In “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” Christian Dior wrote, “a scarf gives a final touch to a dress.” Apt words from a master who knew that the very nature of this accessory is to enhance. It can also bring out different aspects of a wearer’s personality depending on what it’s worn with and how it’s worn.
The problem with its existence, however; is that it can be a challenge to work with. Back in the day, when retailers offered hands-on customer service, complimentary how-to guidebooks and newsletters, buying them wasn’t as arduous as it’s become.
Now the shopper is left alone to navigate through the process on their own. For most items that works but since scarves come in such a wide-diversity of styles, fabrics, colors and prints a little guidance is needed.
While doing research, for this article, I was in the “Council Thrift Store” located at 12120 Venice Blvd. when a woman asked me, “How did you tie your scarf like that?” I was wearing a pair of vintage overalls over a blue and white striped Ralph Lauren shirt and a fuchsia tulle scarf around my neck. I took it off and showed her how I’d knotted it at the top then arranged the two pom poms on the end.
“I’m going to a wedding soon and that’s exactly the type of thing I’m looking for, a little bit of color that’ll make the whole outfit,” she said.
Besides the multicolored Coach square that I found for $8 at “Council” that day, one of the other thrift stores I’ve lucked out at when scarf shopping is “Beit Tshuvah” located at 10409 Washington Blvd. On one occasion I found a large beige print Ralph Lauren scarf and on another I found a gorgeous dog print square made in France of 100 percent silk.
It’s not necessary to go designer when you’re looking for scarves because it’s possible to find some very nice ones at Fallas, Rainbow Shop, Ross and H&M for less than $50.
On July 27, I went into the “H&M” at Westside Pavilion and was overjoyed to see a wonderfully coordinated display set-up that included black wool hats, green/black/white print scarves, black belts with gold buckles, gold and silver rings and bracelets, brown ankle boots and black purses.
From looking at this masterpiece a customer could immediately see that the print scarf would work well with the other items in the display.
As stunning as this presentation was the one next to it-a brown floral unity scarf, matching headband and knit cap set-really stopped me in my tracks. Transitional and feminine it would look perfect with a plain button-down shirt and denim jacket or beige cardie.
Throughout the years the scarf has been used for various things from “warmth and cleanliness to fashion” with its status as an accessory beginning in the early 19th century. Previously two of the most fashionable icons in history have worn scarves and made them their signature.
During 1350 B.C. Queen Nefertiti wowed her subjects with a “finely woven scarf topped by a conical headdress.” Then in the Middle Ages, c. 1150, Eleanor of Aquitaine started a trend by attaching “gossamer scarves” to the tip of a hat. “Hermes,” the French retailer that started in 1837 and premiered their scarf in 1937 was a favorite of Grace Kelly.
A glamorous symbol of the 1950s Kelly wore an “Hermes” scarf in a “convertible top down” style by “tying one around her head and neck” then pairing it with her signature “cashmere sweater sets, sleeveless silk shells, linen suits and Kelly bags.” She loved the scarves so much when she broke her arm in 1956 she used an Armes de Monaco Hermes as a sling. On the morning I stopped in “Rainbow Shop,” and saw a beautiful blue and pink cat print scarf and a pair of black and white shades, I thought about her.
I immediately bought them, and then once I got home I channeled her by wrapping the scarf around my head and neck and putting on the shades. Even though I’d probably wear it with a white t-shirt and distressed Levi’s, instead of a suit, it still made me feel timeless and chic.
When it comes to wearing scarves it doesn’t just come down to your color or style quotient it also comes down to your coordination abilities. If you’re a beginner, and don’t want to become frustrated; it’s best to stick to simple tricks such as placing a pashmina shawl around your shoulders, draping a long print under the lapels of a blazer of pinning a large square in the center with a vintage pin.
Tying a scarf to the handle of your purse is also quite easy and can look very stylish when matched with just about anything in your closet.
While examining some of my research findings I realized I needed to experiment with how to wear scarves in different ways so I checked out Lauren Friedman’s book 50 Ways To Wear Scarves from the library. I spent about two hours trying most of the looks. Some like, The Paris, The Pocket Square and The Pretty Girl were fun and mildly challenging and some like The Half Bow, The Infinity and The Tie were more advanced.
Finally after playing with most of the scarves in my collection I realized the scarf is the only accessory I’ve ever interacted with intellectually. The fact that it tested my analytic and coordination skills simultaneously gave me a new appreciation for it and makes me more of a fan now than I was in the past.
A few icons who have popularized scarves include: Grace Kelly, Head Scarf The Top Down: Audrey Hepburn, The Babushka and The Audrey (Front-knotted scarf): Jackie O: The Jackie, Square scarf tied over the top of the head and worn with shades: and Babe Paley, The Handle (Scarf tied to the handle of a purse).