How to Wear a Shona Joy Scarf: Scarf Tops, Bandanas and Long Drapes

Shona Joy makes two kinds of scarf, and they are worn very differently. The Riverton Scarf is an 89cm square of matte finish satin in an exclusive bandana print, made to tie as a head scarf, a neckerchief and a scarf top. The Lucent Scarf is a long, single layer of semi-sheer viscose georgette, 40cm wide and 330cm long, made to drape over the neck and arms with an evening dress.

The Riverton Scarf: a bandana print square

The Riverton is cut from viscose with LENZING ECOVERO viscose and finished as a matte satin with a soft sheen. The print is a small geometric bandana pattern in bone, chocolate and sand, framed by a striped border. At 89cm square it is large enough to tie around the body, which is what makes it a scarf top as well as a scarf. Shona Joy recommends a cold hand wash, drying flat in the shade and a cool iron on the reverse.

How to tie a scarf top

A scarf top is the simplest way to wear a large square, and it is how Shona Joy styles the Riverton, worn strapless over wide leg trousers.

1. Lay the scarf flat, print side down, and fold it in half corner to corner to make a triangle.
2. Hold the long folded edge across your bust with the point hanging down at the front.
3. Take the two ends around your back and tie them in a firm double knot.
4. Tuck the knot ends under so they lie flat, and pull the point straight at the centre.

For a halter version, tie the top two corners behind the neck and the lower two behind the back. Wear it with high waisted trousers so only a little skin shows at the waist, and with a jacket over the top for evening. If you want a little more security, a small piece of fashion tape at the top edge holds it in place.

How to tie a bandana scarf at the head and neck

• Head scarf: fold into a triangle, place the long edge across the forehead, and tie the ends at the nape over the point. A low bun underneath keeps it secure.
• Neckerchief: fold into a triangle, then roll from the long edge into a band about 5cm wide, and knot it at the side of the neck with the ends left short.
• Hair tie: roll it into a band and wrap it around a ponytail, letting the ends hang.
• Bag scarf: roll it narrow and knot it around the handle of a bag.

The print works with neutral linens and denim by day. Try it with the cotton Omri stripe pieces, such as the Omri Oversized Shirt, for a relaxed holiday look.

The Lucent Scarf: long georgette for evening

The Lucent comes in four colours made for Shona Joy’s bridesmaid range, Black, Blossom, Espresso and Lemon, plus a shaped bridal version in Ivory. The georgette is semi-sheer with a slightly grainy, matte feel and a fluid drape, and it is dry clean only. Shona Joy advises keeping it away from rough surfaces and jewellery because the fabric is delicate.

How to wear a long scarf with a dress

• Over the neck, ends down the back: centre the scarf at the front of the neck and let both ends fall down your back. This is the signature Lucent look, and it turns a strapless dress into something closer to a cape.
• Knotted at the throat: wrap it once around the neck and tie a loose knot at the side, letting the length fall behind.
• Over the arms: drape it across the back and over the elbows like a stole. Useful in a church where shoulders should be covered.
• Single shoulder: throw one end over one shoulder so it falls down the back and let the other hang at the front.

At 330cm the Lucent is very long, so when you dance, wrap it once more around the neck to shorten the fall.

Matching the Lucent to bridesmaid dresses

The Lucent colours line up with the La Lune bridesmaid satins. The La Lune Strapless Column Maxi Dress in Lemon and the La Lune Strapless Column Maxi Dress in Espresso are the cleanest pairing, because a strapless neckline leaves room for the scarf to frame the shoulders. The La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Blossom and the La Lune One Shoulder Cowl Back Maxi Dress in Black work with the scarf worn over the bare shoulder. Giving each bridesmaid the same dress with the scarf worn a different way is an easy way to vary the line up. Our guides to yellow bridesmaid dresses and brown bridesmaid dresses show the full colour ranges.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Shona Joy Riverton Scarf?
The Riverton Scarf measures 89cm by 89cm, large enough to tie as a scarf top as well as a head scarf and a neckerchief.

How do you tie a scarf as a top?
Fold a large square scarf into a triangle, hold the folded edge across the bust with the point down at the front, and tie the two ends firmly behind your back.

What is the Riverton Scarf made of?
It is a matte finish satin of 62% viscose and 38% LENZING ECOVERO viscose, in an exclusive bandana print.

How long is the Lucent Scarf?
The Lucent Scarf in Black, Blossom, Espresso and Lemon is 40cm wide and 330cm long. The bridal Lucent in Ivory is shaped, 13.2cm wide at the centre and 60.5cm at each end, with 215cm from the centre to each hem.

How do you wear a long scarf with a strapless dress?
Centre the scarf at the front of the neck and let both ends fall down the back. It frames the shoulders and adds movement without covering the dress.

How do I care for a georgette scarf?
Shona Joy’s Lucent Scarf is dry clean only. Iron on the reverse with a protective cloth if needed and keep it away from rough surfaces and jewellery.