I wore a scarf the last couple times I went out. I wasn't intentionally trying to peacock, just felt like wearing one. Guys, the way girls go crazy over them absolutely blew me away. It's like catnip.

I've done this twice so far. Once was at a large (100-200 people) fraternity party, and the other time was at a 35-person apartment party with college students and recent grads.

Here are some of the finer points on the reaction, why it works, and how to pull it off.

  • Girls try to steal it (great for teasing them). Fix how I'm wearing it (big IOI). Feel how soft it is (kino!)

  • How to pull off the look: Once inside, take your jacket off, but leave the scarf on. The first time, I wore a woven dark grey one, made of soft wool, over a white v-neck t-shirt. The second time was a light grey and maroon plaid, merino, over a solid maroon long-sleeve tee. Keep the colors basic, make sure whatever colors you have match, and you'll be good to go. Here's a great guide for the various ways to tie a scarf. Softer is better.

  • I think unexpectedness is key. If you're in an environment where everyone's wearing one, it's not going to be as big of a deal. Being at college parties, where the fashion bar isn't quite as high, definitely gave me an edge.

  • "Are you gay?" I got this a lot (one frat brother randomly approached me and drunkenly explained how he's not personally gay, but he's totally cool with it if that's my thing, and he supports me 100%). This is good in so many ways. In this case, people are equating you being fashionable to homosexuality. Nothing wrong with looking good, guys. Plus, you can fly in under the radar. Guys won't think you're stealing their girls, and you get a little bit more license to be sexual with the ladies. And if a girl asks you, it either means she's mildly curious or definitely interested.

As always, don't expect this to be a magic bullet. What works for me may not work for you. But next time you're out, throw one on and see what happens.