Scarves - inspiration needed - YouLookFab Forum

Scarves - inspiration needed

Sal

For the past ten years or so large scarves have been a go to for me to liven up my winter wardrobe. And to keep me warm as well.

I never feel very confident with scarves - not so much the colours - but more in how to tie them,

I wonder if I am a bit jaded with the sweater scarf jeans look - or if I need a couple of new ones.

What have you been doing with scarves to make them work for you - or do you wear them purely for warmth?

Our climate is probably more Pacific north west - but less extreme. Winter temps are rarely below 0 degrees C but we can be wet - no snow!

Thanks in advance.

Photos from last year showing some attempts I am happier with.

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 year ago

Dressing

22 replies

Latest reply was from Kyle

lyn67

Veteran

These are great-may be you can use some lighter colors/pattern for spring, too!
I have many big scarves different weights, colors and prints (love big undefined ones) and I mostly wear them for outdoors matching my outerwear in some way. I wear them mainly for warmth, for interest and...for camouflaging:-), too. For ex. when wearing my outerwear open-I still love to have something hanging on front of my body-but than I rarely knot, just leave them hanging down from my neck to hips/mid thight length.
There are several ideas given on the net for knotting(love yours, too)- but i rarely apply any of these. When wearing them only for warmth I love looping them in half-for shortening and adding bulk, but that's all.
I also boss my scarves- have some infinities which wear them doubled but they sometimes end up beeing cut for a straight piece. Then I have had 2 very big but tissue thin gauzy ones that I cut in 2 for my better liking and reducing bulk.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 year ago

Bijou

Veteran

I wear silk neck scarves often and not just for warmth, but also to add a point of interest into an outfit. I like doing an off to the side knot or bow with one end trailing to add movement and see more of the scarf.

1 year ago

Anonymous

I was off scarves for years, and just returned to wearing them occasionally. What I normally do is just fold them in half, then push the loose ends through the loop, sometimes twisting one end back through.
ETA- I wear long silk scarves more than other types.

1 year ago

Dee

Veteran

You have a nice collection of scarves Sal, I tend to wear my larger cotton scarves looser around my neck as in my photo #1, I have narrow shoulders and I find that if the scarf is tight at the neck, it just emphasizes that aspect.

My bulkier knitted/flannel scarves are used mostly to keep warm under coats in the winter and once the coat comes off, they come off.

I tend to use silk or chiffon scarves (like my photos 2-4) when I want to add some pattern and colour to a plainer outfit. They don’t have as much volume to them, so I don’t feel overwhelmed in them, and I find them much easier to style and wear overall

This post has 4 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 year ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Knots always feel wrong on me — I need more ease and nonchalance in my scarf style, so I usually do the Trinny Woodall thing: with a large square scarf, hold it by opposing corners so it makes a large triangle shape (doesn’t have to be too perfectly aligned), then drape the doubled-up wide pointed ends so they end in front of the neck and chest, wrapping the thinner ends around the back of the neck and back around on each side so they hang down in front. Then I usually tuck those longer ends slightly behind the larger swath of fabric in the middle. I’ll try to find a picture. I feel like this is the best way to highlight the scarf pattern and sort of fill in the area. You can also tighten or loosen at the neck depending on the effect you want or how much warmth you’re after.

1 year ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Personally, I like knots in scarves! So I prefer the way you are wearing them in #2, #3 and #4, Sal. I am BIG on the Euro knot, or tie my scarves a few times around my neck and neatly knot.

This is how I tie my scarves:

COS

Cashmere Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Hobbs

Fridah Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

Alexander McQueen Classic Skull Chiffon Silk Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

AMSALE Cashmere Travel Wrap Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Bloomingdale's

C By Bloomingdale's Oversized Cashmere Wrap - 100% Exclusive

View Info

Top Pick

1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Scarves are a signature part of my style, though I don't always feel the love for them that statement would imply! The thing is -- I often want interest or colour near the face, I don't much care for wearing necklaces, and through the early spring/ fall/ winter months, I always want the added warmth on my neck if I am not wearing a high collared buttoned up shirt or a turtleneck top! This is related to my short hairstyle and my longer neck, of course.

How I wear them depends on the type of scarf and reason for wearing. OUTDOOR scarves (worn for warmth with a coat, to be taken off indoors, frequently knitted or wool or other cozy fabric) I often wear with a Euro knot. Especially if they are long and oblong or rectangular in shape. I also own an infinity knitted scarf that is fun to throw on like a shawl, and two much larger winter scarves that are shawl-like.

Scarves for indoors I tend to wear as Janet describes, especially if they are the large squares. I'm rarely knot them unless I need to hold them more secure and if I do, I often hide the knotted part underneath the rest instead of letting it show. Longer lightweight oblongs or rectangles I will loop in a Euro knot or just loosely wrap around. Sometimes if the fabric is especially light, I'll experiment with some other kind of knotting technique.

I have never worn the small squares well. I own a few but rarely enjoy wearing them because for me the fuss factor is too high. I can't get them to stay put or look relaxed enough on me. (Which sounds like an oxymoron and possibly is, LOL) I think I could like these if I figured out a styling strategy that worked.

Custom Find

by Suz

View Info

J.Crew

Abraham Moon for J.Crew merino wool scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Hudson's Bay

Fraas Kitchy Floral Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom Rack

BP Marble Fringe Infinity Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Hudson's Bay

Fraas Paisley Pop Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

Treasure&Bond Treasure & Bond Floral Print Tassel Silk Scarf | Nordstrom

View Info

Top Pick

Custom Find

by Suz

View Info

Nordstrom

Hinge Butterfly Collage Square Silk Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

BP Crinkled Check Print Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Nordstrom

'Luxe Animal' Challis Scarf

$58.00 $34.79

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

Hudson's Bay

LORD & TAYLOR Postmark Semi-Sheer Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

Banana Republic

Rectangle Jacquard Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

H&M

Patterned Scarf

View Info

Top Pick

1 year ago

Roberta

Veteran

Most of my scarves are wide rectangles - lots of square footage in a very light material. I use the hacker's knot because it lies flat and centered on my (large) chest. It's hard to explain but easy to do once you get the hang of it - http://www.maitaispicturebook......-knot.html Sort of what Suntiger describes except the ends go through the loop in opposite directions (over instead of under). Haha, I'm sure that doesn't help at all. But it is easy to adjust the placement and tightness around your neck with this knot, and the scarf doesn't wander.

It might be the same as Angie's Euro knot? Anyway, I think you've chosen great colors and prints and different weights!

If I feel chilly at home I will throw a scarf on, but I mostly wear them outside these days.

1 year ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yes, Suz! These two pics illustrate the way I like to wear mine. Not always that precise though. It sounds like you and I have similar scarf styles — I struggle with small squares too, as they can seem a little too precious or preppy for my style.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1 year ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, and for oblong wool scarves for winter, I do the Euro knot too. But I consider that more of an outerwear thing than an outfit component.

1 year ago

Jonesy

Veteran

Ditto exactly what Janet said!

1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If I need to keep the big silk square more anchored, I sometimes knot just the very end of those trailing bits and tuck them under. I do this if I am also wearing a jacket over top.

I don't have a lot of chest real estate because I am small framed, small busted and short waisted, LOL. So sometimes I have to rein in the volume. But other times I just live with it.

1 year ago

LJP

Veteran

I feel the same way , Sal . I have a large collection but in the past year have stopped wearing them altogether . If I’m really getting dressed up I’ll wear one inside the neck of my coat , but even in the middle of winter I wasn’t wearing one on a daily basis . I have some small silk squares that I have occasionally worn with my work track jacket but for the most part I’m finding scarves fussy and unnecessary .

1 year ago

Minaminu

Veteran

You have a lovely collection Sal! For me, scarves are very important as I always need some cover to protect from sore throat. I find this this video very inspiring and it's nice to try different styles

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes! - YouTube

1 year ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That's such a cute video, Minaminu! I realize I actually use a few of these strategies myself but never really think of it -- especially with the light woven wool scarves.

1 year ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks- off to work but will have a play around. I do like the warmth on my neck - and it could be a fun little fall project to experiment.

1 year ago

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I like my scarves with softer edges these days - which often means either throwing the ends over my shoulders, tucking them underneath or knotting the ends into an infinity scarf (circle loop).

I also feel like a scarf in a contrasting or unexpected colour feels more 'modern' (on me) than always matching it to the rest of my outfit (i.e. picking out a colour from the scarf in my top & bottom). It doesn't have to be garish - e.g. I did a warm saffron yellow scarf over a column of chocolate brown the other day, like #1 from Dee's photos

My secrets, to keep silk(y) scarves in place:
A) Double magnets (attached to your top/ bra strap)
B) The back of an earring post threaded onto a safety pin (for no snagging)
B) Bib necklaces (worn over the top, usually in similar colours to the scarf).

1 year ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I wear them like you do in 1 or as Janet describes.

I don’t wear them that much because I overheat easily. But I am always drawn to them as a nice way to add pattern and a little colour in winter.

I’m planning some scarf experiments myself in Winter, which I will share if they work out!

1 year ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks all - I am wearing one today and will try and take a pic (not always easy in an engineering office!)

Interested to see your experiments Brooklyn!

1 year ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

When cold I wrap mid weight infinity scarves around my neck. I have an unreasonable number of light weight scarves for someone who rarely wears them. I think I just prefer necklaces. But I really like them for their colors, patterns etc.

1 year ago

Joy

Veteran

I wear scarves all the time. I used to do elaborate ties but now wear them more simply, just a Euro knot, or even worn loosely draped around the neck. Small square scarves are worn mostly in summer in natural fibers. I wear them like jewelry, rolled and knotted. Sometimes soaked in cold water and wrung out for coolness in heat.

1 year ago

Kyle

Veteran

I’ve seen a lot of helpful scarf tutorials on Pinterest, Sal.

1 year ago

Category