I have a situation behind the door to my office/lady room.
Said situation involves a colony of scarves. I do not use the word colony lightly as they do indeed seem to be breeding.
Tell me the following scenario happens to you?
I can be in any store and I’ll find myself magnetically drawn to any scarf display. Colours, textures, patterns. I want them all.
I’m convinced that that new scarf that’s caught my is The One. The one that will make my wardrobe come to life.
And if I buy well, then they generally do.
Unfortunately I’ve made some dud purchases as well. Colours have not quite worked for my skin tone in the light of day. They’ve been too short; too long; too much fabric; not enough fabric.
I’m also guilty of buying the same type of scarf – hello leopard print, I’m looking at you. In semi justification, mine are all slightly different in shade and do bring me great joy when wearing them.
As for the vexed question of how to wear a scarf, I have three default positions:
1. The drape. Hang the scarf straight around your neck. This position is used most often as the temperatures here in Queensland are not overly cooperative with a full-neck wrap.
2. The loop. Loop the scarf across the front of your neck and around to hang at the front. The loop is great for keeping your neck warm and the scarf drops down to add length to your outfit.
3. The European loop. Fold the scarf in two lengthways to create a loop and then pull the ends through the loop and around your neck.
If the whole scarf malarky is a bit scary to you, start with these three positions and just play.
I’ve also got 19 ways to wear a scarf from 19 of the real women of #everydaystyle (make sure you click on the links below each photo and follow them on Instagram!). These women regular post their outfits and include the everydaystyle hashtag. This past month they’ve been sharing their scarf style (#SYscarf16) and you can check out hundreds more great scarf looks for inspiration here.
(Read on to see who won this monthly challenge and details of June’s style challenge)
19 ways to wear a scarf
1. The thin scarf: Don’t discount a thin tie-like-scarf for its outfit-lifting potential.
2. The pattern clash: if you’re scared of the clash then start with my fave combo, stripes and leopard print. They work because the key colours complement each other.
3. The snood: a snood is a scarf that’s joined together in one loop, which you can then loop around on each other. It’s ideal for warmth and for not losing it from around your neck!
4. The front triangle: if you have a large square scarf or wide rectangle, fold it on the diagonal and work with the shape to let it fall at the front, securing at the back with a knot.
5. The loop: as mentioned above, this is one of my three go-to scarf looks. So easy and effective.
6. The European loop: follow the instructions at the top of this post. This is a great style for shortening long scarves.
7. The loose loop: this is a more casual finish to the loop and ideal for lighter weight scarves and warmer weather.
8. The neck warmer: scarves may make fab outfit statements but when it’s cold they also become a necessity. Combine necessity and style with a woollen scarf that packs a warm punch.
9. The shoulder warmer: love an OTS look but the weather isn’t co-operating? Add a scarf and your shoulders will look great and feel the love.
10. The large wrap: there is a lot to be said for the versatility of a scarf that doubles as a wrap. If the fabric is relaxed then you can wear it as a scarf; if the weather cools down, open it up and wrap away.
11. The fur: take your scarf game up a notch and make it a faux fur situation around your neck. The contrast of textures is everything.
12. The bow: take your scarf to the feminine side with a pussy bow.
13. The over shoulder: this is one casual flick over the shoulder up from simply hanging a scarf around your neck.
14. The knot to the side: so you’ve done the loop or the European loop? Simply loosely knot the two ends and move to one side.
15. The double knot: a close cousin of the knot to the side. Loop the scarf as normal and then tie the ends again and simply let hang.
16. The drape: simple does not need to equal boring. The drape can make a big outfit statement. Embrace the drape.
17. The top: Turn your favourite large, square scarves into a halter top (this video will help you do it). Drape another over your shoulders and around your arms.
18. The around the head: a scarf that can do double time around the neck and head will create a look that will stun.
19. The around the handbag: the scarf is a fabulous accessory but don’t limit it to wearing on yourself. Add to your handbag for a fabulous feature.
And the 2016 May style challenge winner is …
A big congrats to Helen from @helsbelsmc … Helen gave good scarf during the challenge but it was this oh-so-cute-but-subtle pattern clashing that we gave our nod to and made her winner. Helen, please email [email protected] so we can organise your Read and Bell gift card prize.
So tell me, inspired by these amazing women? How do you wear a scarf? Ready for the next style challenge?
Share your outfit to WIN
Every month in 2016 I’m giving away a $100 gift card to help freshen up your wardrobe.
This month you could win a $100 gift card from Vigorella.
Each month, I’ll propose a different wardrobe theme for you to consider incorporating into your #everydaystyle outfit planning.
Each day that you incorporate that theme, simply upload your photo as you normally would, using the #everydaystyle hashtag. To be in the running for the prize, you just need to add the specific hashtag for each month’s theme. You can enter as many times as you like.
This month’s theme is: Winter textures. Show us your favourite way to style your outfits using winter textures.
This month’s hashtag is: #SYtexture
Your outfit photo could be featured here on the blog with a link back to your Instagram page. This is a short challenge month as I’m heading to Hawaii late June. Entries will close, June 22, 2016. The winner will be announced on the blog, June 23, 2016.
#everydaystyle email list
If you’re reading this and you join in with the #everydaystyle hashtag on Instagram, then I’d love you to please sign up to this email list. I’m so grateful for your participation in this community which I started just over two years ago, that I’d love to be able to share exclusive events, prizes and offers with you. I promise you won’t be spammed. You’ll only receive information for the #everydaystyle community. For possible event invites, it’s also important that you indicate your nearest capital city.
Comments 22
I think leopard print is the only type of scarf that I don’t have in my scarf-robe; best I correct that this season!
I love a scarf and never travel with out at least 3. The different colours, patterns and textures give the travel wardrobe a huge number of looks. @brisbanefrannie
Leopard print rules! 😉
Thanks so much for the feature and the great ideas…
Thank you so much for including me here. Such a great group of gals! Really enjoyed this challenge.
I also have a scarf problem, though I always seem to see just one more that I need. You might enjoy the blog Mai Tai’s Picture Book (http://www.maitaispicturebook.com), where all the scarves are from Hermes, for a glimpse of life in Paris and some beautiful silk scarves…
I too have a scarf problem behind my bedroom door and like you many shades of leopard print. Love this post… many familiar faces and a few new ones to follow too. Xx
Lover of scarves, a lot sent to me from friends overseas which is so special, easy gift from travels as well.
I love wearing them on my head like an ol hippy esp my Balinese ones and in this freezing Melbs winter that has crept up, Euro style round neck a la 10/15/and 4/6/7/8…there is a great video somewhere in my archives of 25 ways to tie a scarf oh and I have a v v special Hermes one that lends itself to much versatility
No need to apologise Lisa … I was the same! Even though most of my scarves are cotton!
I’m sure my scarves breed. I had a big clean out about 12 months ago and gave a heap to my SIL and as much as I try to to not buy them, they keep following me home.
Fortunately I do like a the drape of a big volume, long scarf. To me it’s all about generosity and if they’re too short or to thin then I really have to not be seduced by the colour and print because I feel like they never look quite right on me.
I think we may need to form a club Johanne! They follow me home too! x
love a scarf nikki!
all looking great!
1,000,000 scarves here hun!
tied and tried every possible way!
it is my go to tart up an outfit!
shopping opportunities abound when on holidays, for a new scarf!
it’s in the bag! and every time I pop it on it reminds me of a place and time!
win/win!
have a good day lovely! love m:)X
I’m one for a holiday scarf purchase too … and when I’m not on holidays 🙂 x
Love a good scarf and was looking for some new ways to wear my growing collection! xx
Now you have an excuse for more 🙂
Perfect timing Nikki! I was wondering what necklace to wear today to brighten up my black pants cream blouse situation. I’ll wear a scarf instead. In the hope that we would be able to wear them soon, I ironed all of mine last weekend. Always love to see different ways to wear a scarf – thanks for the inspiration lovely ladies. xx
Oh that is perfect preparation work there – and yes, so much inspiration from these ladies!
Oh I hear you about purchasing scarfs – I can barely shut my wardrobe door for the pile of them hanging on the inside of it. I just outdid myself by purchasing a gorgeous neutral coloured pashmina. My favourite way to wear a scarf in the winter is the twisted (or fancy European loop). I find it just sits really nicely and snug around my neck and isn’t too boofy. In warmer weather it’s nice to wear one in a simple loop.
Yes, I love that way too Janice … glad your scarf situation is the same as mine!
I never knew there was so many ways to wear a scarf! I’m looking forward to this months challenge Nikki especially because it’s freezing in Sydney this week.
Nor did I … loved seeing so much inspiration from these women and all the others who participated!
Great scarf post with many new ideas. I also have a growing scarf rack but I’ve been waiting for the weather to cooperate. I’ve had a few false starts and scarf has been removed by 9am .Today could be the day. It’s chilly.
I find that the scarf has been great for morning and night but yes, it’s off during the day!