Summer Scarf

French women have long been known for wearing silk scarves in the most stylish manner.  Today the scarf seems to have regained popularity especially the little neck ties.  I've recently found myself enjoying some silk scarves I've had in my closet for thirty years or so, as well as new ones more recently purchased. So here I share some of those looks and how I've used the scarf to change up an outfit.

Not actually silk, but looks and feels like silk, and a snip of the price.

This neck tie is from Zara and adds a playful pattern to an otherwise plain outfit.

This one is silk and light as a feather. A pop of color goes a long way on a black outfit!

This is one of my old silk scarves that I purchased at Saks Fifth Ave many years ago.

I've never worn a scarf around my wrist before, but I loved the contrast that the red cotton bandanna offered with it's paisley design and pop of color.

This is just a classic cotton bandanna - probably $1 from Walmart!

A unique multi textured scarf purchased from Anthropologie a few years ago. It's sheer turquoise fabric combined with the crochet fringing is so fun, totally chic and elevates this weekend look!

Even the back adds interest, and more importantly distracts from my racer back suntan lines!

This Oscar De La Renta silk scarf tied around the bag handle amps up the look of an in-expensive tote. You can do the same thing with a neck tie on a smaller bag.

This bag with the scarf would look great with a white linen outfit and some tan wedge espadrilles!

I wanted to dress down the off-the-shoulder top in this look by wearing the blush cotton bandanna style necktie from Madewell. I'm not so sure that was effective, but I loved how this looked nevertheless and it felt very chic.

An accessory as good as a piece of jewelry, the scarf adds interest, texture, a pop of color, and decoration. It's limits are boundless, and it's cute.  It adds character to an outfit, or completely changes the look from one thing to another. Dress your look up or down depending on the style of scarf and how you wear it.

So before you go rushing out to buy a new spring or summer wardrobe, consider adding a scarf to your jeans and tee-shirt, a necktie to your off-the-shoulder top,  or drape a color coordinated larger scarf loosely around the shoulders to dress up a pair of shorts and add a little "je ne sais quoi"!  A chic long scarf scrunched up and fed through belt loops and tied at the front with the ends left lose is a soft flirty alternative to a traditional belt.  Flex your inner fashionista and wear a scarf as a head wrap on a bad hair day, or tie that sassy pop of color around your wrist just to be different. Replace the pom pom with a stylish scarf tied around your bag handle and now you've got two styles in one bag!  

Yes, the scarf can save us tons of money, and double or triple our wardrobe possibilities.  These days, the faux silk options look equally good and are inexpensive.  Consider vintage from consignment or second hand stores - you can dry clean them or wash by hand in COLD water, drip dry  (do not wring), and they should iron up beautifully.

If you're not sure how to tie the scarf to get the best result, there are tons of YouTube videos showing you every which way to tie a scarf around your neck. Just search the internet for "how to tie a neck scarf" or "how to tie a silk scarf". 

I've added some links below to some pretty cute scarves I found that would enable you to create similar looks to those above.   I would love to hear if you have any other interesting ways to wear a scarf, leave a comment below and I will be sure to check it out.  

Have a wonderful week, and thank you for stopping by
Karen xox