Women’s Style Network

The most versatile fashion accessory you can have, bar none, is the scarf- and if you’re fashion savvy, you probably have several. Scarves, depending on their size and shape, can be used for a belt or sash, a sarong-type skirt, a halter top, worn around the neck in place of a necklace and, of course, a head covering. Think babushka all the way to the elegant head coverings made classic by both Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Any and all uses can provide a fashion statement but the trendy, new look is the scarf that loops around your neck or drapes over your shoulders.

Yes, scarves have been around for ages. The earliest ancestor of the scarf of today was a cloth that was worn hung from a belt or worn around the neck during Roman Times called a sudarium or sweat cloth – like most things of fashion, scarves started with a practical use. And, like most fashion trends, scarves have been both out of fashion and in fashion many times; not considered au current every season. However, this season, scarves are very much a part of what is found on the runways and on the street.

Scarves can change an outfit from office wear to evening wear – an LBD (little black dress) with a tailored jacket is totally appropriate for day wear but a scarf can add the glam for a night out clubbing. Simply remove the jacket and add a silky rectangle of gorgeous colors in the Fall palette that includes metallic threads woven through, and voila, you’re ready for a night on the town. Here’s one way to use your scarf to make this transition: take a long rectangular scarf (at least 60 inches long), roll or gather the center section and place loosely at front of neck. Take ends and cross over at back of neck and bring forward to your front to hang down adding subtle shimmer and shine. Many rectangular scarves have a fringe which adds an extra little romantic touch for your evening out.

A large square scarf folded into a triangle offers a sophisticated addition to a business suit as it also adds a splash of color. So many business suits are in neutrals so a bright patterned scarf lets you make your own style statement. Take the longest side of the triangle and place over the top of the shoulder seam of your jacket with one end draping to the front and the other end draping to the back. The triangle point then will hang down the sleeve of your jacket with the lapel of your jacket lying over the folded edge of the scarf. Choose a favorite brooch to pin through the lapel and scarf, holding it in place. Elegant but still business-like. [Scarf-tying tip: if you are a visual learner, look for a scarf-tying booklet where you buy your scarves- you can find these ideas and more! Or go to Women’s Style Network Groupsite Discussion where some favorite videos have been posted for you.

Another trend in scarf tying is to take a long, rectangular, silky scarf and bring ends to front and tie them either loosely or more closely to the neck in a loose, floppy bow. This looks great with a blouse with a v-neckline paired with a jacket. Let’s the world know that you are all business but you haven’t forgotten you are also all woman.

Scarves are in style for casual clothes too. One of the hottest looks is to take a large square scarf with fringe, fold into a triangle and tie loosely behind the neck or just cross the ends behind the neck and bring the ends back to the front. Place the point of the scarf a little off-center to add interest and pair with a simple tank and jeans. A patterned scarf paired with a tank and jeans in solid colors is just the thing to add a dash of joie de vivre. A note here: a solid color scarf goes well with a patterned or print outfit while a print scarf adds pizzazz to a neutral or monotone outfit.

Another way to use a long rectangular scarf is to bring the two ends together and then drape it around your neck. Take the loose ends and bring them through the loop created where the scarf is folded on itself. The ends then hang down. You can make this as loose or as tight as you desire.

As we enter into the Fall season, the airy scarves of summer will be replaced by heavier fabrics but many of the techniques will remain the same. It’s important to match the weight of your scarf with your outfit. A heavy knit scarf is going to look totally out of place on delicate evening wear and a silky scarf may not be the best accessory for a heavy sweater and jacket combo. The bottom line is this. There are scarves for every occasion and every season. Explore the style, the colors, and the tying techniques that make you look good and feel good. Scarves – the economical way to keep you in the forefront of fashion! And don’t be afraid to take the tag off your scarf! It isn’t needed and detracts from the overall look when it sticks out (just be sure to remove it gently).

For more information on all types of accessories to update your wardrobe this Fall/Winter check out the Fashion bytes podcast on Women’ Style Network on Accessories: Trends for the Fall/Winter Season.