Bandana: Wrap a triangular scarf in a light fabric over your head with the loose ends at the back. Tuck your hair in and extra fabric in, and knot the loose ends at the nape of your neck. This creates a sporty and an upbeat look for semi-casual or fun wear.

Ascot: Accordion-fold a silk printed or plain scarf and place it on your neck with the ends at the front. Tie a knot close to the neck and spread the gathers out evenly. Tuck the ends under your shirt. This works well with a formal ensemble.

Jabot: You can wear this sophisticated wrap inside a formal, collared shirt or over an evening top. Use a plain or printed light but long silk scarf. Accordion-fold it and place it on your neck with the ends facing the back. Bring these ends forward and loop one over the other. Fluff the excess and spread it across the length of your neck.

French cravat: This comes from ‘Kravata’ or ‘Croat’, a Croatian word for necktie (part of Croatian national costume) and also from ‘Cravate’, a corrupt French pronunciation of the Croatian word. Envelope-fold a scarf and wrap it on your neck tightly. Knot it on one side. Alternatively, you could make a Jabot-style loop with a knot.

Side knot: A slim, oblong light scarf is what you need. Fold the scarf into an ‘S’ fold and loop it around our waist taking the ends to one side. This ups the style quotient of a simple tunic or a dress. While wearing it on a pair of jeans, you can slip the scarf through the belt loops and knot it.

Neck wrap: Take a long silk, chiffon or georgette scarf; place it on your neck bringing the loose ends to the front. Secure the long ends at the waist with a belt for a voguish look. Evenly space out the gathers. Or you could make one end longer than the other. Toss the longer end across your shoulder and bring it forward again. Adjust the gathers snugly on your neck and let the loose ends fall on your bust.

Shawl wrap: Take a large scarf to create this elegant look. Accordion-fold a rectangular scarf, place the pleated end on one of your shoulders and secure it with a bejewelled brooch with the loose end trailing at the back. Now casually wrap the long end around your elbow of your other hand. This style can give a Greco-Roman touch to any costume.

Headband: Take an oblong scarf and sash fold it to form a band. Place this over your head and knot the ends under your hair at the nape of your neck. This keeps the hair in place and adds a playful touch to your look. Try a polka-dotted or optical printed cotton scarf.

Photograph: StockXchang