Scarves, Every Trendster’s Must-Have

They started just like earmuffs and mittens. They were merely just a winter-weather item worn to keep warm. Our grandfathers wore them. Our baby siblings wore them. However, in recent months they’ve become a full-blown year-round phenomenon—SCARVES! Scarves have evolved into a must-have accessory. They add a dash of color and a whole lot of style to any outfit. The best part of this trend is that they are budget friendly—i.e. friendly to all budgets.

Scarves come in a multitude of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and cuts. Therefore, they can be used to express anybody’s personal style or mood.

Palestinian Scarves

A Palestinian scarf is a square piece of cloth, usually cotton, with black checks and a unique fringe. They are now found in a multitude of hues lurking on the shelves of H&M and Urban Outfitters. These scarves are largely seen in hipster circles folded in half (triangle-wise) and tied around the neck. What many fashionistas don’t know is that these scarves, a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, are quite controversial. However, paired with jeans and a tee or over your favorite dress, they are also still extremely hip.

Necklace Scarves

Necklace scarves have become a rage more recently. They are usually lightweight and droopy. They can be worn as a cowl neck or even as a choker. There are a multitude of necklace scarves out there with fabric twisted, sewn, and draped in various shapes and colors.

Knit Scarves

Knit scarves are the ones that Granny made you back in fifth grade. They are generally made of wool and usually long and narrow. They look sleek wrapped around your neck with the ends draping over your front. My favorite way to wear my knits is: fold in half, wrap around neck, and loop loose ends through loop. It looks a bit more put together and keeps you quite warm.

Square Scarves

While Hermès may not have created the classic silk square scarf, they definitely perfected it. Vogue editor, Anna Wintour is rumored to have a white Hermès scarf on her at all times. While it’s not necessary to spend hundreds on a label-brand scarf or have one on your person every time you walk out the door, a silk square scarf is an extremely versatile accessory. It can be wrapped and tied, almost like a choker—very French. (Cappuccino and croissant s’il vous plait?) It can also be draped around the head or casually rested on the shoulders. A classic square, silk scarf create a classic sleek, sexy style.

Shawls

Shawls are larger, chunkier, and resemble a chic blanket. Shawls are ideal for nights out when you just don’t want to bring along a big coat. Shawls create a Euro-inspired look and an air of mystique. Shawls can also be eveloped around the neck to create a thick, necklace type cowl.

Over the Head

I love wearing hoodies. I always have, I always will. I’m wearing one right now in fact. Large scarves can be wrapped around the head to create a hooded effect. They shield you from rain, wind, or unwanted peeping Toms. While it’s possible to buy a premade hooded scarf, its equally fabulous to just wrap yourself (head included) in an over-sized scarf.