You may think you know all there is to know about scarves…think again. Sarah Walter talks us through the many ways to tie a scarf and instantly update your holiday wardrobe.

A scarf is a holiday must-have. Whether on a city break or beach holiday it’s an accessory that can be worn in a multitude of ways. Style-passport founder, Sarah Walter gives us her top tips on how to tie a scarf.

In her student days Sarah was a savvy shopper and used to visit second-hand shops and  jumble sales for un-loved designer scarves and fabric shops for off-cuts of Thai silk. Sarah began her love affair for this must-have accessory with a Pucci silk scarf for just £1.

“Not content with scarves residing solely on my neck I found new ways to enjoy their print and colour. I wound the longer ones under belt loops to create a flourish on my jeans, ponytail holders were an obvious use and then I started doubling larger scarves and tying them around my waist with a belt. Worn with a jumper and boots I like this winter look but even better in summer with a crisp white vest and brown legs.”

As Sarah began to travel and explore the world her fabrics became more exotic. Batiques in brown and orange from Bali, monochrome African mud cloth juxtaposed with shitenges in blues and greens, jeweled Indian saris with gold embroidery and cashmere wraps from Nepal in earth colours.

“You see, to ration a scarf to just being a scarf is banal; my scarves are memories their DNA exudes every place I have visited. They keep my neck warm, my hair back, my trousers up. They are my plane blankets, they are skirts, beach cover-ups, impromptu towels when a cold river beckons, even sheets in hot countries under a ceiling fans.”

After years of collecting, scarves have a devoted shelf in Sarah’s wardrobe, “Every day once I get dressed this shelf is visited and an old friend is extracted to finish off my look. My scarf thing is contagious too. When I cannot find the perfect match for today’s look I need look no further than my 14 year olds room where she has started to wear them in ‘her way’.”

For more How to Wear tips from Sarah visit style-passport.com.

To see how to wear this season’s trends visit our Get The Look page.