WIW: White scarf for the A/C? (ETA outfit w/o scarf added @ bottom) - YouLookFab Forum

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WIW: White scarf for the A/C? (ETA outfit w/o scarf added @ bottom)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I don't wear scarves (other than winter ones) - I have quite a short neck and I don't think they do me any favours. But the A/C in my office is ridiculously cold - and I've been told it will be like this all summer. Some days I don't want to wear a blazer or topper so how else to stay warm from that vent in my ceiling blasting cold air down? A tee shirt cotton scarf.

The outfit started out with my slim striped version of the famous VC black and white tube skirt. I then added a white tank and over top of that, my blue linen oversized boxy hi-lo EF pullover. I then chose my bone/silver sandal shoes and my quilted cobalt/cream/black handbag and a large gunmetal cuff and silver ring for jewelry, as well as my red specs. Truth be told, I preferred the clean look of the outfit without the scarf, but I'm not sure I'd be warm enough.

Ok ladies - give it to me straight. Does it look horrible with the scarf? Do I look like I have no neck? I still have time to take it off if it looks goofy or doesn't suit me.

Other than that, what do you think? As always, all comments/suggestions welcome.

Pullover: Eileen Fisher
Skirt: Vince Camuto
Shoes: Fugitive
Handbag & scarf: Danier Leather

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30 replies

Latest reply was from Karie

Mona

Veteran

The scarf does not look goofy or anything like that but it just does not look like you. Mainly because we are not used to seeing you in scarves.
Arctic A/C in office is the bane of my existence.

viva

Veteran

I hate being the first one to answer here because I am so not a scarf expert. I do not think it looks horrible, Shannon, and I absolutely commiserate on the cold of AC. I find summer dressing so challenging and hate the fake cold inside during hot months!!! Personally, I would probably wear a non-infinity scarf and wrap it more around my neck, but I do have a longish neck....so the infinity is probably a great choice for you. I think the white against that gorgeous blue is nice and fresh. I vote keep it on and stay comfortable!

donnat

Veteran

The outfit looks terrific. The scarf finishes it off nicely. It certainly does not make your neck shorter. I love the scarf.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Although I think I would prefer the outfit without the scarf I do understand the dreaded a/c problem. You should keep a big pashmina in you desk and wear it like a blanket and see if anyone gets the hint!

Diana

Veteran

I think the scarf looks fine and I totally understand about keeping your neck warm. That said, I think I'd actually prefer this outfit with a higher, tighter scarf. The infinity looks a bit too unstructured. Yes, that might be a bit neck shortening, but I don't think it's that bad actually (speaking as a fellow short necked person). And to be honest I'm not sure I see a short neck on you anyway! (It's not as short as mine in any case - my chin is pretty much at shoulder level - and I wear scarves all the time.)

Anonymous

It doesn't look like you have no neck! I think it looks fine, and what a change to be in Arctic AC now!

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

UPDATE: couldn't do it. I'm on my way to work now without the scarf. They just don't feel like me at all. So I took it off and feel sooooooo much better...at least until I start shivering!

Aubergine

Veteran

I don't think the scarf looked goofy at all! Although I feel like a short-sleeved shirt + a thin scarf probably wouldn't be that much warmer than just the shirt, so being a tiny bit chillier is probably better than not feeling like yourself all day.

I definitely feel you on the AC. I pretty much spend every summer rotating the same few lightweight neutral cardigans with everything and get so sick of them.

Joy

Veteran

I can understand not feeling the scarf but the way you are wearing it forms a V neck so I don't think it is neck shortening at all. I wonder if you would feel better in a black, navy or top-matching version of the scarf with this outfit. You could even try a pattern for pattern mixing. It could be a long chilly summer at work. Playing with scarves may still be helpful. Have you tried the white scarf with a white top? (texture)

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

You have all raised excellent points. Scarves don't feel like me BUT I need to find a way to keep the chill off my neck on the days I don't wear a topper so will need to do some more investigating re: scarves.

Aubergine - this white scarf is actually not super light. It's made out of tee shirt fabric and has a bit of warmth to it.

Viva & Diana - I will definitely try a scarf worn a bit more close to the neck and see if I like that better. It might give a bit more structure to the outfit that way. Thanks for the suggestion.

Joy - you have raised an excellent point. I think the incredibly high contrast of the white scarf against the blue top makes the scarf even more "obvious" (for lack of a better word) and intrusive somehow (if that makes sense). I like the idea of a lower contrast scarf and actually just remembered that I have a cobalt light weight scarf with a small black/white geometric pattern on it that could work. Will try that when I get home and see what I think. I do like the idea of the white infinity scarf paired with a white top - less contrast but still adding warmth and visual interest.

Thank you all for chiming in

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I understand the dilemma! You look great either way, but as I've been streamlining my style, my scarves are going unworn, which is a little sad.

Here's my take on the scarf in the outfit though. I have become less fond of infinity scarves since they've become more prevalent. I personally find that I like scarves best either 1) close around the neck, or 2) draped so that the ends fall, creating an elongating vertical line. I also prefer infinity scarves that have a bit more fullness and body so they don't look obviously looped. Does that make any sense? So I feel like the scarf in this outfit, nice as it is for adding a little bright accent near your face, is sort of neither here nor there -- not close enough to the neck to look like it adds warmth, and not long enough to add that vertical line. It doesn't look bad at all, I just don't feel like it adds to the outfit.

I'm still working on my first cup of coffee and trying to think through a sinus headache, so I hope that made at least a little sense.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

It makes perfect sense Janet and that's why it's sitting on my kitchen table at home as we speak! Just wasn't doing it for me. And I actually felt like it took away from the outfit rather than added to it.That having been said, I still need to find a way to keep warmer in my "meat locker office" on certain days.

The other I notice about scarves for me is that I find them fussy. And I do not like fuss factor.

Deborah

Veteran

Funny! I like it but I probably would go for a black or cobalt:). The white just seems a little stark to me. This reminds me of the gorgeous Metalicus loop scarf Lyn D has. I do understand Janet's point. The patterned scarf is enough detail. Perhaps the scarf would work better in an outfit of solids?

Here's something you could use as a "throw over" for added warmth in the office;). Comes in a variety of colours!

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Peri

Veteran

I really love scarves, but I'm not a fan of infinitely scarves. I don't like having all my tying options taken away, I think they look like necklaces but not as nice, and I dislike the lack of vertical lines you get with other scarf ties. So maybe it is the infinity style that was the problem?

But if they don't feel like you, those toppers Deborah show look like you! One in the office to have when needed might be a great idea.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Looks great with the scarf - but get why you took it off. Try a low contrast scarf next time.

You look gorgeous and elegant in a relaxed and current way, Shannon. Fresh and happy. xo

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I was going to say I thought you looked beautiful in this outfit - LOVE the combo of that blue top with the striped skirt - wow! I'm not a scarf wearer either but it does look good so you could have easily gone either way.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Deb - ooooh those are lovely. Might have to give that some thought.

Peri - I'm wondering if it is the infinity scarf that I'm "meh" about or scarves in general.

Angie - thank you so much for your kind words I'm feeling kind of "fresh and happy" these days. Life is good.

textstyle - thank you so much.

So here's a quick pic from the office with how I ended up wearing the outfit - without the scarf. So much better don't you think?

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Kristin L

Veteran

I didn't see the scarf as hiding your neck, but I have problems wearing them as well. What about Shevia's idea of keeping a pashima at your desk? In my old office, several of us kept them on hand because we were always cold.

With or without the scarf, your outfit looks great. The blue makes me think of summer (and the dreaded arctic AC).

traceyws

I am not so fond of infinity scarves as I find them too bulky on my short and round figure. I do, however, love scarves. I often wear a long scarf draped or tied, with the ends hanging down. Also I recently started wearing square scarves in a variety of knots. My favorite way in this hot climate is tied as a necklace - it covers the back of my neck, but the front is more open. It can be tied a little higher and not hang down so much, depending on where you place the knots, like in the second shot.
Please just look at the scarf and not at me - I really haven't figured out how to do selfies and the angle is just wrong!

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UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

When I was in Arctic office world I had this giant black mohair shawl that I used as a portable blanket. I probably looked like someone's nonna from Sicily.

I read about a non clothing solution to this problem: keep an electric heating pad on your work chair! I would totally do that.

BTW, I like the scarf...

Cindy S

(website)

I also liked the scarf as it echoed the white in your skirt, shoes...and I like scarves, lol...but I get it, you like a streamlined look. Not sure what to suggest for the cold in your office, a simple EF topper that you could keep there? You look very pretty in that outfit and its making me think about the EF linen T, beautiful color on you!

Anonymous

I liked your outfit with and without scarf Shannon, but I also like the suggestions for a lower contrast scarf. I think that would work well for you. Try browsing Pinterest for ideas for tying scarves too.

CJ

I find infinity scarves difficult to wear as well. Double wrapped they often hang too low and triple wrapped they can be too snug. The options for arranging them are so limited.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I think without the scarf maybe a white pendant or necklace of some type would be really nice too. I do like the idea of bringing a touch of the white up near your face to echo the stripes and shoes.

FindingMyWay

If the troublesome air vent is small enough--similar in size and design to the type you might have at home--you can cover it with a magnetic picture frame and block some of the air flow. Like this: http://www.amazon.com/Magtech-.....ture+frame. I've done this before to keep the air from blowing straight on my neck.

Debra

Veteran

I totally get this and have the same problem at work some days.
As I also have an IMHO "super short neck" I don't feel very comfy in a scarf.
Maybe I'm just too self conscious because I always get a positive comment when wearing one
My solution has been to stick to very fine, soft and light weight and always in a matching rather than contrasting colour.
I now like the little bit of texture added.

Aida

Veteran

I much prefer the outfit sans scarf. I don't think the neck-to-scarf ratio is the issue though, just that you've got very interesting lines already and I want to see as much of that pretty blue as possible Also totally agree with Janet on preferring "infinity scarves that have a bit more fullness and body so they don't look obviously looped." If you were to wear a scarf with this outfit, I would want to see a bigger, fluffier, gauzy scarf that you could wrap and leave draped in a way that looks more architectural to go along with the rest of the look. Love you in that shade of blue!!

MsLuna

Veteran

Shannon, like you, I have a tough time making scarves work due to my short neck. So I know what you mean about not wearing scarves! As for the outfit - I feel that the scarf may be disproportionate compared to the rest of the outfit. Also, I can kind of tell it's not very "you". If, maybe, you wear the scarf longer (wrapped around twice and let the ends loose downwards on each side in the front) it may work.

BUT

I love the outfit anyway. It's comfortable with a fluid/structure juxtaposition. You look fab!

jackiec

Veteran

Oh wow, I do like it better without the scarf, but didn't mind it with the scarf. I do that all the time, esp with necklaces. I'll wear them around to get ready, then rip them off before I head out the door. Totally get it.

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