The first way not to wear a scarf if you are a petite build is kerchief style around your neck. Typically the kerchief style consists of a small scarf tied around the neck and knotted on the side. Unfortunately, this style does nothing to flatter petites because it creates a shortening illusion, much like a choker necklace would do. A better way to wear a small scarf would be tucked into a V-neckline so that the neckline is opened up, creating a lengthening illusion.



The second way not to wear a scarf  if you are a petite build is knotted at the center front of the neck and draped in back. There's nothing wrong with draping a diagonally folded square scarf around the back of the neck. The problem for petites comes when the knot is placed at the center front of the neck because a desirable vertical line is interrupted, resulting in a shortening effect.

An alternative would be to pull the knot down to form a V-shape. In that case, make sure to pin the scarf so that it stays in place. Or try creating the illusion of a bit more height by draping a scarf vertically.


The third way not to wear a scarf if you are a petite build is wrapped around the neck and tied at the center front. Most short women have short necks anyway, but wearing a scarf this way makes us look as though we have no necks at all. Moving the scarf so that it drapes over one shoulder for a trendy asymmetrical look will restore the neckline and visually create a desirable longer line.



The fourth way not to wear a scarf if you’re a petite build is wrapped horizontally and draped vertically. Close, but not quite there, this look is half right for short women. Two strong lines are fighting here, and although a tall model with a long, willowy neck may look great in this style, it's not the best for short women. Tweaking this style by getting rid of the choking neck wraparound, opening up the neckline, and preserving two vertical lines will help petites look taller.



The fifth way not to wear a scarf for petites is a bulky neck wrap. The problem? Far too much and no neck. A less bulky scarf worn inside a coat works much better for petites because all that extra , bulky fabric makes us look bulkier too.

www.thevintagescarf.com