Scarves: Wrap yourself in Style

August 30, 2011 12:00 am
  • Burberry silk scarf, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com)
    Burberry silk scarf, $395 at Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saksfifthavenue.com)
  • champagne bubbles Liscaro scarf, $39 at www.liscaro.com
    champagne bubbles Liscaro scarf, $39 at www.liscaro.com
  • Men's scarf, $42.50 at J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).
    Men's scarf, $42.50 at J. Crew (www.jcrew.com).
  • Acrylic plaid ruana with tassels, $42 at Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com).
    Acrylic plaid ruana with tassels, $42 at Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com).
  • Gauzy rosette scarf, $10 at Old Navy (www.oldnavy.gap.com).
    Gauzy rosette scarf, $10 at Old Navy (www.oldnavy.gap.com).
  • Ann Taylor faux cheetah pull thru scarf, $88.
    Ann Taylor faux cheetah pull thru scarf, $88.
  • Lulu Floral & Animal Pattern Infinity Scarf; Berry; $18 available at Nordstroms.
    Lulu Floral & Animal Pattern Infinity Scarf; Berry; $18 available at Nordstroms.
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Scarves aren't just for winter anymore. The oh-so-cozy neck wraps keep popping up on store racks and runways as all-season accessories for men and women alike. They're ideal for adding an extra dash of color, personalizing a plain outfit or freshening up last year's fashions. And with so many prints, sizes and fabrics from which to choose, there's no limit on creative ways to don them. Here's a few suggestions for how to incorporate scarves into your wardrobe.

1. Elegant wrap: Take a look from office to out on the town with a sweeping silk scarf or Pashmina. (It's also a nice alternative to a bulky jacket or dress coat when heading to dinner or the theater.) Secure it with a brooch, or let it envelop the upper body and toss one side over the shoulder to keep it in place.

2. Versatile Liscaro: Designed by interior decorator Lisa Devereaux, the Liscaro is close to a dozen scarves in one. It can be a ponytail holder, head scarf, neck wrap, headband, bandeau, purse ornament and more thanks to a small pull-through loop that makes styling simple -- without having to know how to tie a scarf.

3. Man style: Guys can adjust their fashion attitude with the way they arrange a scarf. For something preppy, try a muffler hanging casually from the neck with a blazer or sweater. Go for a more edgy, urban air by wearing a triangle scarf with the point in front or off to the side, or by knotting a muffler or wrapping it several times.

4. Ruana: Consider it a scarf on steroids, or your favorite blanket with a lot more style. The oversized shawl is well suited for fighting off the chill of a brisk autumn morning or for adding an extra layer to a summer ensemble that you're not quite ready to put away for the season. Vary the look by letting it swaddle the arms and shoulders like a shawl, or hang down the body and belt it.

5. Eternity scarf: Also known as the infinity or circle scarf (and considered a close relative of the snood), this looped accessory looks like a long skinny oval when it's slipped around the neck. Want it shorter? Wrap it around the neck a second time and play with how much space is left between the fabric snuggling the neck and the lower portion draping the bodice.

6. Twist and drape: Here's another option for looking scarf savvy without being skilled at tying one. Take a muffler or wrap, circle it around the neck once and allow the ends to dangle over the shoulders in front rather than tucking them in -- and voila.

With all these newer options, don't forget the classic silk twill square made famous by Jackie O, Grace Kelly and a host of other grande dames who wore it on their heads, around their necks, tied to their handbags or tucked in their belt loops. If you can't afford a coveted Hermes at $385, Ferragamo, Etro, Versace, Gucci, Coach and other companies make versions in a range of prices.

Sara Bauknecht: sbauknecht@post-gazette.com .
First Published August 30, 2011 12:00 am

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