What are the different types of scarves?
Scarves come in different sizes, shapes, and materials to suit every occasion. Some scarves are designed for specific uses - they could be used as outerwear or as fashion accessories to complement the dress or outfit.
While smaller scarves like kerchiefs are usually 14-16 inches (on a side), the larger shawl-like scarves can be up to 48 inches (on a side). Scarves are generally square, rectangular/oblong or triangular, with the edges hemmed or tasseled. This piece of clothing can be woven, knit, embroidered, crochet or printed.
Scarves in different materials and textures include those in cotton, polyester, rayon, wool, silk, etc. Whether it’s a luxurious silk scarf or a stylish cotton scarf, each material has its own benefits. Cotton scarves provide protection during hot weather, polyester scarves are quick drying, rayon scarves drape well, and silk scarves can withstand the toughest conditions. Woolen scarves on the other hand provide warmth during cold weather. Cashmere, chenille, angora and velvet scarves make lovely fashion accessories and are good for outerwear. Some of the sweater sets come with matching scarves, embroidered or knit, making fashionable winter accessories.
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What are the popular scarf styles?
Broaden your idea of what a scarf could be! Now choose which style to wear - scarf styles mostly depend on how it is worn. A fashion scarf can be styled in ways to dress up the outfit. Wrap it around the neck or the head for a dressy, casual or professional look. Some of the popular scarf styles include the ascot, bib, cowl, necktie, jabot, shawl, stole and muffler.
• Ascot is usually a triangular scarf knotted in front or the ends placed together with a brooch. This scarf style derives its name from the renowned racetrack of England, Ascot, where people wore scarves similarly.
• Cowl style uses a rectangular scarf which is folded to a ‘s’ shaped fold and then laid on one shoulder, with one end of the scarf hanging down the back for about a foot.
• Bib refers to a square scarf which is folded to form a triangle. The point remains in front, with the knot behind the neck. A bib is mostly worn while dining to prevent the clothes from getting stained. This is also known as the cowboy scarf.
• Necktie or a cravat is a rectangular scarf that is tied around the neck – a scarf suggestive of a man’s neck tie. A neck tie works well with a dress or blouse. This scarf style lends a soft-look and is perfect for almost any occasion.
• Jabot can be pleated, ruffled or embroidered and is worn around the neck. More like the Indian dupatta, the Jabot is an inventive form of using the scarf.
• Shawl is usually larger than the scarf. This scarf variation is generally woven, knit or crochet.
• Stoles are long scarves mostly made of fur including other fabrics. Some are hand-woven and crafted in silk brocade. Stoles make elegant accessories for wearing to any formal occasion.
• Muffler is the style of wearing an oblong, knitted or woven scarf for protecting the throat by providing warmth during cold weathers.
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What is a bandana?
Bandana is essentially a scarf - a square or triangular piece of cloth, large enough to be tied around the head or worn around the neck. If you are looking for style or protection or a bit of both, a bandana is the right choice. The word ‘Bandana’ is derived from the Hindi word, ‘bandhna’, which means ‘to tie’. Bandanas are available in colorful prints with bright designs and patterns. Paisley patterns are the most prevalent.
Bandanas are mostly made using cotton or cotton blend fabrics. Some are uniquely crafted from various other fabrics including silk. Cotton bandanas lend a ‘summer cool’ look and when tied around the head, prevent sweat from running into the eyes during hot weather. When worn as a head scarf, a bandana can also protect the hair during travel. A Silk bandana is often worn as a fashion statement. It also serves many a practical purpose - a silk bandana can withstand the harshest of conditions.
Seen a knapsack? A bandana can form a knapsack with its corners tied together. Bandanas can also be used as handkerchiefs. No wonder they are also known as kerchiefs!
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How to style a square scarf?
A square scarf can be styled in many ways - wear it as a Kelly scarf, make the bandana or ascot wrap, carry it as a halter-style blouse, or simply drape it over the shoulders, with the two shoulder wrap. Your choice of styling a square scarf would depend upon the occasion and the dress or suit. Each style besides being aesthetically appealing, also serves practical purposes.
Kelly scarf is named after the famous Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. Here, the square scarf is folded diagonally and placed over the head, with the folded corners crossed under the chin and tied behind the neck. By covering the head, a Kelly scarf protects the hair from dust and grime during travel.
Styling a square scarf as a bandana is a good choice for day wear. A bandana can be wrapped around the neck or simply worn as a head scarf. When wrapped around the neck, this scarf style creates a shawl like appearance around the shoulders and a tie effect in the front. When worn as a headscarf, it looks sporty and at the same time protects the hair during hot weather. Besides, this casual scarf style adds a sophisticated touch!
A square scarf can be worn as a halter style blouse to complement a pant or suit. This style defines an innovative scarf use. The halter/blouse offers a shirred look with gathering at the waist, therefore flattering slim figures. This scarf style also balances pear-shaped figures.
A two shoulder wrap is ideal for evening functions and works well with sleeveless dresses. Here, the square scarf is folded half lengthwise forming a rectangle and then draped around the shoulders. A diagonal fold would be another option.
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How to style a rectangular/oblong scarf?
Bored with the regular belt? Then wrap a rectangular scarf around the hips to form a side-knotted belt, adding a distinct touch to even the simplest dress with this scarf style! In a side-knotted belt, the scarf is folded twice lengthwise to form an "S" fold and then wrapped around the hips, tying it with either a knot or a small bow.
Aside from becoming a belt, a rectangular scarf can also be styled to form a neck wrap or tie. It could even be styled to form a crown over the head, or worn around the shoulder in the cowl or shawl style.
In a neck wrap, the oblong scarf is folded twice to create an "S" fold and then draped around the neck for a sleek and sophisticated look that works great with high collar blouses. In the tie style, the scarf is draped around the neck to form a tie – this style goes well with almost any kind of setting.
The crown style drapes the rectangular scarf over the head like a fabric crown, hence the name. This scarf style lends an exotic look and is good for outdoor use, especially when the hair won’t cooperate.
The shawl style uses a larger piece of rectangular scarf (120 cm) which is folded twice to form an "S" fold and then laid over one shoulder. A jewelry pin could be used to secure the scarf in place.
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What are the best styles for triangular scarves?
Triangular scarves can be styled as headscarves and tops, with the shawl variant being equally popular. Styling a triangular scarf is simple!
For headscarves, just place your favorite triangle scarf on the head and then tie the two tails into a knot, under the chin. The triangular shape makes it all the more easy to style the scarf. Some of the triangular scarves are reversible and can be worn on both sides, with the same scarf giving you different looks!
If you are looking for an appealing beach wear, then you could style yourself with a triangular scarf top. Just secure it with a neck chocker and tie it low back.
During cold weather, the shawl variation of a triangular scarf can be wrapped around the shoulder for both fashion and warmth. Such scarves are mostly knit, embroidered or crochet.
Aside from the wrap style shawl, a scarf can be knit, crochet or embroidered into a ‘‘shoulder cozy’ - yet another scarf variation. This stylish piece of triangular clothing can be worn around the shoulders with the two ends buttoned in front. Quick to wear, and true to its name, the ‘shoulder cozy’ keeps the shoulders cozy!
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Which scarf style best protects the hair style?
Hair style plays a vital role in one’s appearance. Think of a dinner date where you arrive with your hair in a mess, courtesy all the travel! Ever thought how a scarf could have saved the situation? Whether you want to protect your hairstyle or your hair, this piece of clothing has a lot to offer. Apart from its protective role, each style also highlights the face differently, making you look even more glamorous.
When the climate around is dry and dusty, and pollution levels high, a scarf can be tied around the head in a Kelly style to prevent harm. A bandana can be worn around the head like a head scarf to maintain the hair style and at the same time prevent sweat from running into the eyes during summer. Many athletes wear head scarves for the same reason. The crown style which drapes a rectangular scarf over the head like a crown adds a dashing look and also helps keep the hairstyle in place.
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Which scarf style is best suited for travel?
If you desire to sport a fresh and neat look even after hours of open road travel, then wearing a scarf is the right thing to do.
With so much of dust and grime during dry weather, the uncovered parts of your body like the head, face and neck are likely to get affected by the pollutants. Wear a scarf around the head or use it to cover the face, just above and under the eyes. This would surely ward off the dust, and also lend your face an enigmatic appeal.
The Kelly style, which uses a square or rectangular piece of scarf worn around the head, not only protects the hair and hair-style during travel, but also makes you look stunning. A bandana wrap is yet another popular scarf style, good for travel. This colorful square piece of cloth can be tied around the head for that jazzy look. Besides, the crown style of scarf wrapping is good for outerwear and travel since it protects the hair.
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Which scarf style best suits those bad hair days?
If bad-hair distresses you before an important function, then you are certainly looking for ways to save the situation. Although bad hair days are avoidable, in the worst case they are certainly manageable with a wonderful piece of scarf.
Any style that allows you to wear your favorite scarf around the head seems a good solution. By covering the head, the scarf hides the hair, making you look even more beautiful for the occasion. Depending upon the dress or outfit, you could choose an appropriate scarf style for any occasion.
Of the various styles available, crown style would be the best option. Simply drape a rectangular scarf over the head, and there you go - nobody would even realize that you are having one of those bad hair days!
You could even try out the bandana wrap. Choose a cotton bandana with attractive paisley designs. There are many ways of wearing a bandana as a head scarf. Keeping the practicality in mind, a bandana can be styled to suit your personal taste. Optionally, you could also experiment with the Kelly scarf to see which style suits you best.
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Which scarf style best suits a blouse and skirt/trouser combination?
When wearing your favorite blouse with either a skirt or a trouser, add to your feminine charm by wearing a neck-wrap scarf. This scarf tying method retains its dainty appeal while being ultra-professional at the same time. Ideal for that business meeting or formal get-together, this clothing ensemble is sure to turn heads. While the neck-wrap scarf can be used with almost all kinds of blouses, fashion experts recommend coupling this style preferably with high-collar blouses. Enveloping the throat, this scarf provides warmth on chilly days spent outdoors or when the air-conditioner in the office is turned on high.
Exuding a ‘no-nonsense’ look, the neck-wrap scarf combines simplicity with a touch of professionalism. It is recommended to use a scarf having an area of around 80 square centimeters for the neck-wrap style. The versatility of this scarf tying method can be garnered from the fact that it can be used over varied kinds of blouses, and with both skirts and trousers. Some other scarf styles that go well with the same outfit combination include the bandana and ascot wraps; both these styles require 120 square centimeter scarves, due to the larger area being covered and the need for a relatively bigger knot.
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Which method of wearing a scarf best complements a simple suit or dress?
The way a scarf is draped across the shoulders or wrapped around the head can make a big difference to the overall appearance of the wearer. An important consideration in deciding the style of wearing a scarf is the outfit. For a simplistic, straight-forward dress, fashion experts recommend the long-tie scarf. This style of wearing a scarf enhances the subtle appeal the wearer wishes to exude. In order to create this scarf style, you will need a rectangular scarf that should be at least 80 centimeters long. This scarf style is suited for almost every type of occasion - formal as well as informal. While not being very ostentatious, the style is perceived to be neat and professional. Additionally, another advantage of this style of wearing a scarf is the ease with which it can be tied, getting you ready for any occasion in seconds.
An interesting feature of this method of tying a scarf is the right mix of conservatism with sophistication. With pliability of the scarf’s appeal, many style critics liken this mode of tying a scarf to that of a man’s necktie. The uniqueness of this scarf style lies in the fact that even though it is deceptively simple to tie, the final look is quite enchanting.
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Which scarf style will best complement a bridal gown?
Looking good on that special day largely depends upon the style and design of the bridal gown worn. A day that will be cherished for life, you would certainly want to look your best. How about accentuating the bridal gown with a scarf!
Some of the bridal gowns come with luxurious silk scarves, which can be styled around the hips to form a side-knotted belt. The style and choice of scarf will depend upon the bridal gown – traditional or modern. For instance, a rectangular scarf in contrasting red would work well with a traditional white bridal gown. For the belt style, the scarf is first folded twice to to the s fold. The folded scarf is then draped around the hips to form a knot or bow at one side. Some of the Victorian bridal gowns are styled with scarves around the empire waist. The scarf is folded to run around the waist, and the ends gathered at the back. A knot or bow is then formed, with the ends hanging down freely.
If an outdoor wedding at the beach is what you have planned, then you could choose between a two or three piece wedding set. Such wedding sets usually come with a sarong, a triangle scarf and a stole scarf. A sarong wraps around like the gown skirt, while the triangle scarf top ties low back like a halter blouse. The stole can be worn in several ways to suit your style requirements. Style yourself in this trendy wedding set and feel like a dream bride while the waves hit the shore!
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Which scarf style will best match a single colored, sleeveless scoop neck shirt?
Did you know that a simple aspect of dressing, such as the style of tying the scarf can make or mar your whole personality? When you are showing off your shapely arms in a sleeveless dress, most style aficionados recommend using the two-shoulder wrap method of donning the scarf. This style is also suited for scoop necked shirts, dresses, or blouses. A plus point of this style of tying the scarf is the fact that the scarf envelops the arms and upper chest of the wearer, providing warmth. Additionally, if you suddenly find yourself in an excessively conservative setting, this scarf can provide a touch of modesty to your bare shoulders.
The two-shoulder wrap scarf is ideal for those functions that last almost the entire day -when you would be needed both in the afternoon and evening, separated by just a few hours in between. Wearing the scarf will help you cover yourself in the intervening hours before you walk into the party planned for the evening. While tying the scarf in this style is a cakewalk, all you need to ensure is that you have a scarf of at least 120 square centimeters. While being tailor made for sleeveless outfits, the two-shoulder scarf goes well with long sleeved blouses too.
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