In the long history of human culture, there have been few fashion items whose versatility rivals the scarf. Dating back to more than 3000 years ago, scarves have played an integral role in society. Some scarves have been utilized in war, some in dances or sports, but most scarves serve one purpose — to make your outfit pop.
Chances are, if you are reading this, you already have a scarf somewhere in your closet. In fact, you might even be wearing one now. But the world of scarves is a diverse one, so it’s worth taking a cursory look at some popular styles, especially if you’re looking to, um, scarf up some good deals soon.
Plaid Scarf: A simple plaid scarf can add a lot to a relatively plain ensemble. Although tartan pattern has been around for a few thousand years, the British fashion company Burberry helped to popularize it in scarf form when they created the iconic “Burberry check” back in the ’20s.
Most college students (myself included) would have to pawn half of their belongings to afford a legitimate Burberry scarf, but that’s okay. There’s plenty of much, much cheaper and just-as-cute designs available if you shop around a bit. Wear it with a solid-colored sweater and leggings or yoga pants for a comfortable yet classic look.
Knit Scarf: Knit scarves are probably the first thing that popped into your mind when you read the word “scarf.” This is the kind you wear while sledding or taking leisurely winter walks to keep warm. The Third Duke of Krakow is commonly credited with the knit scarf’s creation, and this noble invention is perfect for bringing a bit of tasteful spice to a wintry ensemble.
Cream colors or grays are ideal for mixing into your wardrobe, but if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to go a little crazy, as long as you have the confidence to pull it off. Bright reds or yellows are perfect for brightening up a dull outfit. Try pairing your knit scarf with a peacoat for a style that is as fashionable as it is warm.
Keffiyeh: You would most likely recognize it by another name — the hipster scarf — but hipsters weren’t the first to don this distinctive, popular scarf. Its origins are in the Middle East, where they are traditionally worn by Arab men for protection from the sand and sun. The scarf has since spread to Europe, Australia, Japan and North America.
While the keffiyeh is used in its native region for defense against the sun and sand, this cute scarf is also very warm — something that can come in handy in the chilly tundra of Michigan. Wear one with a patterned dress and a jacket for an artsy, bohemian look. For something a little more dressy, try one with some heeled boots and a knit beret.
Infinity Scarf: If you’ve ever wished for one giant loop of scarf, look no further than the infinity scarf. This scarf has gained popularity in the past few years for offering all the cute of normal scarves without all the guesswork of how to tie it or fold it. While this unique scarf is one of the youngest styles on this list, it appears to have a bright future ahead.
You can find the infinity scarf at a multitude of stores in many colors and materials, owing in part to its seemingly overnight success. If you have some time on your hands and feel especially crafty, you can try to knit one of your own. Infinity scarves look nice with nearly anything, but one idea to consider is to wear one of these scarves in a favorite color with a cute hoodless sweatshirt (preferably in a neutral color) with tight jeans.
Silk Scarves: In history, silk scarves were a thing of luxury, both fashionable and elegant. In fact, famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven is said to have adopted the silk scarf in order to catch the eye of a girl he loved. Nowadays, these scarves can still captivate when worn correctly, and most silk scarves today are much cheaper than they have been in the past.
Silk scarves are not terribly heavy or warm, so they’re ideal for the transition into spring. Try wearing a white or pastel dress with a floral print scarf for a flirty, sweet look. Sandals and a cardigan can complete this feminine and very adorable outfit.
Bandana: The final scarf in our round-up isn’t really a scarf at all, but with how stylish it can look around the neck, it might as well be. The handkerchief has come a long way from being sneezed into, and when worn with the right clothing, you’ll look less cowboy and more fashionista. Or, perhaps if you wanted, a fashionable cowboy, but that is all up to you.
The best part about bandanas is that, for just a dollar a piece at many supermarkets, you can stock up on a whole spectrum of them and not drain your wallet. When you want to add just a splash of color to an outfit, the bandana is there for you.
With all of these things in mind, consider what scarf fits your personal style most. Happy scarf-wearing!
