Jennell, totally valid question, and I should have been better prepared for answering it I tried to find some examples online, but it turns out to be quite hard. Most stores (e.g. Nordstrom) don't feature many scarves online; it's probably not worth the cost of photography. So I can't really point you to real examples from stores where I've bought neckerchiefs (several of them come from Nordy's, and then many from various original locations that I got at consignment stores.)
One link I found is about different ways of tying scarves. Personally, I use the "Double" and the "Neck square knot" styles featured on this site for my little neckerchiefs.
In terms of contemporary, it's a matter of color and pattern/print. E.g., a current color like in this lime green scarf would be modern: http://stylepath.com/details/9.....-lime-zest. On the other hand, a bordeaux and navy blue neckerchief in a striped pattern would be more conversative). Does that help?
I'd encourage you to just try it out and see how you like it on you. For me, neckerchiefs (and other scarves) are an essential style element; they totally add zip to my outfits. But I've also passed up on some scarves and scarf/top combinations because I worried about looking like a light attendant So some careful picking and choosing is needed for sure.
