Fold the ends of a scarf in twice until you get a long sash shape. Wrap it over your torso, and tie a big bow in front. Instant bikini topper.

Chevaux De France silk twill scarf, $540, from Hermes, 01-02 Liat Towers; straw hat, $53, from Forever21, 01-71 VivoCity; stretch cotton shorts, $35.30, from M)phosis, B1-52 Ngee Ann City; feather and leather flats, $690, from Tod's, 01-48 Paragon

Lay flat a square scarf. Bring the top and bottom ends to the middle, doing an envelope fold. Next do another tuck on both ends so it looks like a tie-sash. Next drape it over your neck and, with a scarf ring, secure into a knot three-quarters way through.

Fantaisie A Cheval silk twill scarf, $430, and leather scarf ring, $420, from Hermes; lycra top, $16, from WH, B2-25 Ngee Ann City; wool pants, $275, from Banana Republic, 02-06 Paragon; cotton cardigan, $25.90, from Viola, B1-69 Far East Plaza

It's a cross between a cummerbund and an obi-sash. Fold in two opposing ends of a scarf into an envelope fold, then wrap the scarf around your waist, securing it behind. To give it a modern update, tie a thin leather belt over the obi-sash.

Vintage silk Jeus Des Omnibus 1937-2007 silk twill scarf, $430, from Hermes; lycra top, $46, from Warehouse, 02-54 Wisma Atria; wool pants, $275, from Banana Republic

Lay flat a square scarf. Bring the top and bottom ends to the middle, doing an envelope fold. Loop it around your neck, bringing one end over the other end, then over it, like how you would do a necktie. Then simply secure a knot and let it rest at the side of your nape.

Vintage Swinging Saint Germain silk twill scarf, $430, from Hermes; wool dress, $790, from Diane von Fursternberg, Level 2 Takashimaya; leggings, $45, from Eclecticism, 03-23 Mandarin Shopping Arcade; wedged sandals, $56.90, from M)phosis

Make a halter-style top with a big square scarf. Fold it into a triangle, then tie a knot in the middle. Press this knot against the base of your nape, then secure the loose ends around your neck. This forms the halter-neck of your blouse. To finish, wrap the triangle base around your waist, knotting it in the middle of your back.

Bolduc Au Carre silk scarf, $540, and calfskin cuff, $1,500, from Hermes; stretch cotton shorts, $35.30, from M)phosis; silver studded bangles, $469, from Quintessential, 03-03 Mandarin Shopping Arcade

Perfect for poolside or dinner parties, you'll need a very big square scarf (preferably 90cm by 90cm) for this. Fold one corner over, almost three quarters into the length of the scarf. That diagonal corner forms the toga portion of your top. Next, with the loose ends, drape it across the other shoulder, securing it at your shoulder blades. Bring the remaining two ends together and secure it at the side of your waist.

Projets Carres silk twill scarf, $540, from Hermes; silk pants, $179, from MaxStudio.Com, 02-09 Wisma Atria

Gather all your items - wallet, key ring, phone and all - in the middle of a scarf, then tie the two opposing ends together. Next, tie the other two loose ends together, overlapping the first tied knot and securing it higher, creating a loop for your shoulders to go through. Voila, a new bag.

De Tout Coeur silk twill scarf, $540, from Hermes; lycra dress by Ella Moss, $299, from Eclecticism; straw hat, stylist's own.

A really easy yet dramatic head do. You'll need a bigger scarf (90cm by 90cm) for this look because you want the ends to hang loose down your back. Fold the scarf into half, just slightly overlapping the ends, so you get an asymmetrical triangle, then wrap the ends into a knot halfway at the back of your head.

Projets Carres silk twill scarf, $540, from Hermes; jersey dress, $1,059, from Hugo Boss, 03-02 Ngee Ann City; wedged sandals, $56.90, from M)phosis

Use two scarves. First wrap one around your waist, knotting it at the side. Then take another scarf, preferably with a contrasting trim, and wrap it over, this time fastening the knot over one hip. You can wear the skirted look over a swimsuit to the pool, as shown here, or pair it with a sleeveless turtleneck and black tights and wear it to the office or a party.

Chevaux De France silk twill scarf, $540 each, from Hermes;lycra swimsuit, $280, from NewUrbanMale.Com, 04-08 The Heeren

A combination between a handkerchief and halter-style top, this method cleverly uses a chunky necklace as the loop to hold your top together. Fold a square scarf into a triangle and wrap it around your body, securing it in the middle of your back. Next create two gathers, from the top of the bodice, pinching two ends through the base of a chunky necklace, knotting them.

Silver chunky necklace, $4,250, and Guepards silk twill scarf, $540, from Hermes; cotton leggings, $45, from Eclecticism; feather and leather flats, $690, from Tod's