How to Wear Scarves This Winter

A scarf is one of those accessories that looks great with any type of outfit, but also serves a functional purpose -- to keep you warm during cold winter months. There are dozens of ways to tie a scarf, from simply wrapping it around your neck to creating a looped ascot.

Since there are so many colors, patterns and textures to choose from when it comes to scarves, finding the right style for an outfit might seem overwhelming. Here are a few wardrobe ideas to pair with different scarves:

Patterned

When you are wearing a neutral outfit, a pop of color or pattern with a scarf can take an outfit from boring to chic. One wardrobe idea is to pair a Vera Bradley Knitted Scarf with a monochromatic outfit, such as black skinny jeans, fitted T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt and black blazer. The dark palette of the wardrobe allows the scarf to stand out and act as a statement accessory.

Oversize

You know how comfortable an oversize sweater feels, but such a piece might not be acceptable to wear out of the house. Instead, go for an oversize, comfortable scarf to complement a casual outfit for your weekend outings. Keep the look casual by wearing a light-colored long-sleeve shirt, jeans, ballet flats or riding boots and wrapping a chunky knit scarf around your neck. An ideal scarf for the occasion includes the Ugg Cardy Pocket Scarf With Fringe.

Lightweight

Not all scarves have to be heavy. Lightweight scarves offer warmth, but are perfect for those winter days when the sun seems to warm everything up. Lightweight scarves come in a variety of colors and patterns, such as the Jessica Simpson Tweet Oversized Square Scarf. Pair a lightweight scarf with a pair of slacks, denim jacket and simple tee to create a casual yet put-together look for a day out with friends or a weekend outing.

Silk

If you are planning on a night out, a silk scarf is the ideal solution for adding a light coverup to your outfit, while still keeping it elegant enough to wear for a special occasion. Loop the scarf around the neck and tie the ends at the nape to create a cowl neck appearance for any of your outfits. One sleek look would be to pair a pencil skirt, simple blouse and blazer with a silk scarf, such as the Echo Design Status Riding Straps Square Silk Scarf.

So, whether you want to keep the style casual or dressed up, a scarf is a great accessory to spice up the look. The colors and patterns to choose from allow you to take a simple outfit and add a functional yet suitable accessory in the cooler months.

Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own shopping guides.