Blanket scarves have been around for several seasons now. And people typically love them or hate them. I WANTED to love them…I definitely loved the idea of them (and really loved them when I saw other people in them)…but they always felt too bulky to me and like there was always just too much dang fabric. I purchased several (because again…I wanted to love them), but I never wore them. Luckily, I figured out how to make them work for me, and now I wear them all the time! So, I’m talking with ModCloth today (showing a DARLING blanket scarf) and sharing my tips and tricks for how to wear and style a blanket scarf.
First of all, when wearing a blanket scarf, I ALWAYS put my hair in a pony tail. ALWAYS. That alone makes them easier to wear. I actually follow this rule with most of my scarves. A ponytail shows off the scarf, and it keeps the hair from just laying on top of the scarf (and looking a bit awkward if you hair length is similar to mine).
The next step is going to absolutely ROCK some of your worlds. If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, then you might have seen this suggestion last year. If you’re new here, get ready for me to blow your minds.
Most of us can agree that blanket scarves are intimidating and a little scary because there is just sooooo much fabric! So, I suggest you fix that problem by…..wait for it…..CUTTING IT IN HALF. I know, I know. It sounds crazy, but it’s not! CUT IT!!!!!
Here’s an entire blanket scarf. Look how big it is! So. Much. Fabric.
How do you go about cutting it? First, lay it out flat like in the picture above. Then, fold it in half into a triangle shape (like you see below). Easy, right?
Now comes the scary part. CUT IT. Simple as that. I know it’s scary, BUT DO IT! CUT. IT.
Don’t mark it off, don’t fret about it being perfect, don’t have a panic attack, just grab a pair of scissors and get to cutting!!! This is my 3rd blanket scarf I’ve done this too, and it leaves a bit of a ragged edge, but none of them have ever unraveled on me.
Drink some wine. Give yourself a pep talk. AND JUST DO IT, ALREADY. 😉 I’m telling you….TOTAL. GAME. CHANGER. Right, Rachel? 🙂
So, now that the scarf isn’t the size of a picnic blanket ;), I thought I would plan an outfit around it with some other ModCloth items. HOW CUTE IS THIS! LOOK AT THE RAIN BOOTS!
plaid blanket scarf c.o. ModCloth/ boyfriend cardigan in grey c.o. Modcloth/ similar white tee / similar leopard belt / distressed jeans c.o. Modcloth / earrings / ankle rain boots c.o. ModCloth
And here I am in it! See how the ponytail makes the scarf the star of the show? Plus, my hair doesn’t end up in a tangled mess, which always happens if I wear a scarf without a ponytail. And notice how the scarf is still full and cozy, but it’s not eating my head? Yep, that’s the beauty of cutting the scarf in half. All of the bells and whistles, without all of the claustrophobia. 😉
plaid blanket scarf c.o. ModCloth/ boyfriend cardigan in grey c.o. Modcloth/ similar white tee / similar leopard belt / distressed jeans c.o. Modcloth / earrings / ankle rain boots c.o. ModCloth
And here’s a close up of the scarf I’m wearing. Click HERE for other blanket scarf options from ModCloth. Click HERE for ALL scarves from ModCloth (not just the blanket variety).
Get My Look For Yourself Here. Just click on what you are interested in!
And here are some more blanket scarf options for you:
And let’s just take a second, because I am totally crushing on these rain boots. I love the ankle height (so fun and different), and the navy and mustard combo with the bees is just so stinkin’ cute! Sadly, right now only two sizes are left in this exact pair. They do still have THESE with dogs. In the Joules rain boots, for sure size down if you are a half size. In fact, you might want to size down anyway. (I’m typically a 6 1/2…sometimes a 6…..and the 6s felt a tad big. I think I might have been able to wear the 5s, but I haven’t tried them on.) You can click HERE to see all of the rain boots they have. I’m totally crushing on THESE bright yellow ones with the bow on the back. They have fantastic reviews and I’m kind of dying over them.
Okay, I couldn’t help it. See what I mean? Click HERE for these boots. Tell me you wouldn’t hope for rain every morning. 😉 A 20% chance of rain would be enough of an excuse to pull these babies out!
And if you want to explore Modcloth some more (they have a HUGE online selection!), click HERE. Some items that caught my eye are below. Just click on what you are interested in.
Back to blanket scarves for a minute. I get TONS of e-mails about how to tie a blanket scarf, so I remade a graphic I first created a year or so ago. Purely fyi: It took me about 20 minutes to write out the 4 SIMPLE steps you are about to read below. TWENTY. MINUTES. Wish I was kidding. I of course know how I personally tie a scarf, but for some reason it was SO HARD for me to put it into words! I hope the steps help you! Even if they don’t, just act like they do….m’kay? Please and thank you. And again, please feel free to pin it! Then you can reference it quickly next time you are having issues tying your scarf.
This next graphic is also from last year. The shot on the left shows the blanket scarf as I purchased it. The picture on the right shows the one that has been cut in half. See? Just as cute, but way less overwhelming.
Look at sweet Scout behind me. I sure do miss that furry guy.
A HUGE thanks to ModCloth for sponsoring this fun post! And I’m telling you, QUIT YOU’RE BELLY ACHIN’ AND JUST CUT YOUR SCARF ALREADY! 😉 If you did this with me last year, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT so people that haven’t done it yet don’t think I’ve lost my mind! See y’all back here on Wednesday!
p.s. Thanks to a comment from a reader (thanks for the awesome idea, Becky!) I put this graphic together! What a fun idea!
Amy says
Just cut it! I cut two last year and have the other halves to my sis! It’s a game changer! Thanks Sheaffer!
Elizabeth says
Love this tutorial – so helpful! PS – Loving the plaid scarf too!
XO
http://stripesandsolitaires.com
Britt says
I’ve been following your blog for years, and I cut all of my blanket scarves last year. I can’t believe how much more I like them! And my best friend loves it too because she got all of the other halves. I was so nervous when I did the first one, but the next two were very easy. Just do it!
Jennifer says
Sheaffer! All of my friends and I did this last year with our blanket scarves (after your post), and then we all exchanged the other halves! It was so much fun, and you’re right, they never unraveled. I was really skeptical, but I’m so glad I did it. Like you, I wanted to love them, but I never wore them. And now I tons!
Shay Shull says
Okay, so many good tips! Wearing your hair up and cutting it are both game changers. You look so cute in the pictures with the scarf! Love it!
Amy says
OMG – so scary! I just got a blanket scarf from the Nordstrom sale and have yet to wear it . . . I’m keeping this in mind if I can’t get it to work right!!! Love your instructions on how to wear!!!
Erika Slaughter says
Remember last year we had a scarf cutting party and we cut up a bunch at Andrea’s? I’m a big fan of cutting in half-it makes the scarf so much more manageable. 🙂
Sheaffer says
Oh my goodness, I forgot about that!!!! Yes, “manageable” is a good word!!!
Shaunna says
Cutting the blanket scarves is GENIUS! I did this last winter after your suggestion and love the results. (I used linking sheers to keep the scarf from unraveling.) Scarf is still full and fluffy but doesn’t feel like you are being choked! Lol
Stacy says
Those yellow boots! OMG! I need them.
Narci says
Yes, I cut all of my blanket scarves and give the other half to a friend! The size difference makes them lay so much nicer. Total game changer!!!
Cs says
Your smiling face is so welcoming – I love coming here every morning with my cup of coffee. Its like “HELLO”! Get ready for some fun girl time!”
Going to try this trick soon -I have ordered, loved and forwarded many of your clothing tips too.
You are a ray of sunshine lady : )
Sheaffer says
Well, this is one of the sweetest comments I’ve ever received! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave it and totally make my day!!!! xoxo
Diana says
Cut mine up as well! That first snip is the hardest but to help I spent $5 on some cheap one so it wouldn’t hurt if I didn’t like it….it’s my favorite now once I got over it and cut! In fact…there was another commenter last year who didn’t have one and I sent her the other half! Share the love! I actually pulled on the cut edge to fray it a little and it doesn’t look cut now. Love the ponytail idea. The hair does get in the way.
Sheaffer says
Such a fun story, Diana! Very generous of you!
Laura says
Will someone share their other half with me? Ha!
Stacey says
Totally agree cut the scarf! I cut mine in half last year and gave the other half to my daughter. I admit it was scary at first and cause I was intimidated I first cut a scarf I bought from Rue 21. In case I had scarf remorse (its a thing). They were BOGO anyway. Now I just have to plan that my daughter is not wearing the other half on the same day as I am wearing mine. So I not only got them BOGO I was able to make 2 from 1. Yay!
Beth Kaiser says
Can you please show us how you put your hair in the pony tail? It always looks cute, and I can not get that fullness into mine!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Beth! Thank you! I just wear it super high, and I think all of the layers in my hair (on top and throughout) give it the fullness. Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Erin says
I cut mine last year! Then I gave the other half to a friend 🙂
Mary Jorgensen says
Totally cut all of my blanket scarves last year…and I told all of my friends. Game. Changer. Thanks for the awesome tips!!
Linda says
I finally got the nerve to cut one last year and it was LIFE CHANGING!! The best part was sharing the second half with my sister. Yesterday I took my daughter to Daisy Scouts and a Mom came up to me to tell me she liked my outfit and then asked if I followed your blog. LOL I had to laugh as my whole outfit was from your suggestion. It was the crinkle dress with dark denim jacket and booties. So fun!!! Thanks for making looking cute so easy for us!!!
Sheaffer says
Love that story, Linda! xoxo 🙂
Britt Hensley says
yay! Thanks for sharing. I’ve been fumbling through tying my blanket scarf, but after reading today’s post, I guess I’ve been doing it right! 🙂
Becky says
Love it!! The Friendship scarf!!
Sheaffer says
Becky! The Friendship Scarf! I LOVE IT!!!! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Sheaffer says
Becky, I’m totally going to make a graphic with this term with some blanket scarves!!! Such a cute idea! Thanks! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Brandi says
Any advice on cutting a rectangular blanket scarf?? I can’t find tips on this anywhere.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Brandi! So sorry, but I’ve only cut a square one! Wish I was more help! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Leigh says
I just got a blanket scarf and will be coming back to this post to make sure I have the wrap down!! I may have to cut it as well – we will see. I planned to wear it in our family photos – but I am not sure I want my hair in a pony….now what do I do!!!???
Debbie says
I’m brand new to your blog and love it. But, I have to say, this scarf cutting idea IS GENIUS! Now I need to find a friend willing to cut hers and trade with me. I have so many scarves that have never been worn as they are just too MUCH. I live in Texas , so half a blanket is very reasonable. Thanks a million and keep these ideas coming
Monica Converse says
PERFECT! Now you can send the other half to me and I can check out this style I have been totally loving on other people but felt like I was wearing a tablecloth!!!
Kirstin says
Out of all the style emails I subscribe to, yours is my favorite! Love your style in clothing as well as writing! I feel like I’m having coffee with a girlfriend when I sit down to read them; thanks for all the time and effort in getting these out to us!!!
Sheaffer says
Thank you SO MUCH, Kirstin! That is such a high compliment! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Shanna says
Love your blog…it’s a dose of happy every week! And thankmyou for this tip, I somehow missed this last year! I have a couple that I’m going to cut this week. My sister & mom will be very excited to receive the other halves ????!
Happy Monday from SC,
Shanna
Becky says
I did this last year and I gave the other half away on instagram! I need to do it this year with my new scarf!
Rachel Scarvey says
I always cut my blanket scarves in half and then I can share them with my girlies (9 and 5). I have found that I can make 3 scarves from 1 blanket scarf. 1/2 for me and 2 smaller triangles from the other half for the girls! Win-Win-Win!!!!
Erin says
Love seeing all these sweet reader comments 🙂
AND…TONIGHT…is the night I’m cutting my blanket scarf. I’m done with ALL.THAT.FABRIC.
Sheaffer says
Me too, Erin! Such a sweet surprise for me today! And yes… TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT!!!! 🙂 xoxo, Sheaffer
Lori Doo says
Such a great idea! I gave away several blanket scarves years ago because of all the cloth (felt like a mummy!!). I’ve gone to infinity scarves, but still do not wear them much…..I’m going to look and see if I have at least one blanket scarf left…..Thank Scheaffer for the tips!
Rachel says
Right!!! GAME CHANGER!!!! ❤
Celesta says
I got a blanket scarf last year for Christmas. Exactly like the one you are featuring. I’ve never worn it. It felt like my face was drowning. Cutting it in half is pure genius!!!!!!
Ps. I LOVE Monday/Wednesday/Friday nights cause I get to end my day with your awesome blog!!!!
Arie says
love those boots! Im going to try a size down and hope they fit
Melanie says
I know this was supposed to be a post about fashion, but you have totally inspired me to use a blanket scarf as a tablecloth for this fall! It’s the perfect size!
Jennifer Doczekalski says
This is a great idea! I don’t know why I never thought of it. I’m busty and the blanket scarves are just too much scarf!
Kim in Minnesota says
thanks! I found a great blanket scarf at Target’s bargain spot so your post and the $7 price tag encouraged me to cut it. Much more comfortable now, and it will be easier to fit the reduced volume under a heavy winter coat here in the frozen tundra. Although I’m going to leave another scarf because I like to belt the front of that one as a vest.
Laura says
This is such a fantastic idea! I’m petite (5’1″) and love the blanket scarf trend, but have trouble wearing them around my neck as all that fabric overwhelms my height and size! This will be a game changer for sure! Question, I’m assuming this can only be done the square-shaped blanket scarves, that it would be hard to do with the rectangular ones? Have you made any attempts on a rectangle-shaped blanket scarf?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Laura! I’ve only done it with square ones because it allows me to cut them into the perfect triangle! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Mary Kai Brandenburg says
I have two pairs of those boots and they are so cute! LOVE! I will get out my scarf tomorrow and cut away. Great tip for us shortys that can be easily overwhelmed by a blanket scarf.
Amy says
Personally, I LOVE all the fabric. I love that I can walk around with a BLANKET wrapped around my shoulders, and I still look cute. I fold mine in half to style it, because it is a lot of fabric, but that double layer makes it so cozy and warm. It might be hanging in my closet, acting like it’s just the same as all the other scarves, but really it’s the plaid version of a blardigan, that also moonlights as a throw blanket on my favorite chair.
bonnie says
Rain boots are re-stocked!!! Woot Woot! The only size not available is size 5! These are adorable and are great for any ladies that might have a wide-calf issue. I have adjustable Wellies for this reason, but love how cute and easy these will be to get on! 🙂