As temperatures continue to drop, before we know it toques, scarves and mittens will become part of nearly every University of Saskatchewan student’s everyday wardrobe. However, not all winter wear is created equal. When it comes to versatility and variety, scarves win every time.

Long rectangle and large square scarves are both seemingly simple accessories, but they are very versatile. Although they can come in an array of materials, cotton and wool are textiles that are essential for keeping us warm in the winter. You can loop, wrap, knot, drape and twist your scarf into a world of possibilities. And the best part is that you only need one scarf to achieve each of these looks, so you can save your money and look good while doing so.

Do-it-yourself infinity scarf  (scarf from jules and lace)

Meagan Monteiro

The College of Engineering, environmental engineering, fourth-year.

First, start off with the simple drape, with both ends of the scarf draped evenly on each side of your neck. Then take both ends of the scarf and tie them together with a double knot. Next, twist the knot once over to create a large infinity symbol in front of you, and then wrap it over your head again. This creates a scarf that is more practical for the winter seasons since the material is concentrated around your neck, keeping you nice and toasty during those colder months.

Wrap (scarf from Africa)

Medina Yesuf

Edwards School of Business, second-year.

The single wrap, along with the infinity scarf, is definitely the most popular style seen around the U of S campus. Achieving this look is fairly easy. All you have to do is bundle or fold your scarf, lay both sides on the side of your neck — but this time, leave one side with almost double the length of the other. Lastly, take the longer side and wrap it around your neck once. This method, much like the infinity, is especially common during winter since it is great for sheltering your neck from the cold. Along with that, when wearing a coat, the longer ends of the scarf can bring another layer of warmth during that grueling wait for the bus.

European Loop (scarf from rittinger’s men’s wear)

Matt Bazin

The College of Arts & Science, biochemistry, third-year.

This is a great way of dressing up your scarf. First, fold your scarf directly in half, then bundle it together to create one long stretch of fabric. Then, fold the scarf in half once more so that in one hand, you have the two open-ends and on the other, you have the fold. Next, drape the scarf over your neck while keeping one hand through the loop you have just made. Lastly, pull the open-ends of the scarf through the loop to complete this look. This method, known as the European Loop, is just barely scratching the surface of versatility when it comes to looping, but is capable of adding a sense of sophistication to any outfit.

Simple drape (scarf from Dutch Growers)

Jensine Trondson

The College of Arts & Science, drama, second-year.

This is a style that has been increasing in popularity. The drape not only looks as effortlessly stylish as you could possibly want, it actually is effortless.

The instructions for this look are simple — fold your scarf in half and then drape the scarf evenly over both sides of your neck, and voila! Both of these methods can correspond to your own personal style — for example, folding the scarf lengthwise gives a more sleek and polished appearance. On the other hand, by folding the scarf diagonally you create a draped, waterfall effect on both sides which gives the scarf more dimensions. Either way, the drape can bring your outfit to the next level.

Not only do scarves provide you with warmth during the cold Saskatchewan winters, but they also provide endless variations of styles. Scarves can elevate your outfit from casual to professional, as well as being able to transform into a blanket during those long winter nights studying in the Murray Library. Whether your fashion tendencies are more practical than chic, or the other way around, scarves make it easy for both to go hand-in-hand.

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Lyndall Mack

Photos: J.C. Balicanta Narag