
I love scarves, but not half as much as Pinterest does. Lately, my feed is all about scarves, and not just because I’m researching this story. If Pinterest equaled real life, we would all be walking around in ripped jeans and blanket scarves, sporting coffee cups and glossy waves. We would all look like this:
And this:
And also this:
In a social media world heavy on cute-and-cozy winter references, the plaid blanket scarf has become a big deal, which is awesome if you are tall and slim and live in a place that requires you to stay warm via huge quantities of plaid cashmere.
If you’re tiny and short and live in Florida, however, you risk looking as if you were entirely swallowed up by a massive woolly blanket.
This doesn’t mean, of course, that short girls can’t wear scarves. I’m just saying that proportion is paramount. When worn correctly, a scarf is a chic, timeless touch, and the right one can utterly transform an outfit. Here, the trendiest ways to tie one on, and how to choose your most flattering scarf style.
The Neckerchief
Possibly the most foolproof way to wear a scarf, a neckerchief is a simple necklace substitute that brings color and pattern close to the face. It’s most flattering if your neck is slim and long, and can also gracefully hide neck wrinkles and saggy skin. Plus, if you’re a Style Dial 2, a neckerchief offers a smart substitute for the statement necklace.
The Square Scarf
A square scarf is a classic statement piece that works for every age, and every body type, as long as the proportion is right. A good rule of thumb is that small people should wear small scarves and tall people should wear larger scarves, and most can wear the sizes in between. A scarf is the right size when it wraps around your shoulders easily but ends above your waist.
The Long Scarf
The long, rectangle-shaped scarf is probably my favorite because of its versatility and ease. It also doesn’t overwhelm a small frame but has enough impact for a taller person. And tying it couldn’t be simpler.
The Pashmina or Blanket Scarf
I’m lumping all knit scarves together in this category, from wintry mufflers to posh pashminas to plaid blanket scarves. All can chic and flattering in the right scale and the right weave. Tall and plus-sized women can pull off hefty knits, for example, while small boned or petite types will want a subtler style.
The Scarf-as-Jewelry
Tie on a silk square, and you add instant personality to a handbag, a wrist, even a waist, and they’re so easy to pull off!
Scarves for Every Budget
Timeless styles are a great investment in silk or cashmere, or tie on a trend with a budget find.
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