Eight tips for making scarves more wearable
Spring Fashion
Written by cjhammon in Books | Music | Art | Culture, Style
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If you were forced to pare your closet down to four garments total, could you do it and still be fashionable? As long as you have a drawer full of scarves, yes! I have a ridiculous number of scarves. If you like plain, classic clothes—and I do—they can make you look instantly chic with a minimum of thought or effort.
Evidently, a scarf is de rigueur in French fashion. Your average French woman finds a way to incorporate a scarf every day. Unlike us, they spend more on their clothes and have fewer of them. Scarves are a clever way to get the most out of a minimalist wardrobe.
The biggest reason American women shun them: we don’t know how to tie them! I sometimes fumble with mine and throw it aside at the last minute when I can’t get it right. Another pet peeve: they may look great when you put them on, but three hours later, they’re a mess.
Here are eight tips to make scarves more wearable:
1) Practice a few favorite ways to tie and wear without a bit of effort every time. Select an easy-tie method for every shape and size in your scarf wardrobe.
2) Purchase scarf clips to help fasten them to your clothes, making them less moveable.
3) Choose scarves that are light and fluid. The bulkier the scarf, the harder they are to tie, wear and keep in place.
4) Use a scarf as a belt or a headband.
5) Take lessons. This Chico’s video covers basic methods for every shape and size. (Notice that her scarf is light and fluid—READ #3) I also have two books tucked in my scarf drawer as handy references for last minute dressing. Scarves & How to Wear Them
6) Buy inexpensive scarves. I once bought five scarves in an airport for $10. After reading Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion
7) Buy scarves as souvenirs. I love to buy a small piece of jewelry or a scarf that reminds me of the places I’ve been. They are easy to pack and you usually don’t need to spend a fortune—although I once spent nearly $100 on a souvenir French-made scarf. The irony? I bought it in Italy! (Photo: Upper left.)
8) Look for handmade and second-hand scarves. Thrift stores, vintage stores, and art fairs are great places to find unique or vintage scarves. I found a silk chiffon scarf this fall at the Penrod on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. It was handmade with love and care by Teresahaystextilestudio.com. (Photo: Upper right.)
What’s your favorite way to wear a scarf? What’s your favorite scarf resource?
10 comments
October 26, 2012 at 11:23 am
One of my prize vintage finds is a souvenir scarf from Japan which I got at the Brimfield Flea Market. I paid $10…a steal since I knew what I’d found. The scarf has 4 scenes on it, Mt Fuji, a geisha, something I’m forgetting…and The Imperial Hotel, which was designed by Frank Llyod Wright, and torn down in the 1950s.
October 30, 2012 at 4:16 pm
What a treasure of a scarf! I should be so lucky. I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for such a treasure. Thanks for the comment and sorry for the delayed response!
October 26, 2012 at 11:29 am
I love scarves and I too have a drawer full of them. I also love those that would pass as a pashmina. I have a cubbie in my closet full of them. Of course, I don’t need them as much now that we have moved to warmer climates.
As far as wearing them, you are correct, getting them right is a pain in the neck. I find that wearing them as a belt is a great accessory. Then I don’t worry about it moving or losing it. I cool hint I tell people, scarves look great as a belt with denim. It instantly adds a little class to the outfit.
I confess I have spent too much at a time or another when I found a delicious scarf. I have learned to control these impulses.
On a side note, I am almost finished, finally with the book Eccentric Glamour. It is such a fun read. I am really glad I picked it up.
October 30, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Jill, thanks for the comment! Sorry for the delayed response! Yes, I guess we all fall prey to that “more expensive, must be better” philosophy. I guess I’m not the only one! Glad you liked Eccentric Glamour. Thanks for your belt/scarf idea. I’ve tried it now, and I like the look.
October 27, 2012 at 4:37 am
Great ideas…thanks
October 30, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Thank you! Sorry for the delayed response…I’ve been a traveler lately! Miss you!
October 29, 2012 at 12:19 pm
What you need for a trip to France
Black pants
Balck turtleneck
scarf big enough to use as a shawl
Colorful boucle skirt suit, Chanel preferred
Black boots of excellent quality
Flats of excellent quality and DESIGN
Thats it. Mix and match you are good to go
October 30, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Love that list, Jennifer! Where to find that Chanel suit???
October 31, 2012 at 2:53 pm
one of my favorite places to find scarves is flea markets, and thrift stores as well. you can also find beautiful pashmina like scarves at walmart. Happy shopping!
as a side note, does anyone have a reference for finding different ways to tie scarves?
October 31, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Thanks, Brittany! Yes, there’s at least one reference in my post. One of my favorites is out of print. Try your department store scarf section. I once bought a beautiful reference on tying scarves in a Marshall Fields. Plus I love the Chico’s video linked to here. So glad to hear from you.