While it’s not winter yet, autumn fashion is definitely in full swing. One of the best accessories (after bags and shoes, of course) is the simple scarf. South Africans are known for wearing scarves all year round and you will often see a person wearing a light, breezy scarf with a t-shirt. Whether you’re into knitted, cashmere or printed scarves – there are many different ways to wear this item.
Snoods are in
Being on trend is important for keeping your look fresh and modern. One scarf trend that was seen on the Tommy Hilfiger runway was the snood, which was seen in both brights and pastels, with browns and blacks functioning as neutrals that can go with any outfit. Snoods are generally made of wool and are worn around the neck and head and even Versace has debut a range of snoods in bold colours.
(Fake) fur is in
Fur scarves are also a popular choice in 2012 but it needn’t be real fur as many designers offer faux fur alternatives or fabric scarves trimmed in faux fur. These scarves can be worn with everything, including evening dresses. Conventional knitted scarves will never go out of fashion because they are versatile and they can be worn under or over coats depending on personal taste and the weather. Pair a knitted scarf with jeans and a cardigan for effortless chic.
Combine silk and animal prints
The prints on silk scarves this season are bold imitations of art and animal prints, with tie-dye and florals also featuring. Monochromatic looks have been sported by stars such as Charlize Theron and it is a sophisticated way to jazz up a plain outfit. Tone on tone coordination can be tricky so be sure to stick with neutrals such as black, navy, camel and cream. You can also mix fabrics by pairing satin with wool or knits with metallics for extra elegance.
Infinity scarves
Long scarves are a must for 2012. The infinity scarf is a good example of this and long scarves can be casually worn for comfort or to make a statement. The best way to wear a long scarf is to hold it in front of you and twist it a few times in the middle. Toss the ends over your shoulders and then pull each end over to the opposite shoulder and leave them to dangle in the front. Fringed scarves are also a big trend.
Make your own scarf
If you are not handy with a pair of knitting needles, you can still make your own scarf in a flash. Cut 12 pieces of heavy weight yarn into sections that are one and half times the length that you want the scarf to be. Divide the wool into four bunches of three pieces each. Tie two of the bunches together using a square knot and leave about 12 centimeters of fringe at the end. Repeat with the other two bunches. Attach the knots to a piece of board to anchor it and the knot the inner two bunches together, with about a 2 centimeter gap from the first knot, using a similar motion to plaiting hair. Alternate knotting the four bunches, spacing the knots out evenly, until 12 centimeters of wool remains on the end. Tie the same knot as you used at the top end and trim the ends to neaten the scarf.
Another no-knit scarf is a felt scarf – lay three long pieces of felt on top of each other and cut through the layers. Draw on a line the center of the top layer with a pencil and sew a single line down the middle of all three layers. Use a ruler and pencil to mark a line every two centimeters down the length of the fabric. Mark out a two centimeter gap on either side of the central sewed line (this is the section that won’t be cut). Cut into all three layers along the short lines to the one you marked off the centre line. Fluff up the layers so that the bottom two show through.
If you are stumped as to how to tie your scarf or if you only wear it one way all the time, browse the internet to see how people are using scarves in different ways. If you’re looking for a great scarf resource – click here.
Some other interesting scarves are:
- A cat scarf
- A magnet scarf
- Scarves that look like pizza, electrical cords and a guitar neck – check these scarves out.
- A crime scene tape scarf
So now you know more about scarves and how to use them. Be bang on trend in 2012 and embrace the runway and fashion magazines use of scarves in all their shapes, forms and colours.
