I'm one of those people who often loves to put a look together around a scarf. As fashionable a garment it is, it is also my go to functional accessory for Fall. I could be totally underdressed for the cold (I can somehow never accurately predict how cold its gonna be out and then I'm usually found scouting around for friends' jackets) but as long as i have a scarf around my neck, my physiology and life are very much in order.
Scarves have this magical quality of completing a look and becoming its focal point. They have an inherent experimental vibe and help us create the edge even on an otherwise dreary, old or conservative attire. Just look at how versatile they are - thrown over a dress, layered beneath an overcoat or casually knotted around a handbag, they always look good! They are ridiculously individual - you can create new statements with different types, colors, materials and knots of scarves you wear or simply a distinctive look with a single statement scarf tied the same way everyday. They let us go as designer as we possibly want to while spending just a fraction on owning one. But most importantly, they are simply the most gorgeous way of wearing a favourite piece of art on print. The scarves-gallery has some excellently curated artist scarves.
Like a good relationship, a good scarf both protects us and glorifies us apart from ahem, hiding our love marks. Too bad then that girls often don't pay as much attention to their scarves as they do to the former. This post will help you re-create that scarf-like balance between covering and revealing. ;)
Though scarves find their origin in Rome as sweat cloth, it is safe to say that today they are a stylistic import from France. Petty much most of us have somewhat of a scarves collection, they are often built organically and we land up having too many or too few but not the right ones. To get started on this creative pursuit of having the right scarf wardbobe at the onset of winter, I'll give you the following essentials - 5 styles of scarves to buy and key materials to invest in, 5 chic ways to wear a scarf and 5 of my favourite pieces from the Fall-Winter runways you can grab grab grab!
Understanding Styles of Scarves
Though most scarves more or less look like a rectangular piece of cloth,they come in specific shapes and can create widely different looks . Here are a few beginners you should consider for your collection.
1. The infinity or the loop - A contemporary style with a closed loop and no ends. The reason why I more than 10 different ways but personally I think they work best is when worn in a single long loop thrown around the neck on a short dress or pants. Casual but very cool. Work best in cotton.
2. The square or the carre - This shorter, elegant scarf size was immortalised by Hermes via their historic silk carres - over 2000 icons of stunning printed square scarves from the house that have adorned everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Audrey Hepburn. The square shape snuggles around your nape, head or handbag and makes you instantly chic. Work like a storm in silk.
3. The slim scarf - Trending in my wardrobe, the skinny scarf is a bit of a phenomena at the moment and was seen on shows from Burberry to Saint Laurent. It is basically the the scarf version of a tie and thus highly androgyneous. No one wears their skinnies to keep warm but if you are looking for effortless glamour, throw one over a low cut cocktail dress or wear it with a silky button down. It's totes 70s and equally 2016 and most glam in chiffon or velvet.
4. The wrap - My favourite oversized thing. Less a scarf and more a stole or even a blanket. They often come in chunky, patterned, colorful knits and look very Scottish highland. They require zero styling, you just throw them on and they'll keep your entire body warm and even snuggle you in completely when you need! They are their luxest best in fine cashmere.
5. The oblong - The everyday, basic rectangular scarf is a closet staple and obviously the most versatile of the options. They come in various fabric options and in my opinion in a loose wrap style which allows their beautiful geo-prints and tartans to show best. When it comes to the oblong scarf, hold no reservations in pattern and color play and contrast the rest of your look.
Styling your Foulard
Even though i am the biggest fan of a simple throw as it is both elegant and sexy at the same time when carried well, there are ways you can wear scarves not just as accessories but to make them an integral part of your look and thus doing them full justice. Fashion bloggers and instagram celebrities are rocking these inventive styles and have really re-instated scarves as a fashionable must-do.
The French twist knot : An elegant knot that looks beautiful on printed silk squares or oblongs. All you need to fold the scarf, place it in the centre of your neck, loop the ends to the front and tie 1-2 loose knots to one side. They look dead stylish with casual white tees.
Celeb spotting - Leandra Medine (Man Repeller)
The Shoulder/neck duster : Dusters are an easy transport to the 1950s. Take a triangle or a square scarf (folded into half) and place it at the back of your neck with the loose ends to the front. Try a knot on one end and slip the other end through the knot and adjust to the centre.
Celeb spotting - Olivia Palermo
The Loose Wrap : Oversized scarves can add texture, color, warmth and class to cocktail and boho dresses when thrown loosely to the front and cinched with a statement belt at the waist. I love this look!
Celeb spotting - Olivia Palermo (again)
The Turtleneck : this style covers up the length of your neck and doubles up as a choker neckpiece. To create this simply keep looping your square/oblong scarf front and back till the ends are small enough to make a tight knot that you can hide under the scarf. To do this look full justice, wear your hair up in a knot or better still, chop them off.
Celeb spotting - Daris Strokus on Pucci SS'15 Runway
The Double Loop : Though a single front loop is how we all lazy bums love to tie our scarves, with just one more loop we can create a look 20 times more stylish. This look works great on large oblong or wrap scarves worn with pants or an otherwise monochrome look. How to create : Simply add one more loop or knot to your single loop scarf.
Celeb spotting - Blake Lively
Buy Fall Winter's Trendiest Luxury Scarves
And finally, my personal recommendations of some indulgent pieces from the Fall runways that have taken scarves to the next level of style, art and creativity.
Dior Choker - Raf Simon's collision of the choker and the neck scarf trend will go into fashion history, just like his tribal earrings.
Burberry Belted - Christopher Bailey's marino wool belted wraps in jungle prints is on runways as well as high streets.
Saint Laurent Skinny - Hedi Slimane's 70's aesthetic in a tie scarf is bang on trend.
Zac Posen Fur Mini - Zac Posen has introduced the youthful way to wear fur this Fall, folded closely around your neck in matching colors.
A customised Hermes Foulard - Because no list on scarves is complete without the classic Hermes silk scarf in it. You can also customise one at $15 per letter for a date, place, event or special occasion at Hermes flagships. Pair it with every goddamned thing.
You can always splurge on these key pieces. But you can also find versions of all of them at our saviour Zara and you can also easily replicate all these looks with handy closet items. See that is the beauty of scarves - adaptable, economical, cool and completely you.
 |
| Found this versatile scarf with silver hardware that doubles up as a neckpiece at this little boutique in Positano, South of Italy |
Scarves have this magical quality of completing a look and becoming its focal point. They have an inherent experimental vibe and help us create the edge even on an otherwise dreary, old or conservative attire. Just look at how versatile they are - thrown over a dress, layered beneath an overcoat or casually knotted around a handbag, they always look good! They are ridiculously individual - you can create new statements with different types, colors, materials and knots of scarves you wear or simply a distinctive look with a single statement scarf tied the same way everyday. They let us go as designer as we possibly want to while spending just a fraction on owning one. But most importantly, they are simply the most gorgeous way of wearing a favourite piece of art on print. The scarves-gallery has some excellently curated artist scarves.
Like a good relationship, a good scarf both protects us and glorifies us apart from ahem, hiding our love marks. Too bad then that girls often don't pay as much attention to their scarves as they do to the former. This post will help you re-create that scarf-like balance between covering and revealing. ;)
Though scarves find their origin in Rome as sweat cloth, it is safe to say that today they are a stylistic import from France. Petty much most of us have somewhat of a scarves collection, they are often built organically and we land up having too many or too few but not the right ones. To get started on this creative pursuit of having the right scarf wardbobe at the onset of winter, I'll give you the following essentials - 5 styles of scarves to buy and key materials to invest in, 5 chic ways to wear a scarf and 5 of my favourite pieces from the Fall-Winter runways you can grab grab grab!
Understanding Styles of Scarves
Though most scarves more or less look like a rectangular piece of cloth,they come in specific shapes and can create widely different looks . Here are a few beginners you should consider for your collection.
1. The infinity or the loop - A contemporary style with a closed loop and no ends. The reason why I more than 10 different ways but personally I think they work best is when worn in a single long loop thrown around the neck on a short dress or pants. Casual but very cool. Work best in cotton.
2. The square or the carre - This shorter, elegant scarf size was immortalised by Hermes via their historic silk carres - over 2000 icons of stunning printed square scarves from the house that have adorned everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Audrey Hepburn. The square shape snuggles around your nape, head or handbag and makes you instantly chic. Work like a storm in silk.
3. The slim scarf - Trending in my wardrobe, the skinny scarf is a bit of a phenomena at the moment and was seen on shows from Burberry to Saint Laurent. It is basically the the scarf version of a tie and thus highly androgyneous. No one wears their skinnies to keep warm but if you are looking for effortless glamour, throw one over a low cut cocktail dress or wear it with a silky button down. It's totes 70s and equally 2016 and most glam in chiffon or velvet.
5. The oblong - The everyday, basic rectangular scarf is a closet staple and obviously the most versatile of the options. They come in various fabric options and in my opinion in a loose wrap style which allows their beautiful geo-prints and tartans to show best. When it comes to the oblong scarf, hold no reservations in pattern and color play and contrast the rest of your look.
 |
| A lavishly printed maroon wool oblong scarf by Megha Khandelwal I recently indulged in, tied here in French knot style |
Even though i am the biggest fan of a simple throw as it is both elegant and sexy at the same time when carried well, there are ways you can wear scarves not just as accessories but to make them an integral part of your look and thus doing them full justice. Fashion bloggers and instagram celebrities are rocking these inventive styles and have really re-instated scarves as a fashionable must-do.
The French twist knot : An elegant knot that looks beautiful on printed silk squares or oblongs. All you need to fold the scarf, place it in the centre of your neck, loop the ends to the front and tie 1-2 loose knots to one side. They look dead stylish with casual white tees.
Celeb spotting - Leandra Medine (Man Repeller)
The Shoulder/neck duster : Dusters are an easy transport to the 1950s. Take a triangle or a square scarf (folded into half) and place it at the back of your neck with the loose ends to the front. Try a knot on one end and slip the other end through the knot and adjust to the centre.
Celeb spotting - Olivia Palermo
The Loose Wrap : Oversized scarves can add texture, color, warmth and class to cocktail and boho dresses when thrown loosely to the front and cinched with a statement belt at the waist. I love this look!
Celeb spotting - Olivia Palermo (again)
The Turtleneck : this style covers up the length of your neck and doubles up as a choker neckpiece. To create this simply keep looping your square/oblong scarf front and back till the ends are small enough to make a tight knot that you can hide under the scarf. To do this look full justice, wear your hair up in a knot or better still, chop them off.
Celeb spotting - Daris Strokus on Pucci SS'15 Runway
Celeb spotting - Blake Lively
Buy Fall Winter's Trendiest Luxury Scarves
And finally, my personal recommendations of some indulgent pieces from the Fall runways that have taken scarves to the next level of style, art and creativity.
Dior Choker - Raf Simon's collision of the choker and the neck scarf trend will go into fashion history, just like his tribal earrings.
Burberry Belted - Christopher Bailey's marino wool belted wraps in jungle prints is on runways as well as high streets.
Saint Laurent Skinny - Hedi Slimane's 70's aesthetic in a tie scarf is bang on trend.
Zac Posen Fur Mini - Zac Posen has introduced the youthful way to wear fur this Fall, folded closely around your neck in matching colors.
A customised Hermes Foulard - Because no list on scarves is complete without the classic Hermes silk scarf in it. You can also customise one at $15 per letter for a date, place, event or special occasion at Hermes flagships. Pair it with every goddamned thing.
You can always splurge on these key pieces. But you can also find versions of all of them at our saviour Zara and you can also easily replicate all these looks with handy closet items. See that is the beauty of scarves - adaptable, economical, cool and completely you.
 |
| Sunny scarvy day in Paris. Oct'15 |
