The Scarf

For a while now I’ve been contemplating, among other things, on the subject of scarves. To be more specific – silk, Italian design-printed scarves. On another occasion I might go into the knitten, woven type that has been really popular this season (colorful-worn-over t-shirts super-soft synthetic-blend scarves) or the 2-meter-long cotton ones (Alexander McQueen-produced, Mary-Kate Olsen-endorsed), but for now think silk, think Pucci, think Bvlgari, and yes, think Hermes. If worked correctly, a scarf can be much more than a great accessory, it can make your outfit. Just as a correctly placed accent point bestows balance upon a picture by bringing all of its elements in concordance, so can a motley silky square transform a plain outfit into a sharp, sophisticated ensemble.

There are a couple of ways to wear a silk scarf, depending on the size, some adventurous souls out there like to transform their into a halter or a bikini top by wrapping the scarf around the body and tying behind the neck. Some are more successful than others, and although this particular incorporation of a scarf’s versatility is not something I would venture into, my respect goes out to those brave enough to try, skilled enough to make it work, and fit enough to pull it off.

Another technique, again dependent on the size, is wrapping the scarf around the waist as a belt. Better yet, wrapping it around your waist as a corset, and tying a belt on top of it. However, last year Nicole Richie would often wear hers wrapped around her wrist, stack a bunch of studded bracelets around it for a pretty snappy final effect.

A scarf can always, of course, be worn as a sarong at a beach, or.. crazy enough, as a scarf. It can be tied around the neck, with the ends tucked into the shirt or hanging down, depending on the collar of the top. It definitely adds a punch, but you need to be extra careful not to evoke a trying-too-hard-country-clubbish sentiment. Let’s not forget it’s all about being casual, perfectly informal, I-don’t-have-anyone-to-impress-but-somehow-I-always-do mannerism, so anything too perfectly pulled together and wrinkle-free would put a serious question mark to your authenticity.

Definitely, one of the best uses a scarf can be put to, is as a hair accessory. It can be tied around a pony-tail (again, way too preppy), in the Jackie Onassis “babushka” style, or you can go totally hippie with a long one, tie it behind you ears and let the ends fall loosely (very Nicole Richie-esque). A trick I like (again, courtesy of the very attentive Rachel Zoe student), is covering the entire head with it and clipping on the back.

Whichever way you decide wear your scarf, remember the simple truth: a scarf is a scarf, is a fashion statement, is a status symbol, is a piece of (silk). The only thing that matters is deciding on an image and incorporating the right pieces to help you project it to the world.