Smarten up with stylish scarves
Sheena Gilhotra

SCARVES — tied or folded, twisted or knotted, or simply draped — can completely transform your look. Originating in the Elizabethan era as a mere wrap for giving warmth, it has now become a fascinating fashion accessory. Be it rectangular or square, plain or printed, in silk or satin, chiffon or georgette, net or knit, they all have a charm of their own. So choose one that will enhance your personality and complexion and go well with the occasion.

If you are a career woman, and ‘pivotal’ to your team, draw on your scarf to play a similar role to liven up your attire.

Liven up a straight, well-refined navy blue business suit with a luxurious silk scarf in turquoise ‘n’ gold print. Alternately, the simplicity of a pastel pink ‘shawl collar’ coatdress can be enhanced with the softness of a white georgette scarf delicately draped around the shoulder.

The classic combination of a crisp white shirt with a black blazer brings forth stylish elegance with a ‘rolled scarf’ draped casually around the neck. The drapes can also be carried from the neck to the shoulder with different styles. Folding a square dimension into a triangle, bring the two ends to the front and tie them into a double knot. The sinuous folds of fabric formed at the back lend it a graceful style. Alternately, bring the knot to the right shoulder, (slightly below) strategically positioning the cascading folds on the left shoulder. One could use velcro dots or pins to keep the scarf in place for long hours.

A dull cold winter morning sans scarf? Pamper yourself with a cozy woollen scarf twisted around the neck. It goes well with round-neck sweaters and cropped jackets. Simply fold a rectangular scarf lengthwise, drape it along the neck with the ends in the front. Twist one of the ends, draping it gently around the neck. Do the same with the other end and drape it right below the first twist, forming a collar. Secure the ends at the back under the collar.

With a straight round- neck, buttoned-up jacket or a long dress, go for a long soft pashmina stole, which can be draped over one of your shoulders. The carefully folded pleats will accentuate the straight lines. A silk scarf folded into a triangle in a similar drape could be tucked in the belt or worn like a sash on the opposite side of the waist — it can be held by a brooch.

A definitive traditional form is the ascot style. This works well for V-necks as well as jackets. Fold a square scarf into a triangle. Keeping the centre in front of the neck, carry the ends to the back of the neck where they cross each other. Make the ends meet in front, tie two loose knots, position the drape under the chin. ‘Bow tie,’ yet another classic way of wearing the scarf, makes a strong style statement especially in overall prints, stripes or floral worn with a subtle grey, white, deep blue or black blouse with and convertible collars.

Consider a woollen Scottish plaid scarf in dark blue, burgundy and white with 2-inch-long fringes. Fold it half lengthwise. Drape it along the neck with the two ends in the front and tie a knot. Overlap the ends to cover the knot. Pass the end through a ring leaving up to 15cm and then pull the scarf through and slide the ring to form a loop. Open up the folds of the loops to form a bustle.

The ascot, bow and bustle styles can be experimented with contrasting colours for a dramatic look as well as understated or muted colours for a mature look.

A special evening… give a subtle sensuous touch to an off-shoulder, strapless or sleeveless dress. Romanticism is intrinsic to scarves. So pick one with the right feel: it could be silky and flowing. Tie the two corners of the scarf around the neck and bring the knot to the right side of the shoulder. Let the whole length of the scarf drape along the left arm. Alternatively, for an off-shoulder dress, make a triangle and drape it around the shoulder, with the double knot at the chest. Use fabrics which are less silky and have some percentage of cotton, so that they will stay in place. Add shimmer to the evening with tassles, beads, crystals, embroidery or scallops on selvedges.

Express the calmness inside with a serene look outside with head wraps in whites and pastels and chignons in laces and sheers. While wide scarves in bright chirpy colours are ideal for wrap skirts, bikini sarongs or beach wraps. The traditional Indian prints like batik, bandhani or splashes of colours like yellow, orange or pink with tie and dye can work wonders for a tangy summer look.

If you are not really a ‘scarf’ person, use the small ones to add colour to your pony tail or let it just hang on your hand bag.

Other than these drapings, evolve your own innovative styles. Enjoy them, let them subtly fulfill your styling needs. Choose the patterns as well as fabrics carefully and carry the drape carefully. Get a new look without spending a fortune.

Small and precise in form yet scarves leave a lasting impression.