This BIG scarf has been around for a while and is yet another nod to the growing oversized trend. It is bulky and large in the extreme. Some scarf shapes are rectangular with two ends, while others are circular or “infinity” style with no ends. 

Oversized scarves are usually made of chunky knits. But a huge wrap made of substantial finer gauge wool or similar fabrication can achieve the same oversized look when wrapped around the neck a couple of times. In other words, wear a shawl like a scarf to create the same look. 

The big scarf is easy to wear for long necked gals who have short hair and small to regular bust lines. Long hair that is tied back into a ponytail or bun makes the big scarf easy to wear too. Or as most of these photos show, wrap the scarf over long hair, thereby covering it’s length if you prefer to leave it down.

This brings us to how to wear oversized scarves with a shorter neck and larger bust. Tying the scarf more loosely around the neck instead of right up against it will elongate the length of the neck. It’s easier to control this drape with a scarf that has two ends. As far as the larger bust line goes, a huge cashmere shawl (like the purple example below) when tied like a scarf is less bulky than an oversized chunky knit scarf. 

That said, there is no getting away from the bulk. If you’re concerned about adding bulk to your bust line, stick to fine gauge knit or silky scarves that collapse back onto the body. 

Personally, I love to wear big scarves and I’m on the hunt for an extremely bulky knit that doesn’t scratch my skin. I feel cozy and comfortable in the look, plus they are an ideal way to keep extra warm. I like a big scarf best over a leather jacket or wool blazer because then it takes centre stage. A shorter jacket also seems to balance out the bulk of the scarf, whereas a long coat adds even more bulk to your silhouette. Of course, I still like big scarves worn with long coats, and wear that combination too. 

What’s your take on the big scarf? Do you wear them, or do they add too much bulk on the bust line? Does your hair get in the way? If you are petite, do you feel overwhelmed wearing a big scarf?

Jewel tones are rich colours that resemble gem stones like dark ruby reds, sapphire blues, amethyst purples and emerald greens and teals. Sour brights are saturated colours that are mixed with lots of yellow, like citron, all shades of lime green, tomato red, bright oranges and corals, neon pink and bright turquoise.

I only have two jewel toned items in my wardrobe because I’m a sour brights gal all the way. They are my favourite colours, and they make me happy when I wear them. I do not gravitate towards jewel tones at all, but do love them on others. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Jewel Tones or Team Sour Brights? Based on the colour preferences of my clientele, I suspect that jewel tones will win this poll with the greatest of ease. No batting for both teams, but you can sit this one out on the bench if you can’t pick a side or if neither colour spectrum is appealing.

I have mixed feelings about this trend because it can look very unflattering. If the cut and proportions are just right you’ll look fabulously fashion forward, chic, arty, attractive and avant-garde. But if the fit and details are just slightly off, chances are high you’ll look frumpy, dated, and like you’re wearing a hopelessly ill-fitting coat. 

Some of the oversized coats below are super, like the chartreuse Laurel coat from Diane von Furstenberg, the navy wool coat from Chalayan with the dropped waist fastening, the ASOS Limited Edition Rib Insert Coat in brown tweed, and the cashmere mocha coat by Rick Owens. These coats balance an oversized fit with structure, which keeps the silhouette from wearing you. The structured hip fit is vitally important to my eye. The intentionally oversized integrity of a dropped shoulder seam and raglan style sleeve also works quite well for this silhouette.  

The rest don’t tickle my fancy because they just look ill-fitting. I could wear Greg’s coats to create a similar silhouette and feel very un-fab. I’d also look awful because the fit would completely overwhelm my frame. 

From a practical point of view, you can layer just about anything under an oversized coat. Dolman sleeve knitwear, oversized knitwear, jackets, you name it! It covers and hides everything, which can be an advantage.  

The oversized coat is a tricky item, but it can work so I’m a cautious yay. I like the ’80s appeal of the broad shoulder line and narrow hips for retro and nostalgic reasons, and just for fun I’d wear an oversized coat that wasn’t too oversized. But I have a very strong preference for tailored coats so purchasing an oversized coat is not at all a priority. 

What’s your verdict on the oh-so-fashion-forward oversized coat?

Here are two pairs of attractive, comfortable booties. One dressy, one casual, both versatile. 

Bertie Nina Leopard Print Shoe Boots

Like most shoes from Bertie in the United Kingdom, this low heeled little darling is well made and chic. I love how it does NOT come up high around the ankle and has a pointy toe. Dress it up or down with dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans or shorts. Sport hose or bare legs. Pop in an insole for extra comfort. YLF’s Inge bought these and is thrilled that her fussy feet are happy. 

Biala ‘Ashby’ Collared Wedge Bootie

If three and a quarter inch wedges are a comfortable height, I highly recommend this casual lace up bootie because it’s soft and cushioning. You can also fold up the ankle flaps to create a longer boot. This bootie reminds me of a dressier version of a sassy high top sneaker, and can be worn in the same way. Comes in grey and black. 

Boot season is upon us big time in Seattle after enjoying a very sunny and mild September. We will be sporting booties till June in our neck of the woods. Have you started wearing boots and booties in your neck of the woods?