When you think of fashion, do you think scarves? I never did. I always thought scarves were for old ladies to keep their hair from blowing in the wind or bad weather. I never knew all the different ways you can accentuate an outfit with a scarf. Scarves are even becoming popular with men.

Long scarves are very versitile. When you're going out for a night on the town and don't need a coat you can wear a scarf as a shawl, just draped around your shoulders, or secured with a fancy pin or brooch. For a more casual look, a scarf can also be worn as a pareo over a skirt or jeans or worn as a belt.

Smaller scarves can be used to tie around your ponytail, tie around your bun, use as a bandana or wear as head cover.

Men are accessorizing with scarves more than ever before. Whether you try a daring color or choose a neutral, you will have a polished and finished look.Wrap a lightweight scarf around your neck and tuck it into a leather jacket or overcoat.

Loosely wrap a scarf around your neck, tossing one end over a shoulder. This looks great over a sweater and also over a suit jacket!

Fold a scarf like an accordion, place it around your neck, ends in front, and just let the ends hang loose

The most popular way to wear a scarf in Europe is the Italian Loop:

SILK SCARVES

A silk scarf is one fashion accessory that offers endless possibilities for enhancing your wardrobe. Silk scarves range from lightweight to delicate and gossamer light (chiffon scarves and chiffon wraps).They can add flair and dash to a style, or can add a subtle, refined accent.

CASHMERE SCARVES

Cashmere is a delicate luxury fabric, and is often combined with silk to add strength and a bit of sheen to the fabric. There is nothing quite like the feel of cashmere.

WOOL SCARVES

Wool can be very fine and soft, sometimes it's combined with silk for extra softness and sheen. Wool is porous and absorbs moisture while at the same time it repels liquid, thus it can keep you dry on both a rainy day and a hot sticky day.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SCARF

When not wearing it, fold it without creasing it, and store it in a drawer or box. You can also hang it over a padded hanger in your closet. You can iron your scarf at low temperatures, and dry clean only when it becomes soiled. Place a herb sachet in the drawer where you keep your scarves; it keeps them fresh and acts as a moth repellant for the wool and cashmere scarves.

Recipe for herb sachets:

Mix together:

2 ounces each of dried rosemary, mint and lavender.

1 ounce of dried thyme

8 ounces of whole cloves

Sew together 3.5 inch square pouches of any tightly woven fabric. Fill with the dried herb mixture, tie the open end with a pretty ribbon, and place in your drawers and closets.

With a minimal amount of care, your purchase will stay beautiful for many, many years.

I didn't know you could change a look so much just by adding a scarf. Scarves come in a wide variety of colors and prints. Stay neutral or add a little spice with color.

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