“What Accessory Can Best Dress Up My Look?”

Few things are more frustrating than standing in front of a full closet, hoping something new somehow appears among my tops, dresses and bottoms.

In situations like these, I prefer to rely on my old-faithful outfit combination–a simple monochromatic top and bottom, accented with intentional accessories. Chances are, everything you’ll need is already hanging in your closet, and all that's missing is a different way of seeing them.

The true magic of a scarf isn't that it changes your outfit—it's that it changes how you see it… An easy black tank feels mysterious, washed denim looks more put together and linen looks bohemian and collected from somewhere far away. It is the ultimate outfit completor that unlocks endless styling options with just one small, intentional piece.

So grab your favorite scarf, some fun brooches, pins or rings and let's expand those styling horizons…

I have one tote that follows me almost everywhere. Whenever it starts feeling too familiar, I wrap a scarf around the handle and somehow it feels entirely different–in true Jane Birkin fashion.

One of my most worn and favorite bags, the We The Free Emerson, is the perfect blank canvas to dress up with scarves and bandanas. Whether we’re wrapping the Tilly Skinny Silk Convertible Scarf around the handles and letting the ends dangle off the bag, or the Lotus Paisley Print Bandana knotted on the side for a heritage and truly FP vibe, there’s so many ways to dress up your everyday tote to keep it feeling refreshed and truly one of a kind.I have one tote that follows me almost everywhere. Whenever it starts feeling too familiar, I wrap a scarf around the handle and somehow it feels entirely different–in true Jane Birkin fashion.

I love how a skinny scarf almost makes people look twice. It's unexpected enough to feel intentional, but simple enough to wear every day. You can layer with some chunky pendant necklaces for an extra–and very FP– "neck mess”. A patterned or embellished skinny scarf is also a great way to inject print into a simple outfit.

Another way to use these skinny scarf styles is by folding your scarf end to end, pulling the tails through the top loop about half-way, then tuck the tails across each side, which should leave you a knot. After pulling and adjusting the knot, you’re left with a darling hair accessory. If visuals are more your style, peep maddy_rudlong for her easy-to-follow tutorial about creating an adjustable knot with your skinny scarf.

Whenever I feel that a look is lacking that final spark, I reach for a scarf to complete my look. One of my favorite ways to style an oversized scarf, like the So Silk Printed Bandana, is to pair it back to pants. By folding and layering it over an unexpected bottom like a cargo pant or washed denim, you’re able to add a fun twist to any look. The sarong-bandana hack is the perfect way to bring a quintessential summer trend to my winter wardrobe. Almost every single time, it serves as that intentional, Pinterest-worthy piece that pulls everything together.

Some days I don't want to style my hair—I want to frame it. And a scarf-turned-skull cap can do that. Simply fold your favorite bandana into a triangle, align the longest edge with your hairline, and knot the ends at the nape of your neck. Pair back to some oversized sunnies and chunky jewelry for the ultimate retro-inspired finish.

Lately I've been reaching for brooches almost as often as scarves. So, why not pair them together?

Take any oversized scarf you may have and wrap over your shoulders, securing with brooches, pins or even a lone statement earring if you want to get crafty, to secure in place.

If you’re working with a smaller shape, you can wrap it loosely around your neck, letting the ends fall at the front or slightly to one side. Instead of tying it, secure the layers together with a statement brooch. Pin the brooch through the scarf where you want it to sit, making sure it catches a few layers so it stays in place.

I also love styling my smaller-square, cotton bandanas with a bit more structure, as a bolo tie. After folding your scarf into a long, skinny strip, let the ends hang evenly in front. Simply cross the ends and pull them through one of our statement rings or even a vintage-inspired brooch, sliding it upward. You can leave the tails loose for a relaxed, effortless finish or adjust the knot for a more polished look.