How to Tie a Scarf on a Handbag
Turn a bag you already own into something new. Three easy scarf ties for the handle, plus how to choose the right print.
The easiest wardrobe refresh there is
Before you buy a new bag, tie a scarf on the one you have. A scarf on the handle adds color, softness, and a sense of care that a plain bag lacks, and it costs a fraction of a new purchase. It is the trick stylists reach for again and again because it works on almost any bag, from a structured tote to a slouchy shoulder bag.
The key is restraint. One scarf, tied well, in a color that echoes something already in your outfit, looks intentional. Anything more starts to look busy.
1. The bandana wrap
Fold a square scarf into a narrow band and wind it tightly along the length of the handle, tucking the ends underneath at each side. This is the cleanest, most classic look, and it stays put all day. It suits top-handle bags and totes especially well.
2. The relaxed bow
Loop the scarf once around the base of the handle and tie a loose bow, letting the tails hang for a little movement. A bow reads softer and more feminine than a tight wrap, and it draws the eye to the bag as an accessory in its own right.
3. The trailing knot
Tie the scarf in a single knot at the base of the handle and let both ends trail down the side of the bag. This is the most understated option and works beautifully with a longer scarf or a twilly-style narrow scarf.
Choosing the right scarf for your bag
Pick a print that contains a color you already wear so the bag ties back to your outfit. For a neutral bag, a bold print adds a welcome point of interest. For a bag that is already a statement, a plain or tonal scarf keeps things elegant rather than competing. A smaller square or a narrow scarf is easier to tie neatly on a handle than a large one.
