Let's talk about scarves - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

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Let's talk about scarves

Liz A.

Veteran

I have a feeling that I would like to wear more scarves. I have some winter scarves, a couple patterned pashminas, a jersey circle scarf, and one patterned regular scarf. Can you point me in the direction of what kind of scarves to start with? And where to get them without blowing the bank. My style preference is casual (jeans and t-shirt casual); however, I do dress professionally for work... business casual to business. Thanks!

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from Sara L.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I have a leopard patterned scarf in cashmere and silk - really versatile, and very light. It looks professional when worn with business casual attire. Can be worn year round, too! These can be found at many price points. Recommended!

An example of how I wear it:

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hedgiehog

Veteran

Hi Liz,

Scarves are a great way to add some interest to an outfit. I've recently started wearing them on a casual basis..I've bought them online from scarves.net as well as in TJMaxx and Target. There are many colourful, lightweight scarves in the shops right now. I reserve the silkier ones for work and the cotton ones for casual. Like Ingunn, I have a leopard one that gets a lot of use.

Good luck. I look forward to seeing your photos with new scarves.

adorkable

Veteran

I'm kind of obsessed with this myself:

http://www.target.com/p/merona.....tailbutton

And you can't beat the price...

Liz A.

Veteran

Ooooohh the leopard looks so versatile. And I love the way you tied it. I'm still working on my knots as well. Since I'm just starting out, does anyone have thoughts on the easiest shapes to wear?

Aida

Veteran

Will you be wearing these scarves primarily for casual outfits or for work outfits? Since you say you dress for work from business casual to business, your scarf needs will likely be very different. In general you will find that loooong rectangle scarves or very large square scarves are most versatile because you'll have more knotting options. Casual outfits tend to call for more casual fabrications (e.g. cotton gauze) and business will probably need dressier fabrications (e.g. silks or fine polyester).

Echo

Veteran

I find large rectangular or square silk scarves to be easiest to wear and style. Rectangular scarves are easy to tie as-is, which large squares can be taken corner to corner or folded, depending on the look you want. Silk scarves aren't too hot to wear indoors, but they still can keep you warmer outdoors in the spring or fall (or, if you run warm, even in the winter). Because they are lightweight, they are easiest to knot in various ways, which can really change up the look.

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I wrote a post about my scarf collection and where I found them...
Here it is: http://versatilestylebytracey......rf-addict/

Peri

Veteran

I have fallen in love with scarves this winter...really love the extra dose of color and interest. I'm not sure it can work for me in warmer weather but I'll see! Anyway, I have best luck with the long rectangles. I haven't been able to get the hang of the squares.

The thing that helped me the most was a YouTube video...something like "25 ways to tie a scarf"...I think that used as search will get you there. Then she has companion videos that go into more detail on each tie. I set up my iPad in front of the mirror one day and practiced my favorite ones until I could do them. Before that I was clueless, so it really helped.

Thistle

Veteran

I love silk scarves, and I have not found an inexpensive source of those yet! I do find less expensive ones at interesting places. Saw some fun ones at Hallmark of all places, and $5 a piece.

Aida

Veteran

Inexpensive source of silk scarves: thrift stores! Harder to find large ones, though

Liz A.

Veteran

@Aida I think I will primarily be wearing them for casual outfits until I reach a point when I'm more comfortable, then who knows. The sky's the limit!

Aida

Veteran

In that case since you are headed into spring/summer, I'd suggest you go for an oversized scarf in a floaty cotton gauze, open weave/mesh knit, or silky material

Liz A.

Veteran

@Aida, yes I will do that. Do you have any mind? Be my personal shopper

@Tracey thanks for the tips. I will definitely be checking ebay.

Gaylene

Veteran

I practice a "try before you buy" strategy for all my scarves. Scarves are available at all price points but I've found that the ones that I keep coming back to are the ones that look good tied in the 4-5 knots that I normally use.

This tip came from watching women buy scarves in the Bon Marche department store in Paris. They'd pick up a couple of scarves, find a mirror , and then start twisting and knotting. It was fascinating to watch, but what really stood out was how picky most were about how the scarf draped, how the pattern was displayed, and how the results looked on their bodies.

MsMary

Veteran

I have a Pinterest board all about scarves! Take a look! http://pinterest.com/mrskpasadena/scarves/

I have had great luck with inexpensive scarves at Target.

Aida

Veteran

Scarves can be a great personal statement, so I think you'll have to really look for prints/colors that speak to you! For starters and ideas, Nordstrom has a wide variety and range of prices:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?k.....+for+women

At the very least, it's pretty to look through. I've also had good luck with the Target scarves, though the rectangle shaped ones are far too narrow for my taste; I like mine really wide so I can fluff 'em up big! For example, the dimensions of the scarf below is 32"W x 79"L with 1/2" fringe. Good size

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MsMary

Veteran

OMG, look at this one: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ya.....ch&co...

I die...

Mander

(website)

Veteran

The nice thing about scarves, IMHO, is that you can find them just about everywhere. Even discount stores like Primark here in the UK or Kmart in the US, thrift stores, tourist shops, street vendors... and if you sew at all you can even make your own from things like a favorite shirt that no longer fits but you can't bear to get rid of.

I prefer big wide oblong scarves, but the circle types are also fairly easy to wear.

Liz A.

Veteran

@MaryK how dare you tempt me with $100 scarves?!

Sara L.

Veteran

I usually get them from the thrift stores. They're sometimes only a couple dollars and then I don't feel bad if the shape or color doesn't turn out to be exactly right. I've found some cheap ones at TJ Maxx, Ross and Target too. I just can't justify spending much money on a scarf.