Over the past few months, I've talked about maxi skirts and clutches. As I was thinking about posts for fall, I knew I had to write about scarves. And then I thought to myself, "that will be the end of the fashion round-ups...scarves are the only other thing I obsess over...except for good t-shirts...and bracelets...and flats." And then I realized I truly am the pickiest person on the planet. But seriously, scarves. I am a sucker for a good scarf and am thrilled when I find the perfect one.
So what makes a "perfect" scarf? Wrapability is key. It needs to be big (like the size of a beach towel) and I tend to favor lighter fabrics (even when I am in colder climates). Anything too small will not drap correctly and the bigger it is, the more forgiving and flattering it tends to be. I have seen awesome things done with square scarves, but I tend to have better luck with rectangles.
I wear scarves four ways and four ways only.
Loosely wrapped once around the neck...and not knotted. This is my go-to and I like how it looks over a tee or under a jacket or cardigan. I found this black and white scarf on clearance at Urban Outfitters last year.
Tightly wrapped and knotted. This is my go-to the rare occasion that it's actually cold and I need extra warmth. I've had this orange Gap scarf since we lived in Maryland and I still love it.
Over the shoulders. Perfect for the transition season nights when I don't want to bring a jacket. I found this wrap at Gap last year and the pattern is one of my favorites.
Doubled up. I love wide cowls that can be doubled like my lululemon infinity scarf.
As mentioned above, size totally matters. I've found that a good scarf will be 30x75 and wider (33+ inches) is better. Ideally, I like to try them on in store to be sure the drape will be right, but I keep these measurements in mind when I am shopping online. I tend to stick with just one to two main colors because then the scarf works as a neutral and generally goes with everything. (In fact, I tend to stick with one to two color patterns in all of my clothing and fabric choices.)
Below are some of my current favorites from around the web. All of these pass (or very nearly pass) the size test and if I wasn't already drowning in scarves, they'd be staples in my wardrobe.
juicy couture romantic rose scarf, echo "cities" oversized wrap $58, lemlem classic lucy wrap $125, fashionABLE genet scarf $65, echo vintage clouds wrap $38, michael stars folk art wrap $42, anthroplogie floral patchwork scarf $48, j.crew infintiy scarf $29. disclosure : links may be affiliate links.
Cheers to autumn and brisk days!
