I was styling a photo shoot last week and scarves played an important role. Many of the women who participating in the free event (Beauty Shots at D’Vine Wine) came with few, if any, accessories. I was there to help give pizazz to their photos by adding scarves, wraps or jewelry to their outfits.

Not being a “scarf person” myself, I decided to ask some of the women if they were “scarf people.” I see so many women in magazines, on television, at the mall and at networking events wearing scarves (every imaginable pattern, texture and size), I thought maybe I misplaced my invitation to a this very important group.

Many said they rarely wore scarves and if they did make the decision to venture into the scarf world they would be unsure about how to wear a scarf and what to wear it with. Of course, this got me thinking even more about scarves and how I could help the non “scarf people” of the world become bonafide members of this wonderfully fashionable group (if they so choose to).

Color, texture and size concerns

When choosing your scarf, shawl or wrap, you will first have to decide on color, pattern or both.

I like to use scarves to add color to an outfit. Maybe not be the only color in the outfit but an accent that works nicely with the rest everything else. You don’t want the scarf to be so bold it screams out “look at me and my scarf” but you want it to stand out a bit. Conversely, if you are wearing a very colorful outfit, you probably want to choose a more subdued or neutral color for your scarf.

Patterns can create texture as much as actual texture that you can feel does. When choosing either a pattern or texture for your scarf, always hold it up to your face (or better yet, put it on), look in a mirror and see what pops out at you, literally. If the first thing you see is your scarf and its glorious texture, then the scarf is wearing you rather that you wearing the scarf. Put the scarf back on the display or back in your closet and try something else (this holds true for color as well).

The size (either thickness or length) of the scarf is very important too. Long, thick wool or knit scarves can be great for cold winter days, but because they add bulk, be careful that you do not bury yourself in them. If there is too much fabric, you can look like you are being choked or swallowed by your scarf.

Generally, the smaller you are the less bulk you can wear. This statement of course depends on many factors, but as a general rule, if you are petite and have a 3 foot long knit scarf wrapped around your neck, you will probably look as it it is eating you alive.

Silk, pashmina, cashmere, rayon, cotton and other thinner fabric scarves are great for any season. They are have a soft appearance, come is hundreds if not thousands of colors and patterns, and are very versatile. These scarves are great choices for both work and evening and generally do not add bulk unless they are quite long.

How to wear your scarf

Now that you have some ideas about color, texture, pattern and size, the question of how to wear the scarf remains. Should you tie it, fling it over one shoulder, let it hang, what? Well all three options are correct and depends what mood y0u are in and what your outfit looks like. For work, a more refined look may be in order. A nice silk scarf tied and worn in the front or to one side would compliment just about any blouse either with or without a jacket. Click here for the most extensive guide I have found about “how to tie a scarf”

For casual wear, scarves can be worn in many different ways and with nearly every outfit.

Shawls and wraps are another terrific way to add color, texture and an extra layer of interest to your outfit.

So there you have it. Hopefully you now have the knowledge needed to become a “scarf person” or if you were already one, you have now have a little more information about how to make your outfits look terrific by adding a scarf. Click here for the most extensive guide I have found about “how to tie a scarf”

If you have question about which scarf to wear with which outfit, or any other question, please post it and I will be very excited to answer.

 

Tags: Accessories, fashion, scarf, scarves, shawl

This entry was posted on Monday, January 4th, 2010 at 12:05 am and is filed under Accessories . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.