The Scarves of Summer

It might seem a little odd to have a post about scarves as we end the month of May. Well in my “neck of the woods” we can wear scarves nearly year round. Even if you live in an extremely warm climate, I believe you may have a different perspective on scarves after reading this. The scarves you wear in Spring/Summer are much different than in winter months. You also may find that you’ll wear them differently. Wear them away from your neck and you’ll still stay cool, but add variety to an outfit.

FABRIC is key. The stores are full of lightweight fabrics that just add color, not warmth. My favorite sources are Target, Kohl’s, Nordstrom Rack and small boutiques. Below are some inexpensive choices from www.kohls.com 

Scarves can also take the chill off if you are in a heavily air conditioned room (like a movie theatre or restaurant) If you live in a hot & humid part of the country there can be a drastic temperature change from outside to inside. A scarf can be wrapped loosely over your shoulders and be just enough. I often take one in my purse to a movie theatre in the heat of the summer.

Here is a way to add color and interest to an outfit without adding bulk and warmth. I love how scarves do the elongation trick as well! You simply tie each end of the scarf in a knot and let it hang. SO easy!

I often choose scarves with many different colors which increases the versatility. Here is one of my favorites shown with black and brown. Picture it with green or teal for summer. It is 100% silk and is much lighter than it looks. I also plan to wear it with an all black sleeveless outfit. Just draping it over the arms takes the chill off AND can cover the upper arm that many women consider to be a “problem” area.

This is another favorite. It is a really light fabric and has a fun edge. Look for scarves in boutiques and you’ll find some unique pieces at a reasonable price. It’s difficult to see the dark brown, but wearing it with that color gives it a different look. It elongates and when paired with on open jacket it can drape over the middle thus providing another camouflage trick. This adds no warmth-just color!

Spring is cool and can be windy in the Northwest. You may recall I have given up turtlenecks. Scarves fill that void. Unbelievably, this photo was taken on Easter Sunday. The coat was a FIND from the Nordstrom Rack, Skirt was on sale at Anthropologie and the scarf is from JC Penney.

Scarves make a fashion statement. I love what scarves add to outfits. If you struggle to wear scarves you’ve purchased, try the simple way shown above. This fall I’ll do a scarf tying video so you can learn ways to work with scarves that are easy and you’ll remember.

Coming Next: Scarf Giveaway!