Talk to me about scarves - for The Cat - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me about scarves - for The Cat

Katerina

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Dear Fabbers,

The other day, The Cat asked me to write a post about scarves and so here it comes.
A scarf is THE wardrobe item and outfit component I enjoy the most. It has been like this for as long as I can remember and I have collected scarves for almost 30 years. I cannot tell you how many I have because you would think I am crazy. I have various sizes, materials, high and low.
Why scarves?
Apart from the interest I cannot quite explain, scarves are excellent styling instruments. They can instantly change an outfit. Using a scarf, you can direct focus to your face, balance broad shoulders, create a nice vertical line to balance proportions, disguise the tummy etc. Based on how you tie a scarf - where it is placed and which shape it creates, you can visually extend or shorten the torso. Depending on how big (wide) the scarf is, you can also create different visual effects. The same goes for the patterns. You can also use a scarf as a fake top, a necklace, a bag accessory, a brooch, a belt ...you name it. There are many on line tutorials about how to tie a scarf - there are so many ways. All from rather elaborate knots to simply hanging a scarf around your neck.
When choosing a scarf to an outfit, I normally start with colours and pull a couple of scarves in the colours I think would be nice with the outfit. Then I look at the weight of the fabrics - is it a heavier silk twill or a light chiffon and does it work with the “season” of the outfit? Do I care if it does? I also feel the vibe of it - what do I want the outfit to feel like - dressy, a bit formal, classic? Or casual? Do I want to create a juxtaposition? Do I want to have fun - a bit whimsical? A more simple outfit, a maximal vibe or a kitchen sink? Do I add a second scarf, maybe a woolen one in winter? Which texture do I want to add - a satiny shiny or a mat, or perhaps a knitted one? And often, I actually choose an outfit to work with the scarf instead.

I am not sure this has at all been useful to anyone....so I stop here. Attached are some older pics with different scarves.

I know many of you are very fond of scarves and excellent in choosing and styling them, so please share your wisdom.

I would love to hear if and how you use scarves, which your favourites are and your favourite styling and why?

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41 replies

Latest reply was from Katerina

Anonymous

You are the queen of the scarf I love how you sort of rolled the floral one!
I love scarves in theory, and have many, but mostly reach for them in mild weather. Even thin ones are hot in summer and seem to cluttery for me with winter layers. Working with the season of the outfit is a conundrum...I have a big thick scarf with a red and gold butterfly print on black. It feels seasonally confused since the fabric is wintery and the butterflies are summery!

Katerina

Veteran

Suntiger, thank you. Wearing a scarf in summer is difficult, if not impossible in very hot climate, I agree. Our summers have usually mixed weather - so it works for me. Your butterfly scarf sounds lovely and I would use it in winter, despite the butterflies. Could you wear it as a wrap over your shoulders on summer evenings (instead of a jacket or a cardi)?

Sara L.

Veteran

Fun post! I wear tons of scarfs in the winter. I like them for the extra warmth and pop of pattern or color they give an outfit. I don't wear them as much in the summer but even then I have a couple thin light ones that work if tied loosely.

Helena

Veteran

You are definitely queen of scarves Katerina! You wear them so well and they suit your colorful, bold and dramatic style.

I love scarves, but they are not so much a statement for me - they're more of a topper really, if that makes sense ... I generally only wear them when the weather calls for it (either as a light layer in moderate temps, or of course as a necessary frostbite preventative in winter ha).

I like casual, soft ones with prints to complement my neutral heavy wardrobe.

Alicewonderland

Veteran

Wow, I’mreally inspired by your use of scarves. I’m still figuring out how to use mine. I really like your styling in 5 and 11.

Gretchen

Veteran

I tend to go in phases with scarves depending on my mood and style space. I don't enjoy big bulky scarves - too much when I'm already curvy. But I do love the polish of a great piece, the way it can unite separates in different colors, and the additional visual interest.

I also love scarves for travel. They can add warmth on the plane, bring variation to a travel wardrobe while taking little space, and cover for an unintended stain or wardrobe issue (the road-warrior curse of not being in a town long enough to do more than spot touchups)

I love seeing all of your pictures! Please keep them coming!

Katerina

Veteran

Sara L, you have great scarves, I love how you wear them.

Torontogirl, thank you! Your scarves are perfect with your style. I love the blue patterned cotton scarf from HM you shared about a year ago. Casual polished perfection!

Alicewonderland - thank you, you are very kind.

Katerina

Veteran

Gretchen, thank you. You make some really good points, scarves are perfect travel accessories. Yet another reason to like scarves

Anonymous

Katerina -- This is a fabulous post. Interesting and full of useful information. I'll be saving this post because I aspire to be a scarf wearer. It is easier for me in winter months. It is my goal to carry that into spring.

Bennett

Veteran

Not just queen of scarves, but queen of accessories! What a collection you have! Now I have some questions - in pic #1, is the lobster claw fastener something you purchased separately? I could find lots of uses for that! Tell me, what is that green item with the money print? I can't identify it (pic #8). And lastly, the scarf in pic #13 - dog..., bear...? Whatever it is, it makes me laugh! Just plain fun!

The Cat

Veteran

Dear Katerina, THANK YOU SO MUCH for writing this great forum post and uploading inspirational photos!

Like you, I love scarves and own many, in different sizes and materials.
My all-time favourites are pashmina style scarves and silk scarves (in various sizes), but I like many other styles and fabrics too and often feel drawn to a gorgeous colour or an interesting print.

Each season I choose which scarves I find suitable for the next months, and the rest are stored in the attic. And, during the year, I actually use ALL my scarves several times.

My scarves for the current season are simply placed on hangers (the style usually used for trousers), 3-6 scarves on every hanger. I arrange them in a few main groups, sorted by fabric/thickness/size. My winter scarves, for example, are in these 3 main groups: (1) Scarves for outdoor use only, (2) pashmina styles, and (3) silk, viscose and other thin fabrics. Within each main group I sort the scarves by colour. I love to look at my colourful collection of scarves and to be able to quickly find one in the colour and material I am looking for.

How do you store your scarves?

Earlier today, I wore a large oblong offwhite crinckled scarf in a simple, elegant way similar to styles that you, Katerina, have often worn (i.e. in your pics #3, 7 and 11). I wondered if it would make me look (too) tall and dramatic and was prepared to change the style, but I actually liked the look. So thank you for the inspiration!

While writing this, I find myself wearing a large thin square (new!) silk scarf, multi-coloured on a grey background. I have wrapped it several times around my neck, and it's wonderfully comfortable and adds a fun splash of colour to my otherwise dark outfit in black, charcoal and bottle green. In summer, I intend to wear it as a light wrap.

By the way, I have a big note book (A4 size) where I collect style tips, including a personal list of various ways to wear scarves in different sizes and materials. A while ago, I used a couple of hours in front of the mirror to try different styles and identify which ones I think suit me best. Along the way, I made a list of short descriptions of these possibilities. The list serves as an inspirational reminder, and I look at it several times a week. I will be happy to add new ideas.

I prefer simple, not elaborate tying techniques. My favourite styles include:
● The basic loop.
● The twisted loop. (Do a basic loop around the neck. Take one end and twist it around the loop just once, or a few times until it ends in the center. Do the same thing on the other side.)
● The European loop.
● The Ascot knot.
● The Western neck.
● The London knot.

I would have liked to show you some pictures of my scarves, but am not able to do it now. Too tired after a long, busy day, and still just slowly recovering after several days with a high fever.

Anonymous

I’m a scarf fan too , and use them frequently to tie a look together or to give it a finished touch . I have culled my collection dramatically over the past year or two and constantly remind myself not to buy any more . I don’t do kooky or whimsical , and stick to statement prints and fabrics .

Brooklyn

Veteran

Katerina, your style is so inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to write this post. You are a scarf wielding genius

I love scarves and have quite a few but, as my climate is warm and I run warm, I don’t wear them a lot. In summer, I find lightweight scarves a useful alternative to a topper. I like that it’s easy to put them away if I start to get hot. I wear them the way you do in 9 or just draped around my neck with no tie or loop.

I love the way you are wearing your scarf in pic 3. So romantic! A great way to create a ruffle without buying a ruffled shirt.

Bijou

Veteran

Katerina, thank you for this post. I prefer to wear my scarves in mild or cold weather. When the temperature is over 30C I prefer to not have the additional layer that a scarf provides. I find scarves a great way to add interest and love the amazing variety of scarves that you have. I tend to wear only a few of my scarves, so I need to be considered in purchasing scarves as some can go unworn.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

Especially love 1- what a great gold accessory to make a scarf into a necklace!
And 8- scarf AND pocket square. Equivalent to a man in tie and pocket square. Great opportunity for pattern mixing.
I’m a scarf addict too. Grew up in California, don’t think I ever touched a scarf until college, but once I started I was hooked! I’m always cold so often wearing more than one

Joy

Veteran

I love scarves of all shapes and sizes and wear them all year. I wear the small bandana sized ones more in summer, including some interesting dinner napkins. Those I usually roll/twist, often damp with cold water, and tie in the back in a s all knot. The damp scarf will keep you cool for hours on a hot day.. For long rectangular scarves, I like the Angie Knot and can do it without a mirror or in the dark. See the first link below. The second link is interesting on scarves and neck length.

https://youlookfab.com/2009/04.....ngie-knot/

https://youlookfab.com/2010/10.....your-neck/

Joy

Veteran

The Cat. What is The London Knot?

Sal

Veteran

Great inspiration here - some gorgeous looks. I do wear scarves but as a short neck person with lots of hair I don’t feel they are wonderful on me. I love them though and wear them in winter or changeable weather.

Katerina

Veteran

Sterling, thank you.

Bennett, thank you.
In No 1 I used old gold hardware I cut off from a strap of an old bag, which was too worn. I can use it like this with many different scarves and create necklaces. My tip is to look in secondhand shops for items with interesting hardware and to use as scarf accessories. Here is a picture of a gold piece which was originally attached to a skirt belt, now used with a small pocket square.
The green item in No 8 with money on is a silk pocket square, tucked in the pocket of the jacket. I use it on bags too, attached a picture here.
No 13 is a large Givenchy square scarf called Rottweiler, see a picture of it here unfolded.

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Jane

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Katerina, I have so enjoyed your post. I am inspired by the variety of your scarf collection, and your ways of wearing. Thank you!

I am going to look out for a piece of gold hardware like yours.

I like the way your scarfs and sun glasses look together, it is such a signature look I think.

Katerina

Veteran

The Cat, thank you very much for the great post. So interesting to hear about your system of selecting scarves for each month thus wearing all of your scarves throughout the year. Quite honestly, some of mine don’t get worn every year. In periods, depending on my style preferences at the time, I have groups of favorites. Then I can go back to some unworn for some time.

As for the storage, I was struggling with finding good storage for the scarves for years. I wanted to have a system where they all would be easily accessible and I could easily see them all to use them all. At the same time, I wanted to have a rather neat system, not having them on open display. Now, I have a rather good system. I bought several sets of shallow drawers to my closet space and folded all scarves in these drawers. They are sorted primarily according to size and shape. The drawers are from IKEA and they are made for office use, but work very well for scarves and other accessories. The thickest knitted scarves are too big for these drawers though and I store them folded on shelves instead, just like sweaters. I try to attach pictures of the drawers.
And yes, what is a London knot?

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Katerina

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Thank you Lisa P for chiming in. I should imagine it takes some discipline not to buy more scarves, it would for me. Or actually, it does. I try not to buy too many, but I know I will always add some each season. I have edited time to time as well, it would not work otherwise.

Brooklyn, thank you very much. You have great style yourself, my inspiration. I love how you sometimes use a scarf with a sleeveless top in summer - super stylish.

Bijou, thank you. You have delightful style and the scarves you wear are very beautiful. I love your blue and animal print Cavalli scarf, among others.

Jessicams, thank you! I know, I love multiple scarves when it is cold too.

Katerina

Veteran

Joy, thank you so much for the tips and the great links. These were before my time at YLF - have not seen them yet, how could I miss them! The dinner napkin idea is brilliant and to use damp scarves in hot weather - genius!

Sal, thank you and thanks for reading and for your response.

Jane, thank you, you are very kind.

rachylou

Veteran

You do scarves so beautifully! Inspirational!

Sisi

Veteran

This post is incredibly timely! Just in these past days I was wondering what to do with my scarves. I have many of them - all pure silk, all beautiful and all gifts because the paradox is ... . I am not fond of scarves! I never bought a scarf in my life. But I like the idea of transforming a scarf into a top. Do you mind tell me how you do it?

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Scarves are so much a part of your style persona and it’s not hard to see why.You wear them so well,It’s what I would call a Euro chic look,reminding me of all those stylish ladies in Paris and Milan.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I loved this thread. As it happens I have been wearing a scarf all week because it is cold in NJ! I wrap a big silk scarf around my neck and it makes a huge difference.

The Cat

Veteran

Joy, Katerina, and others, the London knot is no. 8 in this link:
https://www.corneliajames.com/.....to-wear-it

Katerina, I love your very elegant storing system and just wish I had more space in my closet ...

I don't actually search out scarves for each MONTH, but rather for each SEASON of the year. And a few scarves are used in all 4 seasons.

lyn67

Veteran

Can we teach something new to the Queen of Scarves???
How about the

THE DOUBLE PRETZEL KNOT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSxbWzCLQNc
My way to do it is a bit more quirky and makes people to wonder (I've learned it the odd way) and I can't stop it now, but use it quite often as I love the spot and the flat volume achieved with it.
I'm in awe of your nr 1. was that a DIY project of yours or scarf originally that way? I have some bigger scaled hardware left from an old bag that could do the job...:-))

ETA: I've got my answer in one of your comment above!:-) Then, what about wearing a very voluminous plaid/or contrast colored shawl over a black turtleneck like a pashmina over a formal dress (on your bare back/shoulders, and left down from elbows down). I do it often at work or my house when at my desk for warmth and some interest.

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