Scarves come in a variety of styles, colors, textures and weights, so you can wear them year round. Dress up an outfit, add color to neutrals or pull separates together by the simple addition of a scarf. Add even more pizzazz to your wardrobe with scarves embellished with fringe, sequins and beading.
If you’re budget minded, start out with one long rectangular scarf in a bold solid color that goes with most of your wardrobe. Then add a large square print silk scarf and a loop scarf (also known as an eternity scarf).
One advantage of enjoying scarves is that your family and friends will know what to get you for birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions. A nice, hand-painted scarf can be in any color, and no one has to worry about fit.
Long Rectangular Scarf
The most versatile of all the scarf styles is the long rectangular shape. You can find these in any color, print and fabric. What most women like about the long rectangular scarf is the ability to wrap it tightly around the neck for warmth or the ability to loosen it up and wear it in place of – or in addition to – a necklace. You can find these scarves in silk, wool, cashmere, cotton, rayon and fabric blends.
Easy ways to wear the long rectangular scarf:
- Wrapped once or twice around the neck with one loose end draped over the front and the other over the back
- Tucked beneath the collar of your jacket or shirt and allowed to hang loose in front
- Draped over the shoulder to dress up an outfit
- Wrapped around the crown of a hat and tied in a bow
Large Square Scarf
The large square scarf can be worn in a variety of ways. This is another scarf you’ll be able to find in a variety of colors and fabrics. Prints help pull separates together to give an outfit a finished look. The most popular fabric for a large scarf is silk because of the drape and feel. You can even wear the large square scarf as a halter top.
Easy ways to wear the large square scarf:
- Folded in half diagonally to form a triangle and tied around the neck
- Folded into a triangle, draped over the head and tied beneath the hair or chin
- Tied at the neck and around the waist as a halter top
Pashmina
The pashmina is generally made of cashmere, wool, silk or a fabric blend. These scarves may be hand woven and embroidered. Most pashminas are large rectangles, but they can now be found in square shapes.
Easy ways to wear the pashmina scarf:
- Draped over the shoulders and tied in front
- Folded lengthwise and used as a neck scarf
- Folded into a triangle and worn around the waist or hip
Eternity Loop Scarf
The eternity loop scarf is a modern version of the rectangular scarf. It can be found in any fabric and color. One popular version of the eternity loop scarf is knitted and sequined for warmth and style.
Easy ways to wear the eternity loop scarf:
- Worn around the neck in place of a necklace
- Wrapped around the neck twice for warmth and style
- Draped around the back of the neck with the loose ends of the loop hanging in front or belted
Scarves are one of the easiest and most affordable accessories you can have to update your wardrobe for style and function. Start with a long rectangular scarf and add a large square scarf, a pashmina and an eternity loop scarf as your budget allows.
Find this article helpful? If so, read How to Tie a Scarf, Fashion Tips and Wardrobe Basics on a Budget.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
