So what does the fashion scarf in the 21^st century look like? It’s sure not the image of the head cover used to protect ladies hair-dos from the wind or weather. No longer worn to simply provide color to an outfit or protection from the elements, the fashion scarf has secured a huge future in the fashion world.

The strength of the scarf’s future lies in its adaptability to suit many uses. Scarves have many shapes and sizes and many are designed for specific purposes. They come small like a bandana at 14-16” on a side or large like a shawl which can be 48” on a side. Scarves can be square, triangular or rectangular with fringed, fused or hemmed edges. As far as the colors and patterns there are endless possibilities available as with most textiles.

How to wear

A scarf can be worn a number of different ways including shawls, head coverings, belts, accent pieces around the neck or head, over a skirt or pants or draped around your shoulders. Their versatility allows scarves to be used as a garment as well. Wear a large scarf like a sarong as a top, dress or skirt.

Tie it, wrap it, knot it, fold it, twist it, tuck it or pin it. Use it as a hat to cover a bad hair day and shelter from the sun or cold. Just try it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find the numerous ways you can use a scarf to improve an outfit.

How to Tie (Tying a Scarf)

Ascot: Fold a square silk scarf on the bias. Place around your neck then flip the ends over each other. You can either leave the ends out or tuck them into a V-neck shirt or sweater. This style can give you a regal look especially if worn with a blazer.

 

Hacking Knot: Using an oblong scarf, fold it lengthwise in half. Drape it around your neck, and then pull the ends through the loop and tighten. This can be used on colder days, use with a sweater or coat. This style can give an elongating and slimming look.

 

Neckerchief: Fold a small square silk scarf on the bias, and then wrap it around your neck. Tie the ends in a knot. You can wear this style with a V-neck sweater, a blouse with collar with two upper buttons opened, or a round neck blouse giving them a sportier look.

 

Square Knot: Use a square scarf, and then fold into a triangle. Flip one end over the other. Take the upper end of the scarf around and behind the other. Pull through and tighten into a knot. This can be worn front, back, or side.

 

Waist Wrap: Pull oblong scarf through belt loops.
Tie into a soft bow.

 

How to care for

As with anything of value you will want to take good care of it for future use and enjoyment. When you are not wearing your scarf you should fold it without creasing and keep it in a dry box or drawer out of the sunlight try even hanging it over a padded hanger in the closet. When ironing is necessary use only low temperature settings and dry clean only when necessary – silk, cashmere and wool scarves may not be cleaned easily at home so follow the guidelines on the scarf’s tag.

Another great idea is to buy or make herb sachets to place the drawer/box where you store your silk or wool scarves. The sachets will keep all your treasures smelling fresh and act as a moth repellant for wool and cashmere scarves. Following is an example recipe for making your own fragrant sachets.

Mix together:

2 ounces each of mint, dried rosemary and lavender;

1 ounce of dried thyme;

8 ounces of whole cloves

Sew sides of 3.5 inch square pouches of a tightly woven fabric. Fill with herb mixture, tie the open end with a ribbon and place in the drawer/box or hang in the closet.