Scarf it up MPBN’s Sara Nics models knots to tie for

November leaves us all feeling like turkeys. And I’m not talking about those pretty tail feathers. Or the fear of ending up in a roasting pan.

No. I’m talking about the neck. Turkeys have that weird little flap of skin that hangs down from the lower beak area. It’s called a wattle. We have a much more stylish option that comes in wool, cashmere, acrylic or fleece. It’s called a scarf.

But you could call it wrapture.

Whether you want a cozy, blanketlike shawl, a luxurious cashmere scarf or a filmy, elegant wrap, you’ll be able to find it – anywhere and at every price point. For once, the question isn’t where to buy. It’s how to tie.

I always envied those gals who were able to pull off intriguing knots without looking like, well, a turkey. My best friend is one of them. But since she’s appeared in my column many, many times, I decided to turn to another sassy scarfer, Maine Public Broadcasting Network producer Sara Nics.

Every time I see her, she’s wrapped up like a present. The first time we met, she had on a fabulous poncho. And that’s before everyone and her sister was wearing one. I recall a chartreuse scarf tightly wrapped and tied around her neck like a very elegant Ace bandage. Trust me, words don’t do this look justice. My favorite Sara scarf incident occurred on Friday night of this year’s Folk Festival. She was chilly, so she wrapped her long, gauzy scarf so it crisscrossed her body and tied at the back to keep her warm.

She’s a wrap star.

The photographs on this page show some of her signature looks. To try this at home, follow these simple instructions. I promise you won’t look like a turkey – instead of wattled, you’ll be swaddled. In style.

A. The scarf-shirt

To achieve this look, use a long, wide (at least 24 inches), lightweight scarf. Arrange it so the center of the scarf is at the back of your neck and the scarf hangs down in equal lengths on either side. Spread out the scarf so it covers your arms, almost like a shawl or wrap, and crisscross it over your torso. Tie in a knot or bow at the back of your waist so that it’s tight enough to stay on, but not so tight that it constricts your movement.

B. The chignon knot

The width and thickness of the scarf doesn’t matter in this look, but the length does. To achieve this look, loosely wrap the scarf around your neck twice. Tie a knot. Then, gather both “tails” together and make another very loose knot. Adjust until it looks right.

C. The European

This look works for men and women, and you can do this with scarves of any length. Plus, it’s super-easy. Fold your scarf in half, lengthwise. Pull the loose “tails” through the loop created by folding the scarf, and tighten. Tip: Don’t pull this too tight, or it’ll look like a noose.

D. The superhero

Warm and comfortable, this look elevates the scarf from a mere accessory to a garment. Using a wide, long scarf, situate it so that the center of the scarf is at the back of your neck and the scarf is wrapped around you like a superhero’s cape. Leave one tail hanging down, and toss the other over the opposite shoulder. Now picture yourself flying through the air, fist extended, scarf trailing behind you. Pretty cool, huh?

E. Little scarf on the prairie

So prim. So proper. So warm. This look is perfect for those cold, blustery days when you don’t feel like wearing a Russian fur hat. You’ll need a long scarf for this one. To achieve this look, situate the center of the scarf at the back of your head. Bring both tails down and wrap twice around your neck. Leave the tails hanging down loosely.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. every other Friday on WLBZ-2.