Scarves for all seasons

Press, 1 June 1988, Page 17

Scarves for all seasons

A fashion accent that offers scope for individuality

At this time of the year the scarf for warmth springs to mind first, especially school pupils muffled to the eyes against the morning as they bicycle along.

These scarves also have another purpose; they often show the colours of the school and are therefore a symbol of belonging, just as in the past knights in armour used to attach a token to their helmet partly so they would not fall foul of their own comrades.

This season scarves are again in fashion and are worn in many different ways. The huge square draped from one shoulder is a favourite, often of very soft wool. These can be easily made even by the non-sewer. A metre of fine Liberty or printed wool can be carefully fringed and chosen to match a special outfit. The square can also be folded and worn knotted under the collar of a coat with the fringe showing to advantage at the back, the same scarf forming a triangle can be knotted at the back to form a soft cowl in the front.

If summer ever comes again, a similar square of silk makes a pretty frame to shoulders on an off-the shoulder dress or softer look to a strapless bodice.

Scarves can be worn wrapped around the head,

forming attractive turban styles, and also tied under the chin like the “Royals.” For a more elegant look, they can be crossed under the chin and tied at the nape. This looks wonderful under the Australian hats the young are wearing, and keeps hair neatly in place. Long rectangular scarves are very versatile. They can be wrapped glamorously round the neck and left to float, and also used as a belt to add interest to a plain outfit. Rectangles can be used as head wraps. The American Indians wore strips of cloth to hold back their hair, and

scarves worn in this manner can be most attractive.

The Arabs use squares of cloth held in place with a loop to. protect themselves from the Sun. Two scarves with one twisted up to form the loop can make a fashionable version of this style.

Pirates also wore scarves to keep their hair out of the way. They were tied at the nape, and a variation of this style can be twisted and tied again above the brow.

The kerchief or spotted hanky tied at the neck is another style borrowed from the working cowboy, who could pull up his scarf to cover his mouth as protection from dust when droving. For evening, the scarf this season seems to have grown and it is often worn as a figure-hugging hip wrap, or floating from off the shoulders.

Scarves do not have to be expensive. Often a bright cotton print can be just the thing, and mixing scarves together is also fun.

So whatever your reason — whether you gwish to fly the colours or keep warm, protect your head from the sun, or cinch your waist — try some new tricks with your scarves to brighten up the days.