Keeping scarves

In past years I was really into scarves and collected quite a few. In the last year or so I haven't worn them that much. So I've got a scarf hanger-full, probably around 20 total, hanging in my closet. Are scarves the kind of thing you cull the same as you do clothes, or do you tend to keep them as long as they don't get too numerous, waiting for the trends to change or your tastes? I guess this is similar to other smaller accessories like earrings, say. I haven't culled my earring tray in probably ten years, but I haven't added that many new pieces either. I wear earrings about as much as I do scarves, maybe 10% of the time. But in either case the items don't take up a lot of room and I do wear them occasionally. Any thoughts?

11 years ago

General

13 replies

Latest reply was from Laurinda

Lyn D.

Veteran

I too have kept my scarf collection and some earrings/necklaces that are rarely worn. The only ones I might consider purging would be the less classic styles that might date in regards to their design.

11 years ago

Liz

Active Member

Laura, about a year ago I had an overabundance of underworn scarves, too. And we were preparing for a transatlantic move and I wanted to downsize - again! I kept one or two favorites from the closet door scarf collection. The rest I rolled up, boxed and mailed to a friend in Indiana. We swapped clothes often while our husbands were deployed several years ago, and this was a fun way to send a hug her way. I should add that the scarves were not style staples so much as souvenirs from various places. Now I don't have to wade through scarves to find other clothing items. It's nice. Fun to wear, fun to share.

11 years ago

Veteran

I keep my scarves 'filed' in 2 shoe boxes, one regular size for the pashmina-y ones and one more narrow for all the other ones. If they can't all fit in those boxes, I purge a few, but otherwise I let them sit around, despite not wearing them that frequently, as I've got the space! If I didn't have the space or they made me feel guilty, I'd be tempted to find them a new home.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I really have a hard time getting rid of scarves, same with belts. Often I've picked them specially for fabrication and best colors, so it's hard to part.
But when I have too many "out", I don't use them all or I get cranky at trying to keep them neat.
This year I've successfully parted with several, based on getting more focused on color palette and best items. That helped.
Then, for scarves there is a seasonal shift to lighter fabrics and colors, so I can store out of main closet (coat closet for definite outdoors/muffler-types, main closet for indoor types) and swap seasonally.
Finally this month I also decided I just needed a scarf holding zone because I want more space and clarity. Then after time will decide.

11 years ago

ironkurtin

Veteran

I am as ruthless with scarves as with everything else. If I haven't worn it, it goes.

11 years ago

Alexandra

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends on how the scarves fit into your style. Are they just another accessory or are (were) they your signature? If the former, then clear out/keep as you would your other accessories. If the latter, it may be a good idea to figure out why you're not wearing them much these days and decide based on that.

11 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've gotten rid of some, but I have a hard time purging scarves. I always wonder if old ones might come back into favor. I have some unworn scarves in some pastel-ish shades that may come back into my outfits in the spring, since pastels are trending.

I also have an embarrassing number because I have a lot of smaller silk scarves I inherited from my mom. I'm reluctant to part from those -- that style of scarf is not terribly fashionable at the moment, but if they come back around, I'm set.

I am also reluctant to purge much jewelry-wise. There is something sentimental to me about these things, but I have toyed with the idea of a significant purge. I have been putting some things that are sentimental but unworn in a holding zone.

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

I sort of feel like they take up so little room, and yet are so expensive to replace (especially the silk ones I love), that I am loathe to let them go when I can fit so many in shoe box.

11 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I've just purged a lot of costume jewellery I've had forever & I'm about to tackle my scarves. In the past I've held on to them but I feel it's time to let some go. My benchmark will be: I must love it & it must be really good quality otherwise it's just clutter.

11 years ago

retailgirl

Veteran

I never get rid of any accessory. I still have a box full of floppy bow ties from the eighties! ( think dress for success.). I go through my scarves seasonally and put the out of season colors away. The only belts I've gotten rid of are the ones I wore when pants were higher waisted. I have silk flowers, costume jewelry, etc. etc. they don't take up a lot of room and sometimes they are just the thing for an outfit. This past year I am loving my scarves, some over twenty years old. But there have been years where I never wear a scarf.

11 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I only have 2 scarves (purely decorative, not winter gear type) so I may not be the person to ask, but I keep them even though I wear them each maybe 4 or 5 times a year at most. Belts I have started purging slowly. I have a hanger that holds around a dozen comfortably, so I stay around that number, give or take 2. Also recently started culling jewelry, even though there is room for it on the rack. I am feeling a more streamlined look, back to my sterling silver preferences of yore.

11 years ago

Mia

Veteran

The lower quality fashion-y ones get purged but because they are so small I have hung on to some silk ones that I currently don't wear. One is vintage Halston that was my grandmother's. American Hustle may prompt me to bring it out!

11 years ago

Laurinda

Veteran

Scarves are a signature item for me, I have sheers for the summer and jacquards for the winter. In deepest winter I even wear two at the same time -- one with my topper plus one over my parka. My own date back to the 70s, and I have my Mum's going back to the 50s. For all that, they really don't take up much room, I have two shoeboxes of silk-types (separated into cool colors vs warm colors) and a couple multi-bar pants hangers with pashmina/shawls/wool mufflers. The only time I get rid of a scarf is if it is a recent purchase and for some reason is not working out... the color or drape is not right or I have an older one I would rather reach for.

11 years ago

Category