-necked clothing or with a Nehru collar.
I often wear my winter scarves in this loop – it’s quite cosy and sturdy when there’s a gale blowing.
Bow Tie
Adjusting the size of the scarf controls the nuances of impression you can make. A larger ribbon produces a showy effect, while a smaller ribbon suggests intelligence.
The preceding paragraph (quoted from the app) sounds like a dubious translation from the Japanese, but I imagine that the suggestion of ‘intelligence’ may come from the suffragettes, who wore little bow ties at the turn of last century with their shirtwaisters. (I may be overreaching slightly though.) A larger scarf as mine certainly does produce a flamboyant showy effect, but it is certainly delightfully fun.
Men’s Tie
This is known as a men’s tie knot, and it imparts a boyish impression. Because it doesn’t come undone easily, it is a practical way of tying a knot.
The classic men’s tie – also popular with the suffragettes and the women who went to work during WWI – is very sturdy. It would look great on a slightly fatter scarf than the one I used (Vogue fail!).
A Note on the Scarves
There is nothing like silk fabric for scarves (except other natural fibres for more casual scarves). Silk is lightweight and delicate, caresses the skin, and floats so beautifully. Artificial fibres more often than not just don’t sit nicely, especially vintage scarves made from acetate – those will tend only to work as headscarves. The five scarves I am wearing here are all vintage, except the cream and pink polka-dotted half butterfly scarf, and the grey leaf patterned men’s tie scarf.
Now Snapettes: go forth and experiment – just don’t tie yourself in knots over it!
NB. Italicised text quoted from the Scarf app.