Scarves have been a trendy runway accessory, seen in luxury label collections like Versace or Dior. “However, their earliest mention dates back to Ancient Egypt, when Queen Nefertiti is believed to have used them as an embellished piece to cover her head,” informs veteran fashion designer Madhu Jain.
It was only in the 19th and 20th centuries, says Madhu, that the scarf came to be associated with luxury clothing, especially during Queen Victoria’s reign in England.
“During the ’50s and ’60s, silk scarves became a part of Lauren Bacall and Bianca Jagger’s iconic attires. Cut to 2020-2021, wrapping a scarf around your head and pairing it with sunglasses became a viral Instagram trend, blindly followed by a generation of influencers,” Madhu smiles.
“Scarves are super-hot right now and one can drape the scarf in so many ways to suit their personal style,” adds fashion designer Nida Mahmood.
There are many ways you can use scarves to add fashion flair to your outfit. Continue reading to learn how.
Make an impression with your attire
A abstract view of garden flowers
What to wear?
“To reunions! It can also add cheer to your work-wear staples,” says designer Madhu Jain.
What to pair?
“Choose achromatic solids or sun-drenched patterned prints to add that much-needed oomph to your basic winter outfits, taking them from simple to showstopper,” Madhu says.
It should be worn by whom?
“Those who wish to stick to something more in line with the holiday spirit and believe in making lasting impressions by dressing up should definitely invest in this sartorial scarf,” Madhu suggests.
We should all avoid it.
“People who are traditionalists and find comfort in dressing up in monochromes and neutrals might find it harder to pull it off,” she says.
One styling tip
“Let the scarf do all the work. Drape this over your shoulders like a shawl or hang it around your neck like a stole; it won’t disappoint!” Madhu recommends.
Fun in functional
Multiple uses for scarves
What to wear?
“Any place where you feel the temperature or the weather might change. It’s a great active look that can keep you easy-breezy or covered and protected, depending on the way you drape the scarf,” says celebrity stylist Rishi Raj.
What to pair?
“Make the scarf your statement and keep everything else monochromatic. Or, go the maximal way and make the entire look a statement!” he suggests.
It should be worn by whom?
“The beauty of an un-structured piece of fabric like a scarf is that anybody can make it work for themselves, depending on how they drape it,” Rishi says.
We should all avoid it.
“Absolutely nobody!” says the styling expert.
One styling tip
“Keep your hair and make-up simple. Too much coordination could make you end up looking like the court’s favourite jester…” he cautions.
East meets West
You can have fun with prints
What to wear?
“Any place where the temperature is low and the standards are high!” says Rishi Raj.
What to pair?
“As styled here, a monochromatic tone-on-tone vibe will crank up the luxury quotient,” he states.
It should be worn by whom?
“Anybody who finds coordinating prints or colours challenging. This look is easy to put together, and looks well-thought-out,” says Rishi.
We should all avoid it.
“Those who love colour, or hate adding extra bulk to the body—this look might leave them a little disappointed,” he warns.
One styling tip
“Add a flash of metal for that extra edge,” Rishi recommends.
Street-chic
You only need a scarf with sequined details
What to wear?
“To a night out in the town!” says fashion and costume designer to the stars Nachiket Barve.
What to pair?
“Wear with a mini skirt and a leather and tweed jacket,” he suggests.
It should be worn by whom?
“Someone who is confident and flamboyant can carry this really well,” Nachiket says.
We should all avoid it.
“Those who don’t love being blingy,” he says.
One styling tip
“It’s best paired with black, white and metallics and avoided with too many colours,” he observes.
Casually cool
Wrapped as a top, symmetrical one-shoulder scarf
What to wear?
“It makes for a fun casual summer look,” says fashion designer Nida Mahmood.
What to pair?
“It can be worn like a bandeau teamed with an oversized boxy suit for a hip and cool look. This scarf is great for party chic and can even be worn to bed at night. Pair this scarf with a denim skirt or distressed oversized jeans,” she suggests.
It should be worn by whom?
“Inclusivity and body positivity being the foremost conversation today in fashion platforms, anyone who resonates with this trend should wear it,” she says.
We should all avoid it.
“No one, but one should avoid pairing transparent material and rectangular scarves as they don’t drape well,” she says.
One styling tip
“While draping a scarf as a top, opt for a large square scarf so that it is easy to wrap your torso comfortably. To ensure comfort, the scarf must be strong and durable. Opt for fun prints and team it with contrasting bottoms,” Nida advises.
Free spirit
Monochrome georgette scarf
What to wear?
“On holidays in sunny climes,” says Nachiket Barve.
What to pair?
“With a sundress, or a pair of white shorts and a top,” he recommends.
It should be worn by whom?
“Everyone!” asserts Nachiket-.
One styling tip
“Let this colour play along with hues of the outfit. Keep it a pop, or a monochrome blue look,” he says.
From HT Brunch on December 31, 2022
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