Don’t leave home without it

how to wear a scarf

I love scarves…

I wear a scarf almost every day, except in summer if it’s really hot. And if I’m not wearing one, I have one in my bag, just in case. After all, no outfit is complete without a scarf with an interesting print or eye-catching colour. Wearing a scarf is such an easy way to add colour and texture to an otherwise very simple outfit. But that’s not the reason why I wear one.

A scarf is simply a necessity in colder climates: an additional layer to protect your neck from the cold weather and help you avoid catching a cold. But that doesn’t mean it couldn’t be pretty.

original post: Autumn Classics

Small silk scarves can be very practical in summer or in early autumn. For starters, silk is the perfect material: it’s cool against your skin when the weather is hot and keeps you warm when the weather gets cooler. And then there are all those lovely prints to choose from…

But silk scarves have one huge problem: they must be dry-cleaned. And this is the reason I stopped collecting them: I refuse to dry-clean items that are worn every day, it just makes no sense.

original post: Accessories Make the Outfit

And most of the time I prefer my scarves big, anyway. And by ‘big’ I mean huge: more pashminas than scarves, actually: 

original post: Summer and Sunshine

A light-weight wool/ silk blend or cashmere pashmina can be worn year round: in summer over a dress when it gets a bit cooler in the evening, and in winter around your neck to keep warm. You can also wear it as an extra layer to wrap around you if it gets drafty. Which is why it’s the one item I never travel without: it’s like having my own (light-weight) travel blanket.

original post: Casual Friday,
the same scarf also featured in: The Blue Dress, The Amazing Travelling Tartan Coat, Moto-Jacket x 3

And when it comes to materials, I’m partial to cashmere for three reasons. First, it’s very warm (and this really matters in winter). Second, it’s gentle on sensitive skin whereas wool can be a bit itchy. And third, cashmere is low-maintenance: it can be handwashed and it dries fast. 

original posts: Is It Winter Yet?, I Can Do Pastels!
The same scarf also featured in: Grim, Dark November

If you’re worried about the cost, think of the cost-per-wear. Which makes more sense, buying lots of acrylic scarves that start pilling the moment you put them on or a few quality cashmere scarves you can wash and wear forever? 

I’m a rather sensible shopper (read: with limited funds and closet space), so I rather buy fewer items but better quality, something that will last. And let’s not forget that I’m also a self-confessed snob, so anything cheap and cheerful makes me break out in hives… 

Do you wear scarves? 

Does the material of your winter scarves matter to you?

Tiina

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PS: Dilettante Artist has her own blog now, The Dilettante Artist’s Gallery,  where I will be posting (very infrequently) random pictures: illustration, photomanipulation, that sort of thing. And there is a pretty, new widget on the sidebar to take you there…

                        Linking up with Sacramento and Rosy for Share-in-Style

21 Comments

  1. Anonymous
    18 January 2015 / 10:58 pm

    I am with you! I love scarves. Especially since I have short hair and live in the arctic. You have a lovely collection.

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:38 pm

      I would love to have cashmere scarves in all the colours of the rainbow, and would no doubt wear all of them, too.

  2. Natalia Lialina
    19 January 2015 / 2:26 am

    Gorgeous collection! I especially like the one with red circles/flowers and the last one, with magenta animal print. I too have quite a collection of scarves. I love them, but fortunately don't have to wear them all the time during our winter. Silk and wool would be my favorite fabrics, but those soft fluffy furry ones are also irresistible. šŸ™‚

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:41 pm

      I catch a cold so easily if my neck is exposed, so a collection of scarves is a must. Or that's what I tell myself to justify buying yet another one…

  3. dan
    19 January 2015 / 10:30 am

    This is a very nice post on a lovely subject! Scarves can add personality to an outfit. You have a good set of them, and they are all beautiful! I especially like lightweight woollen ones: relly a must have!

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:43 pm

      I love light-weight wool / cashmere scarves! They're so practical. And pretty, and warm.

  4. Mrs C
    19 January 2015 / 2:15 pm

    I love scarf. I have winter and summer scarf. Of course the summer ones are bogus, fit no purpose, purely for style.You have wonderful collection of scarfs Tiina. Some oriental motives there I see too…

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:45 pm

      Well, often in warmer climates a scarf will come in handy because of the air conditioning: I once caught a cold because it was so fresh indoors, even though it was hot outdoors. It helps to have something to keep the draft away.

  5. Rosy
    19 January 2015 / 4:34 pm

    Great collection, dear Tiina!!! I also have variety of scarves in my wardrobe, I agree with you that they are the perfect accessory to add a touch of "sparkle" to any outfit. Yours ones are very elegant … like you.

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:46 pm

      Thanks, Rosy. A scarf is the perfect accessory: maximum impact, easy to pack or carry with you.

  6. Suzanne Carillo
    19 January 2015 / 6:40 pm

    I'm also a huge scarf fan. That purple one in the last shots is gorgeous! Especially with the pale blue.bisousSuzanne

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:47 pm

      Thanks, Suzanne! I agree, pale blue looks stunning with purple.

  7. Jill James
    20 January 2015 / 3:25 am

    I am an admirer of your enviable scarf collection and the way you wear each one to change an outfit.I am with you on the buy better but less,you always feel better and they last so much longer.

    • Tiina L
      20 January 2015 / 4:48 pm

      Buy less, wear more… or wear what you buy, that's my mantra.

  8. MIS PAPELICOS -Mis P
    20 January 2015 / 8:17 pm

    Fabulous fun, dear Tina.Thank you sooooooooooooooo much for sharing your styleBesossssssssssssssXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • Tiina L
      21 January 2015 / 11:14 am

      Thanks, Sacramento!

  9. Rosy
    22 January 2015 / 10:57 am

    It's time to vote on Sharing in Style, dear friend.

  10. Ivana Split
    22 January 2015 / 8:45 pm

    I adore scarf…and because I have a damaged vocal cord, my throat is really sensitive to the cold so I wear them all the time in the winter.you have a fantastic collection of scarves…thank you for sharing!http://modaodaradosti.blogspot.com/

    • Tiina L
      27 February 2015 / 6:55 am

      Yes, scarves are necessary, not just pretty. I always wear a scarf in winter. If I don't, I will catch a cold for sure.

  11. seƱora Allnut
    22 January 2015 / 9:51 pm

    fabulous and elegant scarves, love how they add a touch of color and interest, such a cool accessory!!You look fab!besos

    • Tiina L
      27 February 2015 / 6:58 am

      Scarves are an easy way to add colour and texture to an outfit, and I use them especially if I'm wearings something dark or neutral. I need some colour around my face…

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