Scarf Help

Nicole

I need some general help with scarves. Not indoor scarfs that are part of an outfit, but outdoor ones that you wear with jackets. I don't know where to begin actually.

I noticed a lot of you stylish ladies wearing light weight scarves with fall jackets. Are these scarves long and narrow? Or are they squares like Pashimas? I can't figure out how to wear a scarf other than a traditional winter scarf. (Which I wrap around my neck one and a half times so the ends both fall over a shoulder--inside my jacket). I love how you guys all incorporate color into your outfit with these scarves. I wish I could express my questions more eloquently--but I don't really know what to ask. I feel handicapped when it comes to wearing scarves--like I need someone to teach me step by step. Starting with what my options are for fabric, size, shape and color, and how to drape or tie them, and whether to wear them inside or outside my coat.

I had a thread of all my jackets, I'll see if I can dig it up--that might help. I'm not even sure if scarves are doable with ALL kinds of jackets. My black wool pea coat and my new red trench seem to be crying out for a scarf. I've tried my current scarves with them, but they seem too wintery for the season. But of course, I'd love to wear scarves with any of my jackets so long as it appropriate.

Any advice, even the most basic will be greatly helpful and appreciated! (It's funny how there are some things I just can't wrap my brain around.)

17 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Inge

Nicole

Veteran

ok here's my coat inventory:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....replies=11

I also have added this to my collection since that post:

http://s289.photobucket.com/al.....due011.jpg

17 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I have scarves in all kinds of shapes, weights and fabrics -- it's different for every season. I prefer the long skinny scarves because it gives me color up by my face without adding a lot of volume (I'm busty so that's not what I need up there, lol), but skinnies can be hard to find so I do have longer and more square too.

As to how to wear a scarf, there are many different ways. I tend to try a couple of wrapping techniques each time I put on one, because depending on what I am wearing it with it may look better a different way. My usual standby is the fold in half, then put the ends through the loop. I also do the once around the neck and let the ends come down my chest.

Living in the snowy Midwest, I have found that scarves can be worn with just about all jackets. My rule of thumb is the dressier the jacket or outfit, the dressier the scarf. So heavy woolen or knitted scarves work with casual parkas, a fitted denim jacket or jeans and a cardigan go great with a colorful wide cotton or pashima, wool coats go better with more elegant wool scarves, etc. But that's just my personal preference, and I will break that rule all the time.

17 years ago

shiny

Veteran

I couldn't find any photos in the first link. But anyway, I'll give you my reply. I am only just learning the whole scarf thing myself, so keep that in mind!!! I started collecting scarves on our travels. When you are in europe everyone wears scarves and you can find interesting ones everywhere, for very little $. So i started buying them on our trips, but not necessarily wearing them. I had to get over some mental block or something.

My scarf needs are probably different than yours. For one thing, I need to pay attention to scale so I don't overwhelm my 5'0" frame. Size of the scarf itself, but also the pattern. For example, I can't wear pashminas without looking like I'm wrapping a blanket around me. Too much fabric! What's more, my neck is short, so if the scarf is too long and requires too many wraps, it will look klugey.

With that in mind, I do recommend - for those of us who are petite or have short necks - that you try on scarves before you buy, to ensure they will "fit."

As for material, I really like scarves with some silk in it (a blend) or very lightweight cashmere. I.e., something that's not overly bulky. Again, YMMV on that one.

As for color, I look for scarves that will flatter my face. Especially for black or brown coats: a nice pop of color in a flattering shade really helps.

As for patterns, I'm finding that you need to wrap the scarf to see what the pattern actually ends up looking like. It's hard to say from online photos - or I just am unable to imagine how it'll look.

As for shapes, I have a multitude of shapes. I have several that are long and rectangular, and some that are square. Play around with both types!

As for how to wear them, there are lots of ways. Here are my personal favorites:

1) with a long rectangular one, start with just enough of the end of the scarf so it is hitting where you want it to hit (such as long enough to cover your bodice area that will be exposed to cold air). Then wrap wrap wrap the rest around your neck, until you end up (hopefully) with a matching length (or close) left. You can tie the two ends if you want, or not.

2) with a rectangular one or a square one, fold it in half, put it around the back of your neck, and tuck the ends through the loop where the fold is. I hope that makes sense! With a larger square one, you can also toss one of the ends over your shoulder for a sorta casual look.

(wow this *is* hard to describe!)

Lately I've been loving scarves at BR and at AT - they've both had some really pretty scarves this fall, in very nice fabrics that are just the right weight.

EDIT to add: but my all-time favorite scarves are ones I found in vienna flea market about 5 years ago. I am only just getting around to actually wearing them though.

17 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

Nicole, this post of Angie's came to mind with your question. http://youlookfab.com/2007/12/.....ing-scarf/

In any case, I love scarves. I like the long skinny type. They work well in a lot of different ways. I like my scarves that have a bit of whimsy. I have one that is a beautiful stripe in a very delicate almost ribbon-type material and another that is kind of nubbly but very refined in workmanship. I always get compliments on those. And then I have some cashmere ones that are plain colors but feel just great to have on.

I hope you'll find something that moves you to try because they can add a lot of fun to your wardrobe.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Shiny, I may have deleted the coat photos. I'll see if I still have them on my hard drive.

Thank you for the suggestions and help. Alecia, I even posted to that thread! Even back then I didn't seem to sure about how to wear them.

Sometimes Tanya shows her scarf outside her jacket. How does one make that work? Do you pop the collar or hood and put teh scarf under that? Or do you wrap the scarf over the collar or hood? Or should I stick with keeping the scarf inside?

17 years ago

Amanda

Active Member

This is helpful because I'd like to wear more scarves, especially after seeing and hearing about others wearing scarves. But when I try them on in the store, I'm never sure what I'll where them with or how to tie so that it looks best. But I think that part of it is probably buying a couple and just going for it.

17 years ago

Anonymous

I love scarves of all shapes and styles or changing the look of a coat or outfit. With your peacoat and trench, you could wear a scarf either inside the collar or outside if it is long or big enough. One of the looks I love is to wear a Pashima or large square scarf outside a trench for an extra layer of warmth and interest.
Angie had some great ideas on a post about fringed scarves not too long ago.

http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....ler-style/

or just fold the square scarf in half to make a triangle. With the point in front, the ends can go around the back of the neck and back to the front.
With the point in the back, the ends can be tied in front shawl style. The point can be moved to on the shoulder, back of a shoulder, where ever you want it. I hope this makes sense.

17 years ago

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

I don't know how much help this is going to be Nicole, but I find it helps to have scarves in all sorts of shapes and fabrics. Some for extreme warmth, some for a bit of warmth, and some just to amp up an outfit a bit.

As for how to tie them the looping around neck, or fold-in-half-and-pull-through are the 2 easiest ways I know of!

I'm not sure how Tanya is doing it over her jackets, but I tend to literally just put it on on top of the jacket - don't worry about tucking it under collar. Some jackets that open up at the neck you could put the scarf on first and tuck underneath when you're putting on the jacket too.

Hope that makes some sense! Maybe a step-by-step guide would be good too! Ooh I just did some googling and here's what I came up with:

Lots of different step-by-step guidnes, including head-scarves!
A youtube video showing pashmina tying - see the "related videos" box for the other 3 in this series, plus lots of other scarf tying videos there - some more helpful than others!
Here's another good vid from youtube

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE scarves. They really keep you warm and are the first item I gravitate to when I’m cold. Scarf preferences are personal Nicole, and my preferences have changed over the years, so you might find that yours will evolve too.

Personally, it’s all about the weight and shape. You have to find a weight that works for you – not too bulky and not too small. I encourage “pashmina shaped” scarves because they are versatile. They collapse in a flattering manner, and you can keep them on inside. They also Euro-loop well. They are thin enough to be tucked into your coat and jacket, OR they can be worn outside your outerwear. They are great both casually and for dressy occasions. ( With Converse or pumps).

But if it’s a sporty scarf you’re after, like for snowboarding or sledding, that’s a different type of scarf. You’re after a chunky knit. I hope that makes sense.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Thanks. I am looking for fashion scarves, not sporty ones. I over heat when doing winter activities so I don't wear scarves snowboarding or sledding.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I'm a BIG scarf fan too, and I second Angie on the pashminas. They are very versatile and even the 'thicker' ones (I wear 3 or 4 ply in Winter) are still 'thin' enough to do with them whatever you want (Euro-loop, wrapped around your neck, wrapped and knotted in front...). I often keep them on inside too, and they can easily be dressed up or down.

I mostly wear my scarves inside or 'on' my coat/jacket collar, but I did have one coat with a stand-up collar, and I usually wrapped the scarf around the collar (added advantage = extra protection from the cold).

A beginner's mistake I made, was thinking that I had to buy scarves in dark or neutral colours (I really have no idea where I got that idea). Pretty soon I discovered that brighter/contrasting colours actually add interest to an outfit and are often more flattering with a darker coloured coat.

I think it's good to have a variation of scarves, i.e. a few unpatterned ones, some patterned scarves, scarves with interesting texture etc., they can really add to your look.

A few ideas (sorry, I couldn't stop myself;-)

Cable-knit or ribbed scarves are a simple way to add some visual interest (think texture) to your outfit
http://www.bluefly.com/Portola.....detail.fly

http://www.bluefly.com/Portola.....detail.fly

These are a bit different because of the fun details
http://www.bluefly.com/Renee%2.....-208943000

http://www.bluefly.com/Christo.....detail.fly

http://www.bluefly.com/Portola.....detail.fly

I know you're not a big bow fan, but this is cute;-)
http://www.bluefly.com/Portola.....detail.fly

I love the elongating effect of an extra long, narrow scarf. They look great with skinnies tucked into boots and with wide-legged pants, with a long cardigan worn as a coat, with a dress or skirt... The colour blocks add some extra interest. Chunkier knits work great for this type of scarf too.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....4&P=1

Or you could go for something that is already styled when you put it on (no need to think about how to knot or drape it;-)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listi.....d=16729300

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....VE45DWNF5w

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Wow Inge, thank you for taking the time to find and post all those links! Very helpful. I like the idea of the one from Etsy with the buttons. It's whimsical, but something about it appeals to me. My MIL is an incredible knitter--I'm going to show her that photo and see if she can replicate it for me. I have a blue V neck sweater that I get a lot of compliments on the color whenever I wear it. I'll see if I can find a fine yarn in that color or something similar.

I culled thru all my scarves today. I kept a light beige pashima, a brown plaid cashmere and a medium blue with polkadot cashmere, oh and a bright magenta chenille that was made as a gift. The last one is very thin (maybe 4") and VERY long. I'm going to play around with them this week, take some photos and hopefuly get some constructive criticism. Maybe you guys can help me figure out what colors I should add to my collection.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

You're very welcome Nicole! I liked the Etsy one too, and great idea to ask your MIL to copy it! I know you look good in blue, so that would be an amazing colour. (do post a picture of it when it's finished?)

I'll be glad to help with colour suggestions when you post pictures, that will be fun.
(I forgot to mention this earlier: I couldn't access your coat pictures either - otherwise I would already have tried to come up with colours that go with your coats).

(the polkadot cashmere sounds fun too, bring on those pics!-)

17 years ago

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