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Fashion Tip: How to Wear a Scarf

When I put on one of my many scarves in the morning, I feel as if I have finished my outfit off properly. The scarf is chic in a way that is very fashionable right now.

Whether your style is insouciant or smart, a scarf can make it more so. It achieves the perfect ‘undone doneness’ for the casually hip, or it can convey Parisian savoir faire, the perfect gracefulness, in any outfit. There appears to be nothing a scarf can’t make better when it comes to the perfect outfit this season. And that is why it is the must-have accessory.

Of course the iconic scarf is the Hermes whisper of silk that is beyond the means of almost everyone. Or the Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf that so many A-list celebs fling effortlessly around their necks as they traverse the runways of the international airports.

But for pretty much every other scarf, it is an affordable and fun way to update your look. You can spend as little or as much as you like on your collection of scarves, but the ideal good quality cotton or linen blend one will clock in at around R250.

What to look for in a scarf


It is important to remember that your scarf will be sitting close to your face. I prefer to have lovely soft and indulgent fabrics next to my face, so I am prepared to spend a bit more to get the right feel. But this is not essential.

What is pretty key, however, is that you pick the right colour scheme. You definitely don’t want bright yellow next to your face if it makes you look jaundiced – so always hold the scarf up next to you in a mirror and make sure it brings out the twinkle in your eye and makes your skin glow.

Print scarves are a great way to make a plain winter look come alive.

Good old-fashioned prints like paisley and animal skins are huge this season. Florals and digital Ikat designs are also popular and keep things fresh and modern all through the darker months. But if you are only going to buy one, go for the leopard, snake or zebra prints for the most effective fashion update.

Which brings me back to why I feel like it finishes off my ensemble each day. 

Working in fashion, I try to keep things simple and up to date in my wardrobe. Basics in classic black, navy or grey make up most of my clothing pieces. They are practical and serviceable as I divide my time between manual labour on fashion shoots to attending meetings with clients. Popping on a jazzy Jo Borkett scarf with my basics keeps me warm, smartens a look up - and disguises my double chin - all in one go. What’s not to love about that?

Get your perfect winter scarf now on 36Boutiques.com, South Africa's premier online fashion store.

Robyn Cooke is Head of Content at 36Boutiques and South Africa’s first fashion blogger.  Follow her at @StyleGuideCT.

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