Spice it up with a scarf

[*Saira*]

A hot fashion accessory in the 1960's and 1970's, the scarf is making a comeback.
"They are the ultimate accessory for a chic finish. Worn wide-spread over the ears, or folded down, the scarf lends an edge to any ensemble," says Shadaab Razak, a Dubai based fashion consultant.

Fabrics and colours

New York based fashion designer Pooja Munshi says fabrics include hand woven and fine soft silks, chiffon, crochet, light cotton and woollen. These come in many shades like blue, green, pastel, lavender and red.

Some scarves even have exotic shades of tobacco, butter, cilantro, wine and lemon grass.

Designs and prints

Shadaab says fashion houses like Hermes and Christian Dior have immortalised the scarf trend with their own signature prints. "Film stars like Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren were known to favour scarves by these designer labels," adds Shadaab.

Geometric and floral prints are quite popular. However, these days you even get beaded, embroidered, painted and self embossed scarves.



Never overdo your look. Shadaab suggests some style ideas:
With jeans: Substitute a belt with a scarf for a cool, retro look. Choose printed scarves and loop them through your favourite pair of battered jeans. For a more romantic look, choose ones made of crochet tassels.

With dresses:

~ A loud (gaudy) printed, coloured or embroidered scarf could brighten up a simple dress.

~ A muted scarf in a solid colour would look great on a colourful dress.


As accessories: Tie a scarf around the strap of your bag to add a touch of class. You can also wear the scarf like a thick hairband on your head or wrap it up like a turban.

With formals: Both men and womena can drape a scarf like a cravat, a neck tie that is mostly worn with its bottom half tucked inside the shirt. Usually a cravat is made if silk and looks great on a crisp cotton shirt.

A casual touch:

~ For a sporty look, drape your scarf around your head like a bandana.

~ Smaller scarves can be tied around the wrist for a sporty or casual look.

Quick tips:

~ Pick scarves in solid colours to match your floral or printed outfits.

~ Experiment with two scarves in two different solid colours. The person can use two thin fabrics (like silk) scarves and wrap it up like one single scarf. For example a green and a blue scarf intertwined or worn around the neck as a single scarf.


Best buy



100 per cent hand spun cotton is a good bet as it can be worn all year round.
Chiffon too is a popular choice. Buy a miniature scarf (a small scarf not bigger than a hanky) and drape it round the neck or the wrist.

Larger ones can also be worn as a tube top. Just take a normal size scarf and fold it into a triangle. Knot the top around the neck. Then take the base and tie it around your back. This will look stunning worn over a strapless bra and tied round the back.

For a more elegant look, wear the scarf diagonally across the body and knot at the shoulder.

Scarves made of chenille (a soft tufted cord used in embroidery), pashmina, soft wool or heavy cotton are ideal for winter.

Pure crepe and silk are ideal for any season.



Care for your scarves



Most scarves should be handwashed in a light detergent and then soaked in a mild fabric softener to maintain its look and colour.
Never use harsh chemicals.

Silks are to be dry cleaned only.

Woollens are to be lightly hand-washed.

Cottons can be machine washed.

Source:Rediff

[Miss_Sweet]

coooooool....

[aneeza ali]

hmm looking gud

[friendlygal786]

Nice..scarves r a nice accessory and addition to a dress.

[RAHEN]

a wonderful read...simply superb info..infact the styles of wearing scarf is also great...nice one...thanks 4 sharing...but there place is not on the neck but on the head...

[moments]

too late...Summer is Coming up....

[Muzna]

hmmmm nice info