Aaron and I visited Seattle this past summer, and my awesome sister-in-law, McKenna, wanted to take me to her favorite store, Aritzia. I’d never really heard of it, but ohmygoodness. The moment I walked in, I was hooked. It was pure, unadulterated Unfancy style.
When Aritzia reached out to me about a possible collaboration a few months later, I just about passed out from excitement.
Then promptly white-girl-danced to Beyonce for a solid 15.
Anyway …
Today, I’m beside myself with excitement because I get to share it with you! I’ll be taking over Aritzia’s Instagram today, too, so I’d love it if you’d follow along.
Since accessories can add so much life to a capsule wardrobe, Aritzia asked me to come up with some simple + modern ways to wear a scarf. A blanket scarf to be exact.
Blanket scarves have my name all over them.
Put the word “blanket” in front of any piece of clothing, and I am so there, ready to get cozy.
So, how is a blanket scarf different than a regular scarf, you ask?
Well, first of all, a blanket scarf is square — none of that long skinny rectangle-ness that makes up most scarves. Second, a blanket scarf is usually oversized. Like taller than your dad, oversized. Finally, a blanket scarf is usually made of comfort-tastic fabric.
Here are three totally different + totally modern + totally easy ways to wear a blanket scarf. Hint: it’s all in the folding.
—
No. 1: Poncho Style (AKA The Rectangle Fold)
Step one: Fold your blanket scarf in half, creating a rectangle. Throw it around your shoulders + bunch it up at the top edge.
Step two: Bring one side around and tuck it snugly.
Step three: Bring the other side around and tuck it snugly. Then shape + tuck as necessary, until you have a nice triangle shape in front.
Style your blanket scarf with a charcoal sweatshirt, leather leggings, and slip-ons. This look is perfect for the airport + travel. It’s cozy + stylish + totally fuss free.
Bonus! Finish the look with a large tote bag + glasses.
Scarf: c/o Aritzia / Top: Aritzia / Leggings: Urban Outfitters / Shoes: DSW / Bag: Nordstrom / Glasses: Warby Parker
No. 2: Cardigan Style (AKA the triangle fold)
Step one: Start with your blanket scarf completely open + unfolded.
Step two: Fold your blanket scarf in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Don’t worry about making it perfect — it should be a sloppy triangle.
Step three: Wrap the long edge around your shoulders. Adjust as necessary + leave open.
Style it with jeans + a cozy knit sweater + ankle booties. Finish the look with a felt hat. Boho-tastic!
Scarf: c/o Aritzia / Top: Anthropologie (similar) / Jeans: Madewell / Shoes: Sam Edelman / Hat: Urban Outfitters
No. 3: Regular Scarf Style (AKA the Bunch-Up)
Step one: Start with your blanket scarf completely open + unfolded. Then simply bunch it up.
Step two: Bring the scarf around your neck, keeping it super short on one end and long on the other.
Step three: Loop the long end around your neck once + tuck the end under the loop. Adjust as necessary.
Style it with jeans + a blazer + ankle booties. The look is classic, but the extra large size of the scarf keeps it modern. Perfect for everyday wear.
Scarf: c/o Aritzia / Blazer: Aritzia / Top: J.Crew (similar) / Jeans: Madewell / Shoes: Aldo / Bangles: Madewell
Which look is your favorite?
xo
OMG!!! So in love with these! My favourites are the first two. I love that they are kimono esque. I will so be playing with my scarves tomorrow!!! I’m thinking the second. Love these so much. Thanks for sharing.
I love them all. And unfortunately those are my top three choices for their scarves so now I’m even more confused about which pattern to get. :S anyone have a three sided coin??
I am in love with the bunch up and cardigan style and can’t wait to give these a try! I do have a question–I live in Michigan where the temperatures require a parka or some type of jacket that stands up to the chill when leaving the house. This always leaves me in a quandry as to how to pull off these looks (meaning wearing a blazer or the cardigan style scarf) when I need to throw a coat over it to go outside. I’m left feeling bulky and uncomfortable. Subsequently, I feel reluctant to wear this style that I LOVE. Does anyone have suggestions for pulling this off?
p.s. Love your blog!
Pam, as a fellow Michigander I totally understand this. I like to have at least 2 winter coats, a nice warm parka for those super chilly days when I’m running errands or spending time outside. And then a lighter coat, maybe a wool pea coat or even something down that just isn’t real thick for those times that I’m wearing more layers underneath. Hope this helps a bit!
Hi Pam! My grey wrap coat is a little bit oversized (+ also made of fabric that’s a little thinner) so I can throw it over other layers easily. For me, the layers keep things toasty even though I’m wearing a lighter coat. Hope this helps a little! :) xo Caroline
The 1st look is my favorite! I have a shawl from India that I almost never wear because I don’t know how to but now thanks to you I have new ideas! Thanks for this post!
Love all of these ideas! That first look is perfection. Random question, what lip color do you wear? It looks so natural but still has a bit of color, diggin it!
Hi Kelly! I use Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Apricot. :) xo Caroline
Love the second look where you made the scarf look like an open poncho! Super cute! I love blanket scarves too and think they’re great for adding a little extra oomph to it.
We have to pick a favorite?! I’ll go with No. 1. This is timely, we’re having some cooler weather and I was just trying to conquer my oversized scarf. ;)
You totally blew my mind with the first option. I love scarves but always have issues styling them because I’m not at all creative with how I fold/tie them. I have to fly a lot for my job, and scarfs are necessary to me to keep warm on flights, so the idea of a huge blanket size scarf wrapped around all warm and cozy in option one is super appealing to me! And I love the look with the simple all black shirt/leather leggings combo. I’ll need to try this for my next flight!
That looks great! Speaking of Aritzia, I have a question about the “Ionic Cape”. I purchased it after I saw it featured on your site! I love it, However it sheds a lot. Do you have any tips on how to minimize the shedding?
http://us.aritzia.com/product/ionic-cape/52996.html?dwvar_52996_color=3459#start=3
Hi Christina! I haven’t had a ton of problems with mine shedding, although I do notice it every now and then. Whenever I notice it, I just run a lint roller over it. :) xo Caroline
Thank you! I did wash it twice and it now does NOT shed, just in case anyone on here was looking to purchase!
Thanks! I found your helpful post as I was wondering about the exact same shedding problem my new cape seems to have. I was wondering if I should return it but I’ll wash it a few times and see how it goes. Thanks again!
I never could figure out how to style these scarves, thanks so much for this post! I especially love the second look. You look so effortlessly bohemian! This looks perfect for a nursing mommy like me for a little extra coverage.
I’m definitely a fan of the cardigan-scarf
Oh my goodness, I love this! Hurry up Austin weather and get cooler so I can wear one!!
http://www.lonestarlauren.wordpress.com
I have been dreaming about Aritzia blanket scarves and this post just confirmed it: MUST have one!!!
Also, I havent been into the whole #womancrushwednesday thing, and I know it’s thursday, but Oh My Gosh you are rocking those leather leggings!!!!! Get it girl!!
I love scarves, but this looks like the best thing. ever. I haven’t seen or heard of a blanket scarf before, but it will most definitely be on my shopping list!
Love all three looks! Question: are you a xs or xxs in the charcoal tna sweatshirt? Thanks!
Thanks so much for the inspiration! I love scarfs/shawls, but always end up wearing them like #3, and it’s great to see new ways to wear them. I’m definitely trying out #1 soon!
I love the poo out of all of these – OMG. I just got an oversized blanket sweater that is more rectangular than square. It’s amazing. I fully plan to wear it on airplanes so I can fully retire my VS Pink college-girl hoodie lol
Super interesting post– Love all these!! Walking around wearing a blanket sounds dreamy in this chilly Chicago weather :) Would love to eventually see some lower-cost blanket scarf options, though! (college student budget here).
The second one is my favorite ;) even if they all look nice!
Scarf of my dreams! Just went to their site and now I am overwhelmed by choices, that diamond mosaic is perfection. About to do some 1-for-you 1-for-me Christmas shopping. Thank you, once again you made my life easier.
I just submitted my application — and I am FREAKING OUT because I’m not a fashion blogger lol
I had to send it twice because I noticed spacing issues, but my spacing resent didn’t do much. So I am going to apologize for the hot mess.
I can’t wait for your choices! I am sure that whoever they are will contribute greatly to Unfancy :)
Yay! You did it :)
:) Did you apply too??
Yes, nervously :)
I absolutely adore these looks! Thank god winter is here :) x
I’m curious about the cardigan style, for anyone who’s worn it. Does it stay put or are you constantly messing with it as you go about your day? Do you take it off when you get to work, or to the restaurant, etc? I think it looks fantastic in photos but it seems like it would lead to a lot of fidgeting/moving it out of the way. (or maybe that’s just me.)
I did this the other day! Because it’s sitting on your shoulders, it doesn’t slide off. I like the thin fabric with a little weight as opposed to wool for this. Because you can hug yourself and coccoon yourself in it and it doesn’t look bulky at all! I bought one when I saw someone do this and they look so cozy, I almost hugged them.
Cool! I totally want to try it, but the only square large scarves I have are made of slippery fabrics. Maybe I’ll see if Target has any just to try it out. I think it could replace my trusty grey cardigan sometimes :)
Beautiful scarves! I’ve been trying to find one!
Sophia / sophiebysophia.blogspot.com
I love the way you styled these scarves! Scarves are definitely an accessory that I need to incorporate into my wardrobe more.
xoxo
Taylor
So how do these scarves fit into your capsule?
I think Caroline’s rules are that accessories don’t count. I assume the scarves fit into that category?
Amazing! I love Aritzia! Thank you for this post! Can’t wait to try out the second look :)
Annie
The Mama Gazette
I love your first look, but I would not wear it to the airport–TSA would not let you through with it on, that’s for sure. And then you’d have to make it look good again before rushing to your gate (or am I the only one that rushes? lol). It’s perfect for the plane, though. It would probably take me a lot of practice to get it to look right!
xo Kimi
Hip Hip Hooray!! M absolute favorite store and fashionista together!
Loving the first look! I never really knew how to get that triangle shape, so youre tutorial was super helpful! So excited about your collaboration with Aritzia too! Love them and love your blog!
I love the first look. Super simple and chic. I need to get one of these. I’m always so cold and regular scarves just don’t cut it.
I think my favourite is the travel poncho look! Which is strange, cause I would normally go for the boho look. Well, actually, as a way to wear a scarf I’m all up for the cardigan style, but for some reason I absolutely love the all black look.
Anyway! What I wanted to say is, that all black travel outfit is one of my favourites from your blog.
And I’m happy you got to work with one of your fave brands! Must be amazing!
Kat
Okay, I think I’ve officially found the next thing I’m buying this fall. That looks SO comfy and warm!
I love blanket scarves because they’re so cozy! The only way I knew how to style them was the bunch-up though. Love this! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s
Oh yeah, and this is especially helpful, because I only brought one scarf with me to college, so this will be a fine way to spice things up :)
This is awesome! I am working on the design for a blanket scarf for my clothing and homewares shop at the moment, so this is great inspiration for styling ideas!
Can we talk about the “vegan leather” leggings for a minute? I purchased them upon your recommendation & took them on vacation in Phoenix the other weekend. I would NOT recommend these for anyone in a hot climate, as they get hot & sticky. I wore them out dancing & they looked great, but I had to literally peel them off at the end of the night – LOL! Good thing I live in Washington where it’s cold & rainy.
Did anyone else buy them? What are your experiences?
Hi Beth! Oh yikes — that doesn’t sound fun! I mean the dancing part sounds fun, just not ya know the peeling them off part. :) I’ve had mine since last year, but I’ve never worn them in warm weather. I usually reserve mine for cooler days. :) xo Caroline
i could wear that first outfit every day. i never knew aritzia had such pretty scarves. I love the birch colored one.
http://csconfetti.blogspot.com
Hi :) My name is Maria and I hope you don’t mind me using part of your post on my blog because I really loved it. I gave you all the credits but anyway you may not like it.
(http://aromaachuva.blogspot.pt/2014/11/3-ways-to-wear-blanket-scarf.html) If you have a problem with it please tell me and I will remove it ASAP *
I love your blog btw <3
Keep the good work going.
xoxo
Maria
Oh, I love that Aritzia scarf! I never noticed they have that! Guess who’s going shopping this weekend :D Thanks for sharing! Very helpful for the cold winter!
Does anyone know how to wash these scarves?
I’ve had mine for over 6 months and I think it needs a good washing, but I’m scared it will shrink :(
Whatever you do, follow the directions and dry clean it! I washed mine and it shrank ? My heart literally broke…
I’m totally obsessed with your photos, well done! I just bought a few blanket scarves for https://www.theblanketscarf.com
Love!
Right now it sounds like Drupal is the top blogging platform out there
right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Nice! Definitely a favorite look of mine. Cozy chic is the best. Don’t get what a “white girl dance” is though, unless that’s referencing how rich dances of European culture are such as the ballet.
Hey! I know this post is super old but I just bought the iconic cape and I’m so in love! I just had a question -do you actually handwash it or do you use the washer/dryer?
Hey Ange – you can try the washer on delicate with a gentle detergent, and then hang dry. But hand washing is safest! :) xo, Caroline
hand-washing is better in a mild soap water, rinse and then dry it flat, no hanging otherwise it will loose its form
So happy I found this! I received one of these scarves for Christmas and had no clue how to wear it!! Punching style is my favorite!!! Thanks!!
Meant puncho style!! (Cardigan)