Scarf shopping help. What's your strategy? - YouLookFab Forum

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Scarf shopping help. What's your strategy?

Cilleena

Veteran

I love looks with scarves. I have many scarves, but they don't feel quite right for some reason. Either they are too dressy, super casual (think fleece here), or the colors only seem to work with one outfit or top. As a primarily casual dresser, I could use some help in selecting scarves that will work with a lot of outfits. I'm seeing a lot of chunky cable (sweater looking) scarves. I like this one from AE....Is this the right direction?

http://www.ae.com/web/browse/w.....cat5070059

How do you shop for scarves?

Shopping

14 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

bj1111

Veteran

love chunky cabled snoody things or extra extra long ones so i can wrap it around my head. a tweedy or marled look even in multi color would be very versatile.

ps. i had to browse scarves similar to your description because i cant see the photo so the advice above formed without seeing the specific scarf!

Lisa

Veteran

I love scarves, but am very picky. The materials has to be soft against my neck. The drape has to flatter for how I want to style it. I like scarves that loop once around the neck, but those can't be too bulky or too long in length, both overwhelm my frame. I also like square scarves for tying in various knots and bows closer to the neck, around 36 x 36 inches.

After material and size/length I look at color. Will the scarf play well with others in my closet? If I wear lots of dark colors I like scarves to have the dark color in the print but lighter colors to make the outfit pop. If I wear bright colors I tend to go for the reverse. Also I like solid scarves in a color that flatters my basics. I would focus on a scarf with a print that has your dominant wardrobe color in it, to tie into your outfits. Then you can branch out with less prints/specific clothing items.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think it depends on how you are going to wear these scarves. Long chunky cable knit scarves coud be great to spruce up casualh outerwear but may be difficult to wear as an accessory indoors. For that I prefer lightweight wool, silk or scarves, which are good for draping and do not add bulk. As for the colors I usually go with colors I already have in my wardrobe so it is easy to mix them in.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Like handbags, scarves are a very personal thing. I prefer dressier scarves that I can tie in my own knots - both solid and printed - in soft luscious fabrications. I do not wear casual, chunky scarves. The infinity scarf is a great idea because you don't need to knot the scarf.

HeleenH

Veteran

I recently bumped in to a scarf that I love so much it might become my signature for this winter. Since I will need to launder it every once in a while, I am on the lookout for a replacement in the same style.
My strategy is to keep my eyes open when shopping for anything. And find out which styles will flatter you and wich won't. I don't know how tall you are, I am petite so I don't really want a large and overwhelming scarf. I saw a chunky scarf in the shop yesterday that was absolutely lovely but too chunky for my small frame...
These are nice starting points to read to see which options are there http://www.istylista.com/blog/.....scarf_181/
http://texeresilk.com/main/cms/scarf_tying_guide
http://www.insideoutstyleblog......es/scarves

cyan45

Oooo, I love scarves too here's my game plan:

1. Scarves for outdoors
I look for somewhat thick, long length for double wrapping, and fun colors that compliment skin tone and coats. I often wear a bright pink one w/ my pewter trench, red wool, camel wool, and black/white check coats.

2. Scarves for work
I am picky about the size and fabric. Ideally they are large squares (or slightly rectangular) and wrap around the neck with nice drape on the bust. B/c I am small chested, I want some volume! I go for silky/delicate fabric to look dressy, in colors/prints that again, flatter skine tone and are versatile w/ the solids/prints in my wardrobe.

It's fun to try out all colors! Whenever I check out scarves, I have the roy g. Biv rainbow in my head. As I result, I discovered that I can wear yellow, just a certain shade

Patterns are also great. Stripes, dots, floral, geometric, animal print, texture. If you feel overwhelmed, go w/ your gut and buy whichever one grabs you when you try it on. My first scarf was a rich aqua from a thrift store many years ago. I love it too this day. It fit my measurement and work requirements, plus it was elegant and a great deal!

Scarves are wonderful to feel fun, elegant and a little different (it seems not as many women in america wear silky scarves to work...or at all. I take my tips from euro/french women, and only hope I come off half as stylish

Have fun! Pls post your finds too!

Scarlet

Veteran

I use scarves a lot, but I can't really explain how I shop for them. It is completely tactile and color based intuition. I just wait for love to strike (much like handbags). Logic doesn't work for me here. I would say that when I buy a scarf I already know how I am going to wear it (although the possibilities can expand with experimentation). But I always start with a clear idea.

HelenInCanada

Veteran

I am obsessed with scarves right now. I think I own at least a dozen - oops! When faced with choosing between colours and patterns, sometimes I can't decide, so both come home with me. Anyway, yes, they add a nice flair and flash of colour to whatever casual basics you may be wearing from day to day. Couldn't be easier!

My only pickiness when it comes to scarves is material - I can't wear wool or arcrylic on my skin, so that narrows my options. I also hate scarves that have print only on one side, and the other is bare - how awkward is that? I recently saw a few like that in ON. I try to buy cashmere (when I love the print/colour), cotton, and linen blends. Silk only for really dressy occasions.

I looooove extra long lengths, because I am learning how to tie scarves in funky ways, and it often involves folding the scarf in half. Also, I just think it looks awesome.

Love this link - 25 WAYS TO WEAR A SCARF IN 4.5 MINS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related

qfbrenda

Veteran

I'm like Scarlet. I know a beloved scarf when I see one. I do try to avoid scratchy ones, and watch out for ones that are too thick. Otherwise, I just choose ones whose colors call to me. The ones I love usually end up going with shirts I love.

Cilleena

Veteran

Thanks for the great ideas, everyone. I think that scarves are a creative component of fashion, that doesn't come easy to me and/or I haven't figured it out yet. I like formulas and I tend to copy styles I see. When it comes to the scarf component, if I can't find an exact duplicate, which is tough, I pick out a substitute that doesn't seem to quite work or that I'm happy with. The scarves that have worked for me have a rainbow of colors in them, so they seem to go with everything. Oddly enough, it's the neutrals that bug me and aren't quite right.

rachylou

Veteran

I have started contemplating the addition of some scarves to my wardrobe, too. I just had the thought that - if I knew how I might wear them, it would be easier to shop for them. I mean, I always tie a scarf the same way - like I'm heading into a snow drift. Should probably branch out...

Astrid

Veteran

Like Scarlet I just have to see and wait and I normally now at first sight if I found the right one. The only thing I consider when I shop for scarves are the colors, because for me it's important to have only colours near my face that flatter me. I have no problem matching colourful or patterned scarves into my outfits because I have so many solid coloured tops.

nancylee

Veteran

This is a great post, and I've enjoyed reading the responses. It's very timely for me, too, because I've just begun to re-think how I approach scarf shopping. I LOVE scarves and have always bought them completely on impulse. No planning involved! Usually because I've fallen in love with the fabric or the pattern. This is so different from how I shop for clothes.

Now that I'm being more intentional about my wardrobe (and also SYCing), I'm finding I want to put a little more strategic planning into my scarf purchases. That is, thinking more about shape, texture, fabric and how they will fit into my wardrobe....just like I plan clothing purchases. I like some of the suggestions here...especially cyan45's.

I'm thinking some planning is in order, but I also think the love factor will always be an important one when it comes to scarves (at least for me!)

Scarlet

Veteran

I just wanted to add in response to your point about neutrals not working out as well that I have one scarf from Missoni that is a mix of black, white, camel, and grey that works really well with all kinds of things. At the time I had planned to buy something colorful, but that scarf turned out to be one of my best purchases. It is a mix of fibers that is a bit warm but not so heavy that I can't wear it indoors as well. Anyway my point is that you might find a mix of neutrals more versatile than a single neutral and less bossy that a mix of colors. Check out the pictures in Angie's infinity scarf post--the one in the upper righthand corner is similar to what I have.