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A twist on the necklace

Scarves keep your neck warm, and they are also an alternative to chokers

Chokers, while still a hot fashion accessory, have a youthful vibe that may not suit everyone.

An alternative would be tying a plain or patterned scarf around your neck. A scarf is simple yet chic. It also serves a practical purpose, keeping your neck warm in cold offices and on public transport, says Ms Santhi Tunas, co-founder of home-grown scarf brand Binary Style.

She shares two different ways to style a square scarf:

As a knotted necklace:

• Fold a square scarf into a triangle and roll the point towards its base neatly.

• Make three knots along the roll and make sure they are evenly spaced.

• Put the knotted roll around your neck and tie the two ends at the nape of your neck.

As a twisted choker:

• Fold a square scarf into a triangle and roll the point towards its base neatly.

• Twist the roll neatly throughout the whole length.

• Put the twisted roll around your neck and tie it once at the nape of your neck.

Freelance fashion stylist Evon Chng says that choosing between a choker and a neck scarf is difficult because both are very different.

Instead, she suggests a way to incorporate the two styles: wear a bejewelled choker on top of a scarf.

"It adds texture and is a great way to bling up a casual day look," she says.

And for those who want to look like they have a slim neck, Ms Chng suggests not tying the scarf around the neck choker-style. Instead, use a thin scarf and tie it so it extends beyond the collarbone.

She says: "A scarf with longer ends and a deeper neckline will give the illusion of a slender neck."

Here are some styling suggestions:

1. Multi-coloured scarf with print of Tiong Bahru, $65, from Binary Style

This square chiffon polyester scarf with a print of the Art Deco flats in Tiong Bahru is a great keepsake. There are many ways to wear it, including in a knotted necklace style as shown.

2. White cotton silk pleated scarf with black patterns, $89, from Cos

Contrast the delicate pleats of this scarf with a black shift dress.

3. Printed scarf, $19.90, from Zara

An easy way to pull off this print is to style it with a white top and let it stand out.

4. Mustard yellow scarf with print, $148, Soi Paris from Kapok at National Design Centre

The print of this scarf, which is a top-down view of people swimming, is stylish and fun. Dress up a boring ponytail by braiding it into your hair as shown.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 15, 2016, with the headline A twist on the necklace. Subscribe