The power of scarves can transform an outfit
Scarves are one of the simplest ways to transform an outfit. You can wear a pair of jeans and a white tee then add a beautiful silk scarf et Voilà you have upgraded your outfit in an instant. As I have discussed in previous posts here and here the colours in the shops have turned autumnal this season, which is great if you have warm colouring, however, if you have cool colouring, like me, scarves can save the day. This pink butterfly scarf will coordinate beautifully with my new plums and aubergines.
I am in the process of a wardrobe clear out in preparation for a car boot sale next weekend. Interestingly I never chuck out any of my scarves. It is worth investing in a good quality silk scarf as they last forever if you take care of them. I can’t remember how many years I have had the one above.
Pink sweater from WoolOvers last year. I always like their sweaters. They are very good quality and wash well.
Over the years my readers have often asked me to demonstrate how I tie my scarves. I did do a video of one a few months ago. You can see it here. I thought that it was about time I posted it.
Scarves are the centerpiece of my daily wear. With at least 100 in my collection (keeping in mind that I started collecting scarves at age 13–many decades ago), rarely a day goes by that I don’t wear a scarf. Putting together a basic minimal travel wardrobe is very easy when a beautiful scarf can, as you say, transform your look each day with the added bonus of taking very little space in your luggage. Scarves are also my favorite souvenir to buy when traveling.
Hi Mary I agree scarves are great for travelling
I like your style, but you have expensive taste.
I would like to have expensive taste but these days I don’t have a very big budget. I like to mix my investment buys (I usually save up for these) and mix them with lower priced items. I am fussy about fabric and sustainability and don’t like to buy very cheap clothes. I usually keep my clothes for many years.
I’ve read that it’s cost per wearing that determines the true expense of clothing (or accessories). Your piece on scarves is a great reminder. I’m planning a trip to Europe in a few months; scarves would be a great souvenir as well as gifts.
You are correct Jeanne cost per wear is a good indicator as to whether you have spent your money wisely.
Yes I love to wear scarves, re. Woolovers sweaters, I think I must have been unlucky, as the one I bought was terrible after the first wash, I washed it as they stated, I even put it inside a pillowcase washed it at 30c with a proper detergent for wool, low spin, the pilling on the sleeves was bad and the sweater just looked as if it was old. They did take it back, but up to now I have not ordered more.
I am sorry to hear about you WoolOver sweater. I have several and the have all washed very well especially the merino wool ones. Even my vet thick waterfall cardigan is fine.
Hi, being a scarf designer I found your post very interesting. Your thoughts mirror mine in that scarves are that essential piece which can totally transform your wardrobe. The scarves I design also have the added benefit of being multi-functional. I’m looking forward to reading more about what your readers think. It’s almost a scarf debate!!
Thank you Josephine, scarves make such a pretty difference.
I’m 68 now but I still have scarves I bought when I was in Europe in 1973 – 4. Everything else from that era is gone but the scarves are just as good today and I still wear them on occasion. Every one is a reminder of a time and place. Expensive silk scarves can be worth it if you care for them properly and fold them into a special drawer for silk squares. I admit I also have a lot of long length scarves on fine elegant rails on the back of my study door – 3 rails on one fitting. I’m too scared to add them up – well in excess of 100 though. Most people think my clothes are expensive and “designer” oriented – not true most are fairly ordinary but I always have a scarf to hand for virtually any occasion – always makes a unique statement. The pop of colour and a gorgeous design are a big lift for me as well as everyone else.
HI Angela
I too have scarves from the 70s. A couple are by Missoni they never date. I had some wonderful clothes in that era, sadly all gone I could not fit into them now even if I had kept them.
BEAUTIFUL SCARVES……………..I tend to wear the cotton or wool ones More than the silk ones…….Than there is the problem of storing them so I can see what I own!