Stimuli

One of the most versatile pieces that you can have in your wardrobe is a scarf.  Aside from keeping you warm it can complete your look, add interest, colour, and texture.  I  am desperately hoping that Groundhog Day will tell us that spring is on it’s way!  Scarves are a fabulous transitional piece.  The best part is there are hundreds of ways to tie a scarf; I’ll show you some of my favourite ways and looks. I’ve also included links to two websites and a YouTube video at the end of my article that will inspire you!!

When it’s cold out my favourite way to bundle up is with a scarf wrapped cozily around my neck.  A light to medium weight knit is best.  When you wear it with a coat, wrap your scarf in a simple, unfussy cowl or knot.  This light weight wool burgundy polka dot print scarf ($85) adds colour and texture to the navy pea coat by BB Dakota ($134).

To amp up my casual look I’ll wear a scarf one of a few ways. I love this belted denim dress by Funktional ($180).  To give this dress some dimension and colour I draped a gorgeous coral and pale indigo scarf ($60) in to a long cowl.

With this simple raglan sleeve grey dress by James Perse ($165), I've criss-cross wrapped my long chevron print Missoni scarf as a belt.  The print and fringe of this scarf and the way it's wrapped, takes this dress to another level.

Have you ever thought of wearing your scarf as a loose cardigan?  Take a square scarf and tie the ends together, slip your arms through and voila! Instant glamour for your beautiful dress.  Here is my Mathew Wiliamson for H&M scarf as a beautiful wrap cardigan around this silk dress by LA Made ($150).  Crystal 14K plated necklace by Lisbeth ($89).

Another fun way to wear a scarf is as a top.  A large square piece is needed.  The top can be tied as a halter or as a strapless top.  Shown here is my Alexander McQueen silk skull scarf as a strapless top underneath a denim jacket by Funktional ($160) and pants by Oxmo.

My husband bought me this purple scarf with studs from Hermes for my birthday a few years ago.  I wear this scarf around my neck with or without the studs.  I've also worn it in my hair as a hair band or wrapped around my pony tail.  My favourite way to wear it is as a bracelet!
Image 6: purple scarf with three silver studs

I hope you are inspired to play with your scarves to create the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.  For more inspiration check out these video tutorials from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYAEz777AU">Liberty of London. Some of the worlds most beautiful scarves are produced by Hermes. 

Have you got a favourite way to wear your gorgeous scarf? I would love to hear about it!  Let me know by commenting below!

Thank you Benita for letting me shoot at your store last minute!  All the looks above can be found at Mela Boutique.

by Michele Bromley
Blogger at Stilistaathome.com and Stimuli Magazine Contributor