Revitalize Your Wardrobe: Cara Santana’s Chic Ways to Style a Black Scarf

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A black scarf is probably the most common accessory in anyone’s closet (even a guy’s closet). It’s a staple, a classic, and it can be boring too.

But like we said before, you can style it in several ways to make it look more attractive. Cher Lloyd played with textures, and we also showed you three other easy tricks courtesy of some fashionable bloggers.

Today, we’re giving you a couple more suggestions on how to style a black scarf. This time, however, we’re taking notes from Cara Santana, the future Mrs. Jesse Metcalfe.

As you know, Cara is no stranger to fashion. Generally speaking, the actress always looks good on and off the red carpet. This month, Cara caught our attention by styling a single black neck warmer in two really fresh, cool, and totally non-boring ways.

Check out her latest scarf looks and learn a trick or two:

1. Blend With Black-and-White Prints for a Striking Contrast

If you’re drawn to black or white (almost always involuntarily), try mixing your scarf with black-and-white printed or patterned separates.

This will make your scarf stand out. It will be a very catchy combination, so you can tone it down by topping the whole ensemble with a black coat (a la Cara here).

Cara Santana rocks a stunning black-and-white outfit with her black scarfCara Santana rocks a stunning black-and-white outfit with her black scarf as she shops in West Hollywood on December 10, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

With look-at-me separates (ergo, flashy pants, or flashy top), your accessories need not be loud. But they do need to be fantastic and fabulous (and in the same color palette).

In Cara’s case, her black sunnies were reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s sunglasses in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

And then, of course, who can miss those super-cool silver-trimmed oxfords on her feet? Those borrowed-from-the-boys lace-ups seriously rock. Would you agree?

A closer look at Cara Santana's super cool oxfordsA closer look at Cara Santana’s super cool oxfords (Credit: WENN)

2. Embrace a Sporty Preppy Vibe With Ripped Denim and Varsity Jackets

Another look to try is to go sporty and preppy all at once by wearing your black scarf with ripped blue boyfriend jeans and a two-tone varsity jacket.

To infuse some preppy drama, fold up your jeans and work on a pair of (really cool) oxfords — exactly what Cara did with her look below.

Cara Santana looks preppy cool as she leaves a coffee shop in West HollywoodCara Santana looks preppy cool as she leaves a coffee shop in West Hollywood on December 13, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

If you’re not into loose denim, skinny blue jeans with your black scarf will also do fine. Pair the combination with Superga sneakers, then top the ensemble with a two-tone varsity jacket. It’s a more laid-back take but just as fun.

So, which of these black scarves looks from Cara would you be willing to try first? You will probably find the first one tricky because of the patterned pants, but the second style is easy to pull off.

We recommend these pieces from Plush and Bop Basics for fresh black scarves. The former is cute because it has the word “LOVE” written on it. The latter is a cashmere piece that will go with just about anything:

Plush Love Scarf and Bop Basics Cashmere ScarfPlush Love Scarf, $88 / Bop Basics Cashmere Scarf, $125