Scarves generally conjure an image of the classic Burberry plaid, with rosy cheeks and fluttering snow flurries. But take one quick look around New York and see that there are a many women who are wearing silky, lightweight scarves in the middle of summer.
The first mistake that most women make is that they think that size doesn’t matter when it comes to scarves. What you would do with a medium silk scarf you would not do with a large wool scarf. The scarf, when worn around the shoulders, should be the only accessory near your neck. Wearing long necklaces distracts from the simple beauty of the fabric. Simple earrings are fine, even recommended for dressier occasions, but dangly accessories will overload your face. Note: even though scarves come in a variety of patterns and styles, there are two main shapes of scarves—square scarves and oblong scarves. All of the follow styles use the oblong style unless otherwise noted.
The Tie Scarf
Jessica Alba rocks this new take on an old classic. Pick out a basic summer color that will center the outfit, pairing it with a white tank and jeans. A great place to purchase a bold scarf is American Apparel, where you can purchase the Unisex Sheer Jersey Scarf for only $15. Start with the scarf around your neck, with the ends hanging evenly on your back. Then take the two loose ends and cross them at the back of the neck with the ends hanging in front of you. Tie the scarf in a loose knot in the center of your neck and let it drape. Thrown on a pair of flats and you are ready to go shopping in SoHo, just like La Alba.
Oversized Square Scarf
Square scarves aren’t just for men in chaps anymore. Square scarves are trickier than oblong scarves because the options are limited. This popular “cowboy” scarf style has a feminine twist when paired with a classic T. Hold the square out in front of you and fold it so it is now a triangle. With the point of the triangle pointing down, tie the ends under the nape of your neck, fluffing the results for a messy look. Banana Republic has a beautiful square scarf for $48. The silk twill chain link scarf will look fabulous with any summer outfit, and can spice up a classic black dress. Get your fix and save the world at www.apeacetreaty.com.
The Bow
The side bow is one of the classiest ways to wear a scarf. The simple trend looks chic enough to wear to a Broadway play yet is still sexy for a night on the town. This style is difficult to do on your own, so see if one of your friends can help. Loop the fabric around your neck with the loose ends hanging where you want the bow to be. Tie a loose knot to form the base of the bow. Tie the bow and position it to the side of your neck with the ends draping over the front and back of your body. This look is carried out well by the Sari Scarves at Urban Outfitters, which comes in both warm and cool colors.
The Scarf Belt
Last but not least: the scarf belt. This trend has been floating in and out of 2008, but with the new summer scarf craze it seems it will last for at least one more season. The best way to wear a scarf like a belt is to pick a bold, colorful pattern. Make sure to fold the scarf in half horizontally until it resembles a belt. Loop the scarf through the belt loops and knot it to the right side, letting the ends hang to the side. The trendy online site, Amyschwabdesigns.com, offers a
multitude of scarf belt designs for $28. You can get anything from polka dots to stripes to solids.
