Fashion Scarves

Fashion scarves are enjoying their heyday as a stylish supplement to summer outfits. But with all the misinformation flying about, it's difficult to make an informed choice. Here's our guide to making an informed fashion scarf choice. Choose from classic styles and original patterns and infuse imagination and initiative to create your own look.

Contents [Hide] 1 Tie One On 2 Leave No Stone Unturned 3 Scarf Types 4 Related Guides

Tie One On

How you wear the scarf is important. Wear one in your hair as a turban, or around your waist as a makeshift belt, or affix one to the handle of your purse as a feminine statement to your business attire.

• Check out this guide for myriad ways to tie a scarf, complete with pretty illustrations.
• Real-life scarf-wear that's inspired me: a large, square scarf  folded into and boldly worn as a loose-fitting, triangular tube top ; a bright red scarf loosely tied in a European knot as a dynamic accent to a business ensemble.
• A shawl  draped around the shoulders is a classic leisure look, while the Indian-inspired keffiyeh  worn faux-cowboy-style is making its rounds in the fashion circuits.

Men:

For the modern dandy, a silk scarf  is a great way to add style and color to an outfit. Tie one on ascot -style.

Get fashionable for winter with a big, bulky wool scarf .

Leave No Stone Unturned

Lost as to where to begin looking for a scarf of your very own? Here are a few suggestions to guide you through the madness.

• Department Stores -- Scrounge the racks at Macy's  and Sears  for affordable selections, or check out Nordstrom  or Lord and Taylor  for higher-end products. If you're willing to put in the time (and if you come across a good sale), it's possible to find great bargains.
• Bargain Stores -- Though stores like Century 21, Filene's Basement, T.J. Maxx and Marshall's often present offerings from previous seasons, these establishments do deliver them at a more reasonable price, and often have more variety than higher-end department stores. 
• If you're looking to stay on top of scarf trends, Forever 21 and H&M offer cheap and fun ways to stay in style, even if the products don't last forever.
• Thrift Shop and Vintage -- Shudder though some might at the thought of donning pre-worn garments, thrift stores are a great source for tracking down unusual clothes and accessories (which should be worn after you've run the item through the wash, of course). For an emphasized vintage scarf look, throw a brooch  into the mix.
• Internet -- Sites like ModCloth.com  offer a dazzling array of covet-worthy clothing--unique pieces bound to inspire jealousy and wild greed in those around one. When hunting down unusual pieces, I like to keep it real with a combination of bargain stores, Internet finds and real-life thrift store discoveries (often requires walking). Confession time: I also sometimes raid my grandmother's closet. 

Scarf Types

Knitted  You'll look and feel both warm and hip in a knitted scarf. Think bonfires, snowmen and snowball fights -- all while feeling comfortable and looking great. Check out our knitting guide to make your own scarf!	Pashmina  Pashmina  scarves exude class while allowing you to explore fun patterns  and prints. Solid-colored shawls  are a classic option for layering at a formal event or dressing  up a pair of jeans  and a cotton shirt . (This would also be a good choice for staying warm in an air-conditioned office during the summer . Imagine wearing a knitted scarf in July!) Pashmina becomes softer with frequent use.	Embroidered  For the individual who wants  to create an artsier impression -- or maybe if you just find a distinctive pattern that you like -- embroidered scarves are for you. The embroidered scarf is a fun do-it-yourself project as well.	Cashmere  Who doesn't love the feel of cashmere ? Find a soft, soft cashmere scarf and make it your friend through the winter months.	Silk  With its unmistakable sheen and high thread count, a luxurious silk scarf  is great on days when you could go for a little extra refinement.

Related Guides

• Scarves
• Pashminas
• Women's Summer Style Guide
• Women's Winter Style Guide
• Women's Fashion Trends